PORT TOWNSEND — Ken Kelly is a supersleuth, an art deco detective in the world of antique collectors.
His historic passion is Depression-era art deco lighting, circa 1928-38.
For the past 30 years, he has visited or contacted hundreds of antique store dealers across the United States and Canada.
Trading with other avid collectors, he has amassed more than 2,000 art deco light fixtures.
Sometimes he collects one tiny piece at a time.
“It’s like a puzzle, like a fun puzzle. Like putting together thousands of puzzles,” says an enthusiastic Kelly while walking through rows of disassembled fixtures in a showroom on the year-old Kelly Building’s second floor.
The building, 2000 Upper Sims Way, also houses Kelly’s Vintage Hardware showroom on the first floor.
Valentine’s Day opening
Some of the best of his extraordinary collection of about 400 intricate, colorful art deco table lamps, hanging chandeliers and wall sconces will be exhibited in 28 Burmese teak cases beginning on Valentine’s Day in space on the building’s second floor.
“Ken has been doing absolutely amazing detective work,” says Becky Schurmann, Art Deco Light Museum exhibit designer.
She was involved in installing Jefferson County Historical Society’s temporary Kuhn Building museum in downtown Port Townsend.
The Irondale artist has also worked for the Minnesota Science Museum.
She likens the work to unraveling a history mystery.
