William Melton Halsey Paintings & Artwork for Sale | William Melton Halsey Art Value Price Guide

Nov. 12, 2024
WILLIAM MELTON HALSEY (1915 - 1999, AMERICAN) Sand Painting VII - El Kalaa.
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
VII WILLIAM MELTON HALSEY (1915 - 1999, AMERICAN) Sand Painting VII - El Kalaa. Oil and sand on masonite, 1982. Signed, Halsey, lower right. Signed, Wm. Halsey, dated, Nov., 1982, and inscribed as titled on verso. 685x610 mm; 27x24 inches. Provenance: Jacquelyn A. Mattfeld, acquired directly from the artist; Thence by descent to the current owner. William Halsey was a gifted artist and devoted art instructor. In his youth he studied art with Elizabeth O'Neill Verner in his home town of Charleston South Carolina. After attending the University of South Carolina he furthered his art studies at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston where he was strongly influenced by the teachings and modernist style of Karl Zerbe. He continued to produce modernist works throughout his life, and devoted much of his time as an instructor of others. Halsey lived the entirety of his adult life painting and teaching along side his artist wife, Corrie McCallum. William Halsey taught at The Gibbes Art Gallery school, and was founder of the Studio Arts Department at The College of Charleston where the exhibition gallery is named in his honor.
Swann Auction Galleries
Apr. 05, 2024
William Melton Halsey
Est: $4,500 - $6,500
William Melton Halsey (South Carolina, 1915-1999) FLY FISHING oil on masonite, framed, signed H30" W22" Provenance: Private collection Other Notes: Verso with old Heath Gallery bill of sale.
Charlton Hall
Mar. 16, 2024
William Melton Halsey, South Carolina (1915-1999), Columbus Street Docks, casein on board
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
William Melton Halsey South Carolina, (1915-1999) Columbus Street Docks casein on board signed lower left and again with title on the reverse, framed.
Link Auction Galleries
Mar. 08, 2024
William Melton Halsey
Est: $10,000 - $20,000
(American/South Carolina, 1915-1999) Space Windows, 1986, signed verso "Wm Halsey," inscribed verso "Wall Construction, Masonite, wood, oil paint", 69 x 47-1/2 in.; unframed Provenance: A South Carolina Institution
Brunk Auctions
Mar. 07, 2024
William Melton Halsey (American, 1915-1999) Tourist in Sunlight III, 1977
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
William Melton Halsey (American, 1915-1999) Tourist in Sunlight III, 1977 oil on board signed Halsey (lower right); signed, titled and dated (verso) 18 x 20 inches. Property from the collection of James T. and Sunley H. Bush
Hindman
Mar. 07, 2024
William Melton Halsey (American, 1915-1999) Arabesque Codex, 1981
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
William Melton Halsey (American, 1915-1999) Arabesque Codex, 1981 oil on wood and masonite signed W. M. Halsey, titled and dated (verso) 47 x 28 x 3 inches. Property from the collection of James T. and Sunley H. Bush
Hindman
Mar. 07, 2024
William Melton Halsey (American, 1915-1999) Thira, 1981
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
William Melton Halsey (American, 1915-1999) Thira, 1981 oil on masonite signed Halsey (lower right); signed, titled and dated (verso) 48 x 72 inches. Property from the collection of James T. and Sunley H. Bush Provenance: Exhibited: Virginia Museum, Richmond, Virginia, Painting in the South: 1564 - 1980, September 14 - November 27, 1983, no. 148, pp. 315, illus. (also traveled to Birmingham, Alabama, Birmingham Museum of Art, January 8 - March 4, 1984; New York, New York, National Academy of Design, April 12 - May 27, 1984; Jackson, Mississippi, Mississippi Museum of Art, June 24 - August 26, 1984; Louisville, Kentucky, J. B. Speed Art Museum, September 16 - November 11, 1984; New Orleans, Louisiana, New Orleans Museum of Art, December 9 - February 3, 1985)
Hindman
Mar. 07, 2024
William Melton Halsey (American, 1915-1999) Floating Forms I, 1988
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
William Melton Halsey (American, 1915-1999) Floating Forms I, 1988 collage on wooden panel signed Halsey (lower right); signed, titled and dated (verso) 15 x 13 inches. Property from the collection of James T. and Sunley H. Bush
Hindman
Dec. 16, 2023
William Melton Halsey, South Carolina (1915-1999), Mountains + Sun, Guatemala, 1972, casein on paper, 14 1/2"H x 19"W (sight), 23"H x 27 1/4"W (frame)
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
