The Estate of Gary L. Johnson

Highly Important Irish George II Carved Mahogany Side Table: The Devenish Table

From Circle or Studio of Giovanni Lanfranco, Peter and Christ on the Sea of Galilee.

Gary Lee Johnson (1942-2025)

Gary L. Johnson was the consummate Virginia gentleman. He lived his entire life in the state. Gary was born in Richmond, grew up in Alexandria and resided in Fredericksburg and Danville where he maintained two historic homes filled with art and antiques.

Chippendale Carved And Figured Mahogany Bonnet-Top Chest-On-Chest

Cornelis van der Voort,

Red-haired gentleman in a black jacquard jacket with ruff collar

Fox Family Chippendale Carved and Figured Mahogany Chest on Chest

Dutch School Portrait Miniature,

Bearded gentleman with ruff collar

From an early age, Gary was a curious child and a passionate collector beginning his pursuits around age five. He had a unique ability to see “the” object of beauty and value in the room when he started frequenting auctions to build his collection in the Washington, DC area at age 15. That is when his gift for spotting treasures was noticed by other collectors and curators from Washington area museums. He soon became friends with many of the museum curators, especially those at the National Gallery of Art, who recognized Gary’s gift and provided verbal affirmations and authentications for the paintings and furniture he collected.

Exceptional Irish George II Carved Mahogany Games Table

German Marquetry Table Cabinet

Another early influence was his uncle, Benson Bond Moore, a well-known Washington DC area painter and art conservator. Gary spent untold hours with his uncle becoming his art conservator apprentice. Upon Mr. Moore’s death, Gary inherited most of Mr. Moore’s paintings and drawings which continued to inspire him throughout his life.

Benson Bond Moore,

Sun-touched Forest Landscape

Exceptional Irish George II Satyr Mask Carved Mahogany Side Table

Benson Bond Moore,

Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo

While in Alexandria, Gary opened an art and antiques business which was a successful outlet for his collecting. He was well known for the quality of art and objects he collected as well as his personal research and knowledge of the objects. Gary and his husband, acclaimed architectural historian and author, Tony P. Wrenn, moved to downtown historic Fredericksburg in the 1970’s where Gary relocated his business. His business continued great success with many Washington clients continuing their business with him in Fredericksburg.

Gary’s passions for collecting were marked by objects of beauty and quality. His collecting spanned the centuries of European and early American furniture, decorative arts and works of art. He also collected silver, jewelry, antique rugs, antique model trains, antique Christmas ornaments, and other interesting collectible objects. Gary and Tony’s homes were expertly decorated with beautiful fabric draperies, upholstered furniture and a keen aesthetic for period rooms by Gary. Tony contributed to the historic preservation of the homes and the development of intricate gardens often featured on the Virginia Garden Tours.

Pair of Meissen Cobalt and Gilt Porcelain Snake Handled Vases

In addition to his love for collecting, Gary loved cats. He often provided homes for feral neighborhood cats and abandoned kittens found by the roadside. He provided love for 13 cats in his Fredericksburg home until his death. Surrounded by the beautiful artifacts in his home, the cats were his world.

George II Irish Silver Two Handle Cup and Cover, John Hamilton

Large Impressive Carved and Giltwood Eagle Figural Convex Mirror

Matched Set of Two George II Irish Silver Beer Jugs, John Moore

Flemish School Painting,

Travelers by a River

George II Irish Silver Basket, Robert Calderwood

Pair of Dutch Delft Blue and White Three Tier Tulipiere

Gary’s creativity was also found in culinary gifts as his home was always filled with the aromas of newly baked pound cake or one of his other recipes that he often shared with his friends and neighbors.

Gary L. Johnson was a remarkable creative soul who contributed to the beauty on this earth through collecting and preserving artistic treasures for us all to enjoy.