STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- There are many people who have collections. To some, stamps, coins, baseball cards, comic books and many other items have become obsessions.
Some collect for the fun of it, some for its financial value, some for aesthetic reasons and some simply for the challenge of finding the objects and recognizing their value.
George Way was only 15-years-old when he came across an item that captivated him; it was the seed that helped start his magnificent collection.
As his collection started to grow, George developed a large interest in the history of the items that came into his possession and he began to learn everything he could about them.
In addition to using this knowledge to recognize authentic, rare, valuable and unique items, he began to verify the authenticity of items belonging to others and to evaluate their financial worth.
He strongly believes that one should always share one's knowledge with those who are eager to learn. Now he would like to share his collection with Staten Islanders.
What does your collection consist of most?
Sixteenth-and-17th-century English and Dutch furniture and paintings.
How did the interest in your collection begin?
I was a member of the youth group which, during the fall, helped clean up the grounds of the Christ Episcopal Church. While looking for a rake in the basement, I discovered a carved armchair. I actually begged the priest to sell it to me for a year. One day, out of the blue, he called and said, if I were still interested, I could have it for $50. I bought it.
How did you obtain the $50?
I collected soda bottles and babysat for some neighbors' kids, so I had spending money and this was the time to spend it.
What did you do with the chair?
After a few months, I was curious to know more about my chair, so I visited the Metropolitan Museum on many Sunday mornings, where I crawled under period furniture in their early period rooms learning about construction and styles of the 17th-century furniture. I soon realized my chair was a 19th century copy, but, nevertheless, I set out on a journey through New York City in search of period furniture and built up one of the finest collections on this side of the Atlantic.
Have you received any recognition for your collection?
Yes, I was nominated by Art and Antiques Magazine as one of the Top Hundred Collectors in America for five years running. In addition to being recognized in other magazines, I had some parts of my collection displayed in the Staten Island Museum for a short time.
Currently, I have two exhibits on display. One is in the Historic Huguenot Street Museum in New Paltz, which is a period 17th-century Dutch room. The other in Rockland County is English exhibit. Each will run for an entire year. I feel bad that Staten Island is losing out, but, maybe, someday.
Have you ever been employed in a field that dealt with antique furniture?
My major employment couldn't have been further away. I worked, for 30 years, in the deli department at the Pathmark Supermarkets until my retirement three years ago. However, I am now busy working very close to my interest. I am writing a monthly column for the Advance in which I give information about antiques of all kinds. And I am always working on another show with my holdings.
Did either of your parents collect? Did either have an interest in antiques?
No and no. My father worked for the Department of Motor Vehicles on Staten Island giving road tests. My stepmother, Winifred, worked part-time as a secretary at the Alice Austen Museum.
What do you especially dislike?
I do not have time to dislike; life is filled with beautiful people and things to do. Time should never be wasted.
How would you describe yourself?
I would like to be everyone's friend. I believe one should always be giving and caring. I feel I am an honest person, always thoughtful and kind and giving where need to be. A warm heart opens many doors.
What is your biggest dream?
To find someone who believes in me enough to have a grand museum in Snug Harbor, named after me, for the entire world to view. I would love to have a permanent place to house this important collection before I leave this world. I feel bad that Staten Island will lose out. I collect here and it should remain here.
GET TO KNOW GEORGE
His aspiration: He has aspired to become one of the finest collectors of early furniture in America.
What relaxes him: He loves classical music because it "relaxes [him] and makes him think of beautiful things and appreciate what [he] has.
His kind act: He had a cat named Tudor some years ago. One day he decided to give her away to a family with two children living in his building, who were soon to move to a house. He wasn't home much at the time and didn't think it was fair to leave her alone.
What started it for him: At a young age, George was intrigued by Vincent Price movies, but he was more interested in those old houses with old furniture than the movies itself.
Where he was born/went to school: I was born in 1950 in Astoria, Queens. We came to Staten Island when I was about eleven and I grew up in South Beach. I attended IS 49 and graduated from Curtis High School in 1969. I was inducted in the Hall of Fame a few years ago.