"Guest Artist" For A Harbour Lights Sculpture?

There's a rumor out of Maine that Harbour Lights has commissioned a well-known "guest artist" to scuplt something for Harbour Lights that might show up later this year as a "special edition".

Until the 2005 Collectors Reunion, the identification of the actual sculptors of Harbour Lights had been a pretty well-guarded secret.

A couple more sculptors of the past were identified in the Official Collectors Guide to Harbour Lights [yep, a blatant plug].

Now the questions are:

1. Who is this "well-known artist"
2. Just what might he or she sculpt for Harbour Lights
3. Will Harbour Lights collectors decide they "gotta have one"?

Speculations welcome...

I have no idea other than it won't be a member of my family. We're not that artistic. Could it be a member of the Dave Winter group from the past?

Bob

My guess is Rick and Christiana Hayles that created the Cheboygan Crib for the 2005 reunion.

Maybe Cheryl Spencer Collin ???????????

It might be someone well-known in the lighthouse-sculpture area, like CSC...or maybe it's someone famous for "other work"...

I don't know who that could be, though...

I'm going to go with David Winter as my best guess.

Judy

Not a clue who it would be, but if the lighthouse is a well known one, I sure it will sell well.

Rodin sculpts the Thinking Man Lighthouse???

This was my prediction on December 31st...

See on the Harbour Lights site... Barking Rocks Light House sculpted by noted artist David Winter, and produced by Harbour Lights. Edition size: 1500!!!

Judy

Judy
Your good.
You should get a free AP for that guess.

Better get those eyes checked after that last birthday, Judy.

Edition size is 1,850. It will be auto-shipped. If the David Winter Friends adapt it as their own, it could be a quick sell-out.

Order through your Harbour Lights dealer.

Eyesight is fine...according to DMV which is a joke, but anyway. Just misread. Posted on a dealer's site is that of the 1850, only 1500 will be sold in the US.

So is that info correct?

Judy

John
Questions
1. Is it going to be made thru the standard HL factory (Malaysia) or will it be made at the one for David winter. (John Hines Studios or some other UK factory)
2. I like the cross over collection idea. Will both stickers be put on the bottom of the felt? The HL sticker and the David winter sticker. I think they should be. It probably would make it more of a collectable.

Good questions, Daniel. HL's standard manufacturing is in China. None in Malaysia. I know you knew that.

I don't think David Winter's limited releases in the past few years have been made in the UK. John Hine Studios has been out of business for a number of years.

I believe the 1850-1500 = 350 means that the "Friends of David Winter Cottages" have spoken for 350 so far.

Don't know about stickers. We'll see if Mr. Constantino can give us some more answers.

click here for a larger image

So "Who let the dogs out!?"

Who's up for buying "Barking Rocks" and who's going to pass?

One more question: This one is HL699 - what number will the NEXT Special Edition have???

Thanks for the larger image John, really helped with seeing more of the detail on this light. I don't know if I will get this one or not. It is certainly interesting though. The stairs leading up the rocks, half of the bottom of the lighthouse missing, the lantern room windows, all interesting details. The more I write and look at it, the more appealing it becomes.

Did Paul photograph this one as well? If so, I would like to hear his opinion as he has held it in hand. What do you think Paul??

John, One other question.

What happen to HL698 ???

Barking Rocks looks pretty cool! Does this lighthouse still exit today?

I assume this a fictional lighthouse that was designed by the David Winter's style.

I am "speechless"! With all due respect, I recoginize that it is a piece of work, however it doesn't really fit into the whole HL thing with actual lighthouses. Does it?

This piece, which you folks call "Barking Rocks" is surely barking alright.... I just don't think it is barking to genuine HL collectors that are used to "realistic" looking pieces.

Besides the fact that the lighthouse appears to be partial supported in the air (something missing in that image), this interesting piece looks similiar to a Japanese Bonsai garden piece with rocks.

WOW, I just had a thought, this overall piece, with the rocks and all, wouldn't look to bad with the Magota Pagoda near the top of it.

Where can one buy an "enchanted house and lighthouse" in which the front door leads into rocks?

Since it is not April yet, I assume this is not a joke. I think I'll pass.... :rolleyes:

You'll find out in April.

Jim

Too pricey and odd looking to spark my interest.

What a piece of …. This is not what I think of when I think of Harbour Lights lighthouses. I can say for sure this one will never be in my collection.

Barking Rocks -- well at least it fits its discription --- "for the dogs"

This has really got to be an April Fools Day joke, just early--- Right !!!---I hope!!--Please!!!

And I wonder why my Harbour Lights pieces are almost worthless in value.

