Our inaugural auction features 150+ items including the final art works of renowned local artist Catherine Hale, as well as a curated collection of antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities from local estates via Twist of Fate Estate Sales and The Periwinkle House. **The below photos are just a small sampling of the larger collection we will have at the auction event on February 7. The overall collection contains items such as antique and vintage art, brass decor and functional pieces, antique and vintage clocks (working and non-working), antique dolls, tables, unique collectibles and small oddities, antique bells, and sculptures and textile works by Catherine Hale. About Catherine Hale: Based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Catherine Hale (born 1927) is known for her evocative assemblages that transform discarded objects into sacred relics. Her work masterfully weaves together gothic tradition, feminist critique, and the "Victorian cult of mourning," utilizing a mostly black monochromatic palette in her sculptures to prove that "Black is not absence, it is fullness, mystery, ritual, and memory”. Hale’s importance lies in both being a true recycler artist ahead of her time, using ready-made, found objects, and shared materials from friends, and her ability to confront the "dying of the light," using motifs like eggs and casket-like structures to explore the cycle of death and rebirth. Catherine has exhibited across Canada and internationally, is a founding member of Gallery Connexion (now Connexion Artist Run Centre), the subject of the documentary Gothic Matriarch, and had her career highlighted in a 2011 solo exhibition at the Beaverbrook Gallery entitled Between the Spirit and the Dust. In July 2025, Twist of Fate Estate Sales sold off Catherine’s estate after she moved into long-term care, and we now have her last available assemblage works that will be included in various events over the coming year.
37 items
Catherine Hale Textile Gothic Pointed Arch - 3pcs
Spectacular 3 piece hanging textile, assembled from found pieces of discarded fabric and scraps. While the official name of this piece is unknown and can't be verified, she had written Gothic Pointed Arch on paper behind the pieces. Catherine Hale typically used materials with sentimental stories that she collected from the homes of friends.
'Cozycomb' Capelet
This piece was made in 1979 and accepted into a juried show entitled 'Creative Clothing Body Sculpture', at University of Waterloo Arts Centre Gallery. A slide of this work was also submitted to the University of California, juried for the 'Creative Clothing Exhibition' in Vienna, and the slide remains in their permanent collection. Despite sitting on a mannequin, this piece can be work, as seen modeled in the accompanying photo. Materials: mixed textiles
Solid Brass Trinket Box
Heart-shaped GATCO brass trinket box
Kemple Milk Glass Dish
Kemple milk glass sawtooth edge dish, originally used as a candy dish or compote bowl. This beautiful piece would make for a wonderful vessel in any room of the house for holding jewelry, keys, toiletries, etc.
Brass Duck
Heavy vintage brass duck, great for decor on the floor, a bookshelf, or to use as a door stopper.
Daniel Price Floral Oil Painting
Beautiful floral oil painting by Fredericton born artist Daniel Price, know for his intimate still-life studies.
Steam Punk Carriage
Really cool steampunk baby carriage assemblage / statue by Catherine Hale. Materials: metal and fabric
Requiem XXXI Sculpture
Signed by Catherine Hale and titled assemblage sculpture, "Requiem XXXI". Materials: wood, metal, plastic
West German Animatronic Singing Bird Cage
West German animatronic hanging birdcage, purchased locally. A beautiful piece of history from the 1940's/50's. The birds currently don't sing but we're told a clock fixer said the parts need to be cleaned to work.
Early 20th Century Bronze Desk Clock/Barometer
Heavy bronze desk clock / barometer with beautiful patina in great working condition.
Uranium glass plates x 4
Lot of 4 antique, vibrant uranium glass plates produced between the late 1800's to the 1930s. Uranium glass glows bright green under UV (black) light and it is generally safe to handle, but slightly radioactive.
"Tournure Instrumentale" (Instrumental Turn)
Titled "Tournure Instrumentale" and signed by Catherine Hale, this dramatic assemblage piece is made of wood, metal, and fabric (a corset). Hangs on a wall by two hooks, wire can be added for easier hanging.
Esther Doucet Painting
Beautiful oil painting of a woman by Esther Doucet.
Armand Marseille Doll
Large German Armand Marseille doll from early 20th century, in box. Bisque porcelain head, sleep eyes, open mouth with teeth (in box). Markings on back of head: 50 (refers to 50cm tall), 6 1/2 (refers to head size).