William Melton Halsey South Carolina, (1915-1999) Mountains + Sun, Guatemala, 1972 casein on paper Signed lower right. Titled, signed, dated, and dedicated verso. Biography from Charleston Renaissance Gallery: As evidenced by a remarkable career that evolved over six decades, William Halsey was one of South Carolina's foremost twentieth century modernists, well known for his vibrant paintings, collages, and sculptures. Born and raised in Charleston, he received early instruction from Elizabeth O'Neill Verner and Edward I. R. Jennings. He spent two years at the University of South Carolina before leaving to study at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, from 1935 to 1939. The recipient of a prestigious Paige Fellowship, Halsey and his wife Corrie McCallum traveled to Mexico for further study following graduation. This experience made him a regular traveler and influenced his art in both subtle and dramatic ways over the course of his career. Halsey built his artistic reputation in the 1940s and 1950s by exhibiting regionally and nationally. It was during these years that Halsey met New York gallery owner Bertha Schaefer, who represented him in group and one-man exhibitions from 1948 to 1953. He received promising critical recognition in Art News, the New York Times, and other publications for this work. Halsey painted landscapes, cityscapes, still life, portraits, and figures in a graphic style, derived from a post-cubist tradition of exploring nature and abstraction in color, lines, and forms. His art later developed a personal, painterly expressionism, often characterized by bold coloring, abstracted forms, and varied materials and motifs. Halsey remained an eminent and influential art teacher in the Low Country, beginning with his early activity at Savannah's Telfair Academy and continuing at the Gibbes from 1945 to 1953. He subsequently co-founded the Charleston Art School with his wife, Corrie McCallum, and Willard Hirsch in 1953. From 1965 until his retirement in 1984, he taught at the College of Charleston and was instrumental in developing the studio art department there. The Halsey Gallery and Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art are named in his honor.
Ripley Auctions
Oct. 28, 2023
William Melton Halsey, South Carolina (1915-1999), Mountains + Sun, Guatemala, 1972, casein on paper, 14 1/2"H x 19"W (sight), 23"H x 27 1/4"W (frame)
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
William Melton Halsey South Carolina, (1915-1999) Mountains + Sun, Guatemala, 1972 casein on paper Signed lower right. Titled, signed, dated, and dedicated verso. Biography from Charleston Renaissance Gallery: As evidenced by a remarkable career that evolved over six decades, William Halsey was one of South Carolina's foremost twentieth century modernists, well known for his vibrant paintings, collages, and sculptures. Born and raised in Charleston, he received early instruction from Elizabeth O'Neill Verner and Edward I. R. Jennings. He spent two years at the University of South Carolina before leaving to study at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, from 1935 to 1939. The recipient of a prestigious Paige Fellowship, Halsey and his wife Corrie McCallum traveled to Mexico for further study following graduation. This experience made him a regular traveler and influenced his art in both subtle and dramatic ways over the course of his career. Halsey built his artistic reputation in the 1940s and 1950s by exhibiting regionally and nationally. It was during these years that Halsey met New York gallery owner Bertha Schaefer, who represented him in group and one-man exhibitions from 1948 to 1953. He received promising critical recognition in Art News, the New York Times, and other publications for this work. Halsey painted landscapes, cityscapes, still life, portraits, and figures in a graphic style, derived from a post-cubist tradition of exploring nature and abstraction in color, lines, and forms. His art later developed a personal, painterly expressionism, often characterized by bold coloring, abstracted forms, and varied materials and motifs. Halsey remained an eminent and influential art teacher in the Low Country, beginning with his early activity at Savannah's Telfair Academy and continuing at the Gibbes from 1945 to 1953. He subsequently co-founded the Charleston Art School with his wife, Corrie McCallum, and Willard Hirsch in 1953. From 1965 until his retirement in 1984, he taught at the College of Charleston and was instrumental in developing the studio art department there. The Halsey Gallery and Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art are named in his honor.