This will probably be the end for me and buying any more from this company.

Without intending to generate ill-will or adverse reaction, how does someone [me, for example], get considered for "Guest Sculptor?" Is there a specific individual to whom one could submit an example or proposed project? With all due respect, I could generate a far more interesting, appropriately factual piece based upon an actual lighthouse. I have no problem with fantasy pieces, preferably done by other companies, but I guess that I would still expect a certain degree of basic logic to them. If one is drawn to the engaging constructions of Dr. Suess, that would be okay, too. In my extremely 'umble opionion, this "creation" awkwardly straddles the gap between the real and the fantastic in a less-than-satisfactory, wholly charmless way. I'd be curious what the justification for it---as well as the expectations for it---would be. Harbour Lights, I fear, after laboring long and hard has finally produced a limited edition that I simply cannot buy, do not want, and actually blush to see offered in its line.

If "Barking Rocks" turns out to be an actual lighthouse, well....shut my mouth.

Danny

Thanks Jim !!! I kinda figured that.

Just hope its a replica of a real lighthouse.

Does not do a thing for me. I will pass.

I'm sorry..... but every time I go back and look at the image of this, I can't stop laughing.....

This is as bad as the Thomas Kincaide stuff. This has no place in my collection of true HL lighthouses. HL/Depot must be really hurting to put out this stuff. (IMHO) :rolleyes:

Are we having February 28th Fools Day? Because that's all I can think of. This can't be real. Unfortunately, I'm pinching and it really hurts, in so many different ways.

First off, it is a VERY, VERY NICE looking sculpture I think that (most) everyone can at least agree on that, when put into a (non-HL) perspective.

But, as I often say in the Land Rover world, and will paraphrase here...

It's a great sculpture. It's just a terrible Harbour Light.

Fantasy...that's the word Danny used to describe this piece....maybe that's why I found it rather interesting. I also collect unicorns and dragons, so have a foot in "Fantasy World"

The cost of this piece will probably keep me from purchasing it. $125 for a fantasy lighthouse is too steep to me.

I don't care for it and will not be adding it to my collection. There are other lighthouses that I can spend that $125 on that I do like.

Barf!!!! Barf!!!! Barf!!!

I would have used a Graemlins but there are none appropriate to show my nausia from reading about this one.

Someone got a napkin?

sad...so sad....

Well it's not from any of the area's I collect. Plus it really don't look that good.

Put me down for a SKIP.

If this is the kind of crap that the new HL is going to put out than Harbour lights is DEAD to me!!!!

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t know where to begin.
Many good and interesting points made. Maybe after the initial shock is over and the smoke clears we can look at this light for what it is.
This light is just like what Danny said, it is a fantasy light.
David winter used his style and creativity for a light that was created from his imagination and cast into a lighthouse figurine. No; this light has not been done before or have I ever seen or even heard of it.

What David winter did was break one of the Harbour Light laws. This law was so cherished by its collectors that if broken it was considered an unforgivable sin that would force the lighthouse into the warehouse of purgatory. If committed this lighthouse would never be aloud to enter the pearly gates of the collector’s homes. Harbour Lights always strived for accuracy and have even stopped productions of lighthouse because a dormer was mislocated or the lighthouse was eight sided not six. Harbour lights bragged about their accuracy and held it out in front of them like a great sword that would cut thru all the other collectables and become the most cherished of limited editions.

So fellow collectors, the law has been broken and the verdict has been pronounced. Besides not being accurate the barking Rocks is not even a real lighthouse. Death with the Barking Rocks cries out everyone. Death till it can bark no more.

But what about other types of collectors. Collectors of creative art and those that collect things that takes them away into an other world where everything isn’t so defined and exact. What about collectors of David Winter’s figurines. Why can’t Harbour light make an imaginary light if they feel the need to. What does it really hurt? If you don’t like it don’t buy it, but is it really that bad? If it were a figurine of a real light, would it then be okay. We must give the new Harbour Lights owner the recognition that at least he is not letting moss grow under his feet and he is out there trying different ideas to make HL exciting. One thing you have to say about this light it is not boring.

One word: UGH!

I took one look at this offering, known as Barking Rocks, and thought starving artist sale at the local Holiday Inn and what a dog.

I collect replicas of actual lighthouses that are still standing or long gone. I have no interest in fictional lighthouses.

It seems the new owners are following the former owners in producing a creation that may not sit well with their collectors. I always felt they were expiri :rolleyes: :rolleyes: menting to see if we would actually buy anything because it was a Harbour Lights. I've bought all the white elephants in the past because I got one of everything to keep my collection complete. I've broken away from that mode with the selling of several of my flag# 23 pieces to fellow collectors. I will probably advise my dealer I do not want the Barking Rocks piece. This will be the first time I've done this since I went on auto ship.

