A Conversation with NYIABF Ambassador Levi Higgs

Levi Higgs is the Head of Archives and Brand Heritage at David Webb, and a jewelry and decorative arts historian. A graduate of the Parsons MA program in the history of decorative arts and design at the Cooper Hewitt, he has recently begun teaching a jewelry history and pop culture seminar for the department. He has written broadly on the topic of jewelry, given lectures at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Rijksmuseum, and Christie’s. You can follow his glittering day-to-day on Instagram at @levi_higgs. 

Levi is serving as an Ambassador for the 65th Annual ABAA New York International Antiquarian Book Fair, joining a dynamic group of passionate collectors, influencers, and industry leaders who are shaping the conversation around collecting, preservation, and the cultural importance of historical materials. Ahead of the fair, we had the opportunity to ask Levi a few questions.

Collection & Inspiration

Favorite Piece:

What is your favorite antiquarian book, manuscript, object, piece of ephemera, etc. in your collection, and what makes it so special to you?

I have an original 1915 copy of Dr. George F. Kunz’s The Magic of Jewels and Charms. Kunz was the gemologist and mineralogist at Tiffany & Co. in the late 19th Century and early 20th Century, and he wrote wonderful texts with gorgeous illustrations for the general public to educate them about the history and lore of jewelry.

Admired Figure:

Which historical author, printer, or publisher do you most admire or enjoy collecting?

Kelmscott Press - Anything William Morris touches is gold.

Museum Muse:

Which NYC museum showcasing rare manuscripts or literary artifacts do you find most inspiring?

I’m tempted to state the obvious and say the Morgan Library, but I think I’m going to say AMNH. They have a wonderful research library and amazing gem related texts!

Iconic Architecture:

Is there a New York building—perhaps a historic library or archive—that particularly sparks your passion for antiquarian treasures?

I love the sole Louis Sullivan building in New York, it’s such a gorgeous and distinctly American Art Nouveau style with fairies or angels depicted at the top with a heavily ornamented entry.

Lifestyle

Literary Beginnings:

How did you first become captivated by antiquarian books and literary history?

I did a lot of antiquing as a child, and I was always drawn to beautifully bound fairy tales, which, in and of themselves, really seem like they are going to transport you to another realm.

Creative Reads:

Which three books or literary works currently fuel your creative energy when you’re deep in research?

I really love Devil in the White City, a book that effortlessly tells a true and historic story of two simultaneous events in Chicago. I aspire to be able to craft a historic narrative with that much punch and energy.

Recent Discovery:

What is the best antiquarian book, podcast, or article on literary history you’ve come across lately?

I love the Curious Objects podcast from Benjamin Miller.

Advice

For New Collectors:

What advice would you offer to someone just beginning their journey in collecting?

Really hone what you’re interested in, don’t collect just to tick boxes. The more niched, the more you’ll be hyper satisfied when you find the ultimate claim when hunting for something rare.

Plugs

Proud Project:

Can you share a recent project or exhibition that you’re particularly proud of?

All things at David Webb, the American Heritage jewelry house where I’m the Head of Archives and Brand Heritage, especially planning our next exhibition.

Tackling Challenges:

What’s one challenging acquisition or project you’ve encountered in your collecting endeavors?

I wish I could find the holy grail of jewelry books, the René Boivin book by Françoise Cailles from 1994. It’s rare, and always expensive!

Upcoming Excitement:

What are you excited to show and/or see at New York Antiquarian Book Fair?

Anything related to jewels, gemstones, or jewelry history!