Ripley Auctions
Jul. 15, 2023
William Halsey
Est: $14,000 - $16,000
(American/South Carolina, 1915-1999) The Watchers, 1963, inscribed verso on framing material "by William Halsey", ink wash on Japanese rice paper, William Halsey Retrospective stamp verso, 23-1/2 x 35 in.; painted wood frame, 30 x 42-1/4 in.; together with retrospective catalog, William Halsey: Retrospective, by Jack A Morris, Jr., Greenville County Museum, 1972 Publications: William M. Halsey: Retrospective, p. 38
Brunk Auctions
Jul. 15, 2023
William Halsey
Est: $800 - $1,200
(American/South Carolina, 1915-1999) Isla Mujeres, Coast of Yucatan, 1964, signed lower right "Halsey", inscribed verso with title and date, 6-3/4 x 28-1/2 in.; wood frame, 8 x 30 in. Provenance: Alice L. Patrick, Charleston, South Carolina
Brunk Auctions
Jun. 20, 2023
William Halsey, The Pirates' House, Savannah, W/C
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Property from a Savannah, GA Estate Description: William Halsey (SC, 1915-1999), The Pirates' House, Savannah, Georgia, 1957, Pen and Watercolor, signed lower left, depicting a street scene featuring the Pirates House with figures walking down the sidewalk, with image of verso on the back of the frame, reading 'Pirate's House 20 East Broad St. Savannah, Georgia, Painting by WM. Halsey P. 20 (center) LMT Jan-Feb '57,' and also marked 'Featured in FORD TIMES,' matted and framed. Frame size: 24 3/8 in. x 34 3/8 in. Charleston artist William Melton Halsey was a leader of the Southern modern art movement in the 20th century. Growing up during the Charleston Renaissance, he studied under Elizabeth O'Neill Verner and at the University of South Carolina, before spending time learning color theory at the school of the MFA Boston. Halsey taught at the Gibes, the Charleston School of Art and the College of Charleston. His work can be found in the permanent collections of the High Museum of Art, the MFA Boston, the Gibes Museum of Art and others. The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art in Charleston bears the artist's name. (The Johnson Collection) Measurements: Height: by sight 15 3/4 in. x Width: 26 3/8 in. Condition: Good condition, not viewed out of frame. Notice to bidders: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the conditions of aging. Complete condition reports are available by request, no later than 24 hours prior to the live auction. All lots are offered and sold 'as is', and Everard Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated. We do not guarantee the condition of frames. By placing a bid, either in person, by phone, absentee or via the Internet, you signify that you agree to be bound by the conditions of sale. Everard Auctions does not provide any shipping or packing services. We recommend that all potential buyers obtain pack/ship estimates prior to bidding. Please contact us for a list of recommended shippers.
Everard Auctions and Appraisals
May. 19, 2023
William Melton Halsey
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
(American/South Carolina, 1915-1999) New England Summer, signed lower right "Halsey", inscribed verso "New England Summer, (Castle Hill Ipswich Mass) William Halsey", oil on paper, 22 x 28-1/2 in.; gilt wood frame, 34-1/2 x 40-1/2 in. Provenance: Private Collection, Washington, D. C.
Brunk Auctions
May. 06, 2023
William Halsey. Women with Children, ink
Est: $800 - $1,200
(American, 1915-1999). Marker drawing on paper, 1969, signed "Halsey" lr, dated lr, sight size: 17 1/2 x 14 1/4 in., framed.