Pembroke Drop Leaf Table
Pembroke drop leaf table circa 1900's with rare brass and porcelain casters and one drawer. This is a lovely and very useful table to have in any room of the house. Condition - Some scratches, edging around knob needs to be glued back together (pieces in drawer). Note: It appears this table was refinished at some point.
Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany Drop Leaf Table by Gibbard Furniture
This Duncan Phyfe style mahogany drop leaf table was made by Canadian craftsman company Gibbard Furniture in the mid-20th century. Solid mahogany, pedestal legs, brass hardware including paw feet, and one drawer, these tables are incredibly versatile in any room, offering convenience and flexibility in small and large spaces. Use either both leaves down, up, or with only one leaf as an entry table, kitchen or dining table, behind a sofa, or in the bedroom or living room as a TV stand or writing table. Condition - Slight warp and some scratches and water rings, which can be seen as 'patina' or be refinished.
Ornate Vintage Brass Service Desk Bell
Featuring a push-top mechanism and lovely embossed floral details with cut-out accents, this brass counter or service desk bell is a wonderful and functional treasure to add to a home or business. Ring it when supper is ready, when it's time to leave, or when you want your tea service or night cap!
Antique & Vintage Clocks
**This lot number represents a variety of antique and vintage clocks that will be sold off individually but are posted here together for efficiency sake. All are magnificent, not all are working but potentially can be restored, appreciated as decor, or used for parts. On hand (not all shown here): Pillar Column Shelf Clock, 30-hr OG Shelf Clock, Pillar Column Shelf Clock blue/gold broken glass, 30-hr Shelf Clock beveled case, Nautical Glass beveled case, GE wood mantle clock
Antique & Vintage Dolls
**This lot number represents a variety of antique and vintage dolls that will be sold off individually or as lots, but are posted here together for efficiency sake. The dolls all have personality and some more rough around the edges than others, but all can be appreciated for any collection or type of use. Note the interesting leather-jointed doll!
Antique Bells
Variety of antique bells. 3 small brass bells with amazing patina will be sold as a lot, Canadian double bell will be sold individually.
"Broken Wing"
"Broken Wing" assemblage sculpture, previously labelled and priced by Catherine Hale ($2700). Materials: Wood, metal, plastic.
"Cryo Spirit" Hanging Sculpture
Signed by Catherine Hale and titled "Cryo Spirit". Steel mask with mesh and metal hanger.
Hanging Textile Art
One of Catherine Hale's earlier hanging textile works, name unknown. Materials: Mixed textiles with grass skirt.
Antique Brass & Iron Hand
Highly collectible, this Victorian stamped brass and pressed iron hand clip is both beautiful and functional! It can hang on wall or rest on a table top either as the beautiful work of art that it is or it can function to hold any number of items.
Floral Oil Painting
Beautiful framed and signed oil painting by artist R.A. Licz.
Vintage French Victorian Style Reproduction Rotary Phone
Vintage French Victorian style reproduction rotary dial phone made in Korea and distributed by Radio Shack in the 1970's/1980's. It has handy finger holding spots to be able to carry the phone around. Missing front plate but everything else is in tact.
Boxed Art Sculptures
**This lot number represents a variety of mostly black painted vessels filled with materials such as pelts, black balls, florals, etc. Made by Catherine Hale and titles unknown, these items will be featured in our silent auction.
Mirror and Brass Two Arm Wall Sconce
Mid-century oval mirror, two-candle hanging brass wall sconce. Superficial scratch on mirror.
Brass Butterfly
Lovely vintage brass butterfly decor that can either hang on the wall or on any surface.
Pair of Patina'd Brass Urns
Two vintage urns patina'd on purpose (sticker says solid brass). Great for decor, to put plants or dried flowers, on a mantle or bookshelf!
14 Different Sculptures by Catherine Hale
14 different sculptures by Catherine Hale, some signed and titled, others not. This collection is all part of her later career works and will be featured in both the silent and live auctions.
13 Different Sculptures by Catherine Hale
13 selections of sculptures by Catherine Hale - some signed and titled, others not. This collection is all part of her later career works and will be featured in both the silent and live auctions.
Textile Hangings by Catherine Hale
Just three of the many hanging textiles by artist Catherine Hale that will be at the auction.
Trunks & Art
Just some of the art and trunks we'll have at the auction!
Vessels
A selection of the many vessels that will appear at the auction!
Variety of Collectibles
7 of the many small treasures you'll find at the auction!
Vignette of Treasures
A vignette of some of the many treasures to find at the auction!