Bill Rau

Considered one of the foremost experts on 18th- and 19th-century European and American antiques and fine art, Bill Rau has worked in the family-owned gallery full-time since he was 21 years old, and part-time since the age of 14. After graduating from the University of Colorado in 1982 with a degree in Business, he returned to his hometown and began a highly successful career as one of the most respected antique experts and gallery owners today. Bill's extensive knowledge and reputation as a leader has not only brought him success in the antiques business, but accolades from his peers. An avid collector as well an authority in his field, Bill has helped to place several items in museums around the world, including the New Orleans Museum of Art, the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Instituto Ricardo Brennand in Receife, Brazil. He has written numerous articles published in a wide variety of antique journals, lectured around the world at museums and events, and was the youngest senior member ever accepted to the American Society of Appraisers.  

Today, Bill serves as President of the Royal Street Guild, and is a member of the Wedgwood Society of New York and Boston, the American Cut Glass Association, the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, the Music Box Society International, the Better Business Bureau, the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, and the Young Presidents' Organization.

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Bill Rau

Beauty Set In Stone: The Art of Pietre Dure

* Pietre dure was used to adorn important objets d'art, such as these magnificent plinths.* Pietre dure is one of the oldest decorative arts. With a meticulous eye and steady hand, a master of this hardstone inlay technique can literally “paint” a picture in stone. * This incredible pietre dure plaque is comprised of… Read More »

What’s In A Name?: Marilyn Monroe Photographs by Lawrence Schille

* Schiller's photographs of the famous "Something's Got To Give" pool scene have become iconic(Lawrence Schiller)* * Monroe's ex-husband, Joe DiMaggio, is captured in a somber and tender moment at Monroe's funeral, August 8, 1962(Lawrence Schiller)* * This beautiful candid of Monroe was taken in 1960 behind the scenes of… Read More »

Global Advantage: Antique Globes

* Globes, such as this pair of 18" examples from J.& W. Cary, afforded their owner a wealth of information right at their fingertip.* Arguably the most valuable tool in business today is the computer. Within seconds, an entrepreneur can answer any question, accessing information from around the world. For the 19th-century… Read More »