Alex Cooper
Apr. 22, 2023
William Melton Halsey (American, South Carolina, 1915-1999), "Inscription"
Est: $5,000 - $8,000
William Melton Halsey (American, South Carolina, 1915-1999) "Inscription", 1979, amended 1994 incised oil on masonite signed, titled and dated en verso, affixed with "Eva Carter Gallery, Charleston, South Carolina" label. Integral artist frame. 31" x 13", framed 32" x 13-1/2" Provenance: Eva Carter Gallery, Charleston, South Carolina; Private collection of Libba and Mike Gaither, Charlotte, North Carolina. Notes: William Halsey was one of South Carolina's foremost twentieth-century modernists, known for his vibrant paintings, collages and sculptures. Born and raised in Charleston, he received early instruction from Elizabeth O'Neill Verner, one of the leading artists of The Charleston Renaissance movement. He later trained at the University of South Carolina, but it was while attending the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston that his style started to take shape. He was awarded The James William Paige Fellowship which afforded him to study abroad. Originally scheduled to travel to Europe with his new wife, the onset of World War II changed their plans and they headed for Mexico instead. In Mexico City, Halsey absorbed the culture, color and texture of the country and studied works by the great Mexican muralists such as Diego Rivera. The couple eventually settled in Charleston, where they taught at the Gibbes Museum of Art, and later opened their own school. Although Halsey loved to travel and his abstract expressionist canvases were often influenced by the places he visited, Charleston and its decaying stucco buildings remained the central theme in his works. He experimented with various mediums, building his canvases with gesso, sand, marble dust, found objects, and fabric, immersing himself in the physical act of painting. His works were exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, to note a few. The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston was named in honor of William Halsey.
New Orleans Auction Galleries
Mar. 25, 2023
William Halsey
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
(American/South Carolina, 1915-1999) Static Charge, 1992, signed lower right "Halsey", oil on canvas, 48 x 36 in.; original wood frame, 50 x 38 in.
Brunk Auctions
Jan. 13, 2023
WILLIAM HALSEY, "CYPRESS GARDEN" ABSTRACT MM
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
William Melton Halsey (American/South Carolina 1915-1999), "Cypress Garden" abstract pastel and ink on paper having pink and blue tones covered by dark lines, signed "Halsey" at bottom left, title located en verso, sticker located en verso at bottom left identifies the work as being included in the "William M. Halsey: Retrospective", framed. Approx. sight h. 20", w. 28"; overall h. 29.5", w. 37.5", d. 1".
Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
Nov. 12, 2022
William Melton Halsey, Cubist Gouache
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
William Melton Halsey, (1915-1999) Cubist composition Gouache on board 14.5 x 17.5 in / 36,8 x 44,5 cm Framed: 21.5 x 23.5 in / 54,6 x 59,7 cm Provenance: Private Collection, Michigan Private Collection, Texas Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, William Melton Halsey enjoyed a career that spanned and evolved over sixty years. Thought of as one of the South's foremost 20th century modernists and described as a pioneer of Abstract painting, Halsey is well known for his vibrant paintings, collages, and sculptures. Using bold calligraphic brushstrokes, applied texture, and a complex layering of color, his work in intended to achieve a final, elegant simplicity. Halsey built his reputation regionally and nationally and was represented in New York by the Bertha Schaefer Gallery. His exhibits there, between 1948 and 1953, garnered critical attention in Art News and the New York Times. In 1953, Halsey co-founded the Charleston Art School with his wife and Willard Hirsch and later taught at the College of Charleston from 1965 until his retirement in 1984. During his lifetime, Halsey's works were included in exhibitions at such noted institutions as the Art Institute of Chicago, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, Museum of Modern Art, and National Academy of Design. He is represented in the permanent collections of numerous museums including High Museum of Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Gibbes Museum of Art, and Greenville County Museum of Art. This is an online only sale. Items may be viewed upon appointment in New York City. Notice to bidders: More detailed condition reports and additional photographs are available by request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in excellent condition. Please message us through the online bidding platform or call Guernsey's at 212-794-2280 to request a more thorough condition report. Notwithstanding any condition report or discussion concerning a lot, all lots are offered and sold as is: in accordance with the condition of sale.
Guernsey's
Nov. 12, 2022
William Halsey
Est: $7,000 - $10,000
(American/South Carolina, 1915-1999) Static Charge, 1992, signed lower right "Halsey", oil on canvas, 48 x 36 in.; original wood frame, 50 x 38 in.
Brunk Auctions
Nov. 12, 2022
William Halsey
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
(American/South Carolina, 1915-1999) Blue Composition, signed lower right "Halsey", oil on canvas, 25 x 30 in.; original wood frame, 26-1/2 x 31-1/2 in.
Brunk Auctions
Oct. 11, 2022
William Halsey 1oz .999 Silver Bar
Est: $1 - $5,000
William Halsey 1oz .999 Silver Bar
Richard L. Edwards Auctioneer
Apr. 01, 2022
William Melton Halsey
Est: $15,000 - $25,000
William Melton Halsey (South Carolina, 1915-1999) AZUL, 1981 incised oil board, framed, signed H60" W48" Provenance: Private collection
Charlton Hall
Nov. 11, 2021
William Melton Halsey
Est: $15,000 - $25,000
(Charleston, South Carolina, 1915-1999) Summer?s Cauldron, signed lower right "Halsey", signed and titled on stretcher verso, oil on canvas, 72 x 52 in.; unframed
Brunk Auctions
Sep. 11, 2021
William Halsey
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
(Charleston, South Carolina, 1915-1999) Hero, 1972 (Figure in Orange), signed lower right "Halsey", certificate of authenticity verso, oil on Masonite with sand, 32 x 12-1/4 in.; substantial wood and metal frame, 37-1/4 x 17-1/2 in.
Brunk Auctions
Sep. 11, 2021
William Halsey
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
(Charleston, South Carolina, 1915-1999) City, oil on Masonite, signed lower right "Halsey", 11-1/4 x 47 in.; substantial chrome frame with painted liner, 16-1/2 x 52-1/4 in.
Brunk Auctions
Sep. 12, 2020
William Melton Halsey (American/South Carolina)
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
William Melton Halsey (American/South Carolina, 1915-1999), "Study - Stones of Time", 1982, acrylic and ink on paper, signed lower right, pencil-signed, titled, dated and inscribed en verso, "Johnson Hagood Fine Art, South Carolina" label with artist and title and handwritten label with artist, title and date on backing paper, 17 5/8 in. x 15 in., framed
Neal Auction Company
Aug. 30, 2020
1938 WILLIAM MELTON HALSEY NUDE DANCERS
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
William Melton Halsey (South Carolina, 1915-1999) "Nude Dancers" Gouache / Casein on paper. Signed and dated 1938 lower left. Sight 22"h, 13"w. Professionally framed and matted. In frame 28 1/4"x35"x1 1/4". Weight 13 pds. PROVENANCE: A Charleston SC Private Estate. William Melton Halsey was born and raised in Charleston, SC. His talent was evident at an early age, and he was encouraged by his mother, Eleanor Loeb Halsey. His first instructor was the local artist Elizabeth O'Neill Verner, who had studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and was one of the leading artists in the Charleston Renaissance. Another early influence was the local Charleston artist Edward I. R. Jennings, who had studied in New York City with Arthur Wesley Dow. It was from Jennings that the young Halsey learned about what was happening in the realm of modern art. After high school Halsey attended the University of South Carolina for two years. Realizing he was only interested in art, he sought another place to study where he could maintain his singular focus. He moved to Boston to study at the Boston Museum School (now called the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston). While there, he developed an interest in fresco and became sufficiently trained to be able to teach this technique at the school. He attended the school from 1935–1939. Halsey remained an eminent and influential art teacher in the Lowcountry, beginning with his early activity at Savannah's Telfair Academy and continuing at the Gibbes from 1945 to 1953. He subsequently co-founded the Charleston Art School with McCallum and Willard Hirsch in 1953. From 1965 until his retirement in 1984, he taught at the College of Charleston and was instrumental in developing the studio art department there. The Halsey Gallery and The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston School of the Arts are named in his honor.
Charleston Estate Auctions
Apr. 02, 2020
William Melton Halsey
Est: $2,500 - $3,500
William Melton Halsey (South Carolina, 1915-1999) STONE OF KAMINI, II oil on board, framed, signed & titled H24" W20" Provenance: Gift from the artist to Mr. Jordon Estate of William Albert Jordon
Charlton Hall
Apr. 02, 2020
William Melton Halsey
Est: $2,500 - $3,500
William Melton Halsey (South Carolina, 1915-1999) CITY TWILIGHT oil on board, framed, signed H20" W25" Provenance: Gift from the artist to Mr. Jordon Estate of William Albert Jordon
Charlton Hall
Apr. 02, 2020
William Melton Halsey
Est: $2,500 - $3,500
William Melton Halsey (South Carolina, 1915-1999) UNTITLED oil on board, framed, signed & titled H21" W30" Provenance: Gift from the artist to Mr. Jordon Estate of William Albert Jordon
Charlton Hall
Sep. 27, 2019
William Melton Halsey
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
William Melton Halsey (South Carolina, 1915-1999) DANCERS, 1938 gouache, framed, signed: WM. HALSEY FEB-38 sight H21 1/2" W14" Provenance: South Carolina private collection
Charlton Hall
May. 30, 2019
William Melton Hasley Original Art
Est: $300 - $500
William Melton Halsey (1915-1999) signed original painting. Signed and dated "Halsey 3-70" lower left. Painted on a loose canvas sheet, not stretched or mounted. Measures 24" x 18" (61cm x 45.75cm) sheet size. Very good to excellent condition. Un
Grant Zahajko Auctions, LLC
May. 30, 2019
William Melton Halsey Original Art
Est: $300 - $500
William Melton Halsey (1915 - 1999) signed original painting. Signed and dated "Halsey 3-70" lower right. Painted on to loose canvas sheet, not stretched or mounted. Very good to excellent condition. Measures 18" x 24" (45.75cm x 61cm) sheet size
Grant Zahajko Auctions, LLC
Nov. 15, 2018
William Melton Hasley Original Art
Est: $500 - $1,000
William Melton Halsey (1915-1999) signed original painting. Signed and dated "Halsey 3-70" lower left. Painted on a loose canvas sheet, not stretched or mounted. Measures 24" x 18" (61cm x 45.75cm) sheet size. Very good to excellent condition. Unframed, loose and not glued or mounted. Provenance: Amity Art Foundation, Inc. collection. We ship most items in this auction in house and gladly combine shipping if possible of multiple items.
Grant Zahajko Auctions, LLC
Nov. 15, 2018
William Melton Halsey Original Art
Est: $500 - $1,000
William Melton Halsey (1915 - 1999) signed original painting. Signed and dated "Halsey 3-70" lower right. Painted on to loose canvas sheet, not stretched or mounted. Very good to excellent condition. Measures 18" x 24" (45.75cm x 61cm) sheet size. Unframed, loose and not glued or mounted. Provenance: Amity Art Foundation, Inc. collection. We ship most items in this auction in house and gladly combine shipping if possible of multiple items.
Grant Zahajko Auctions, LLC
Oct. 26, 2017
William Melton Halsey
Est: $800 - $1,200
William Melton Halsey (South Carolina, 1915-1999) PONT NEUF, PARIS, c.1966 oil on board, framed, signed, titled & dated H12" W30" Provenance: Virginia collection
Charlton Hall
Feb. 18, 2017
William Melton Halsey, After Glow. 1995.
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
Halsey, William Melton (South Carolina, 1915-1999). "After Glow". 1986. Mixed-media. Signed l.l. Signed, titled, dated, and inscribed to Merton D. Simpson on back.
Quinn's Auction Galleries
Oct. 23, 2016
WILLIAM MELTON HALSEY 1938 WATERCOLOR QUEEN STREET
Est: $9,000 - $13,000
William Melton Halsey (1915-1999) Watercolor on Paper. "Queen Street" Charleston, SC painted July, 1938. Titled on verso "Queen Street, 1938". Signed and dated by the artist lower left. With the Retrospective Stamp and Number En verso. A mid-career retrospective was held at the Greenville County Museum of Art in 1972 and then traveled to the Gibbes Museum of Art (formerly the Gibbes Art Gallery), Charleston, South Carolina, and the Florence Museum, Florence, South Carolina. In frame 26.25"x17.25"x1.75". Sight 21.50"x12". Wt. 6 pds. William Melton Halsey was born and raised in Charleston, SC. His talent was evident at an early age, and he was encouraged by his mother, Eleanor Loeb Halsey. His first instructor was the local artist Elizabeth O'Neill Verner, who had studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and was one of the leading artists in the Charleston Renaissance. Another early influence was the local Charleston artist Edward I. R. Jennings, who had studied in New York City with Arthur Wesley Dow. It was from Jennings that the young Halsey learned about what was happening in the realm of modern art. After high school Halsey attended the University of South Carolina for two years. Realizing he was only interested in art, he sought another place to study where he could maintain his singular focus. He moved to Boston to study at the Boston Museum School (now called the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston). While there, he developed an interest in fresco and became sufficiently trained to be able to teach this technique at the school. He attended the school from 19351939. Halsey remained an eminent and influential art teacher in the Lowcountry, beginning with his early activity at Savannah's Telfair Academy and continuing at the Gibbes from 1945 to 1953. He subsequently co-founded the Charleston Art School with McCallum and Willard Hirsch in 1953. From 1965 until his retirement in 1984, he taught at the College of Charleston and was instrumental in developing the studio art department there. The Halsey Gallery and The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston School of the Arts are named in his honor.
Charleston Estate Auctions
Sep. 17, 2016
Attr. William Halsey (South Carolina, 1915-1999).
Est: $400 - $600
Snow scene c.1965, oil on board. Signed & dated lower right corner. 15 1/2" x 23 1/2" ; frame 22" x 30".
Quinn's Auction Galleries Central Virginia
Jul. 21, 2016
William Melton Halsey
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
William Melton Halsey (South Carolina, 1915-1999) TORN RED SQUARE, 1974 oil on canvas, framed, signed, dated & titled lower right and verso H24" W24" Provenance: Massachusetts collection
Charlton Hall
Jul. 21, 2016
William Melton Halsey
Est: $2,500 - $3,500
William Melton Halsey (South Carolina, 1915-1999) UNTITLED oil on canvas, framed, signed lower right H32" W48" Provenance: Southern collection
Charlton Hall
Apr. 29, 2016
William M. Halsey (1915 - 1999).
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Arrangement in White. Oil on Canvas. 40" x 18". Signed and dated 1941 lower right.
Morphy Auctions
Apr. 10, 2015
William Melton Halsey
Est: $3,000 - $4,000
William Melton Halsey (South Carolina, 1915-1999) DANCERS, 1938 gouache, framed, signed & dated: Wm. Halsey, Feb.-38 sight H22" W13 1/2" Provenance: South Carolina private collection Gift to present owner from the artist
Charlton Hall
Apr. 10, 2015
William Melton Halsey
Est: $5,000 - $8,000
William Melton Halsey (South Carolina, 1915-1999) REFLECTIONS, August 1994 oil on board, framed, signed, titled & dated H72" W48" Provenance: South Carolina private collection
Charlton Hall
Dec. 12, 2014
William Melton Halsey
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
William Melton Halsey (South Carolina, 1915-1999) FROM THE FORT, ARTA pastel, ink and graphite, framed, signed & dated lower right, 1962 sight H13 1/2" W16" Provenance: Property of a Southern lady
Charlton Hall
Sep. 20, 2014
William Melton Halsey
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
William Melton Halsey (South Carolina, 1915-1999) SCREEN, 1984 oil & collage on panel, framed, signed lower right, dated, titled & signed verso H40 1/2" W19" Provenance: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina private collection
Charlton Hall
Jul. 12, 2014
William Melton Halsey
Est: $1,800 - $2,400
(Charleston, South Carolina, 1915-1999)Market Boy, 1955, signed lower left "Halsey", casein on paper, 34 x 24-1/4; gray painted frame, backed onto verso of original frame, wave to paper; frame with abrasions. Notes: Exhibited: Greenville County Museum of Art, William Halsey Retrospective, 1972 with stamps verso backing, #55-11. Provenance: Collection of the artist; David Halsey; Estate of Jay Bachman Rumph, Jr., Charleston, South Carolina
Brunk Auctions