If one of you faithful collectors wants #23 of the Barking Rocks, I will order it from my dealer and sell it to you for the retail price plus shipping and insurance. Otherwise, someone in Oregon can purchase a low flag# right off the dealer shelf.

Downright disappointed in Massachusetts

:rolleyes: Bob :rolleyes:

Regarding the edition size:
All 1850 should be reserved for the "Friends of David Winter Cottages" where they will be appreciated.

Harbour Lights should seriously consider removing their good name from anything other than the fine print.

Don't saddle your HL dealers with inventory. If Harbour Lights collectors want one, they'll soon find them for sale on Ebay.

Judy

WOOF!!!!!
Definitely will not purchase! I agree with Cyndi...I'll be spending my $125.00 for a light that I like and is/was actually real!

I will wait and see this piece in person. I like David Winter.

Harbour Lights is trying smaller edition sizes. That is good.

They are trying to reach new markets. That is needed.

They are trying to survive. I hope they can.

Dan

The more I look at it, the more I'm waiting for Hobbits or Ewoks to appear. :p

Bob, would you feel any better if they were to throw in an Elvis on black velvet?

I can only think that they are doing this to somehow bring Harbour Lights to the attention on the few odd David Winter collectors that are remaining, hoping maybe to get a few crossovers" I know, it's a big stretch, but how else do you explain it. I mean, here we have a new owner that everyone thinks is in touch with the core collector and then along comes Barking Rocks, a toy piece at $125.00, arguably one of the more expensive H.L.'s to come along in a while. I know this will not make a lot of autoship dealers happy. My dealer has cut back their autoship form 5 to 2, and is still having a hard time getting rid of the 2. Plus, they still have a pile of old event pieces they can't get rid of.

Needless to say, other than the collector that buys them all, of which I knew of 2, and one of those has already stated he'll pass, I see this one as a loser. Not a chance at my house.

Mike

I feel there will be a lot of discussion about the pros and cons of Barking Rocks, especially as it reaches HL Dealers. I've started a new thread at the "Fog Signal Building" for all to express their feelings about the pending HL699.

Won't you join me at that other thread?

:p Bob :p

Having read thru these posts this morning I have been trying to find a way to verbalize my thoughts. Hasn’t been easy as this is a somewhat complex issue, one that I wonder if some are taking way too seriously? I am not trying to “defend” HL as I don’t think they need to be defended. They have made what I would have to believe is a well thought out business decision to try something different, try to reach a new and different market. We may not agree with this decision, but it is a chance that HL is willing to take. Maybe dealers have asked for a piece such as this. Perhaps it won’t go over well with the dealers. Only time will tell. Kind of brings to mind the old saying “no guts, no glory” (actually there is another saying that is probably more accurate, just not appropriate for this setting….).

While most of those posting in this thread are avid HL collectors we do not by any stretch of the imagination represent the majority of collectors of the line. While this piece may not be for me maybe it wasn’t aimed at me. What I am trying to say is that have we overlooked the possible intent of this piece?

• HL and David Winter have always had close ties. Many HL collectors migrated from being DW collectors, and probably still do have a tie to that group.
• HL would not be doing its job if it were not always trying to find new markets, new collectors.
• This piece is a whimsical fantasy light. It appears to be just what you would expect to see from HL in that it appears to be a well sculpted and detailed piece.

We see ourselves as “purists” of lighthouse collecting, admiring HL for doing its best to produce accurate and detailed models of lighthouses. Nothing wrong with this. For the most part I think they have hit the target quite well.

This piece may not do anything for me, may not be destined for my collection. As I mentioned earlier, I don’t think HL aimed this piece at my collection. I think they took a calculated risk to try to expand their base of customers and collectors. Give them that opportunity.

I don’t have any inside information on why this piece was done, nor would I expect to have been consulted. I do personally believe HL is trying to find a way to expand its base and is going to try new things. I may not always agree with what is done, but I do try to step back and look at it objectively not emotionally.

Absolutely nothing wrong with trying something different and new!!!!
But I would have preferred it to be totally different i.e. in a different series. How about FL = Fictional Lights?

While I personally don't like the piece, I will buy it to keep my collection intact. I wasn't, and still am not , happy with the Mahota Pagoda but am glad that I bought the piece since it also is a piece of the HLs puzzel. All pieces are needed for a complete picture. I'm sure that when it was discovered that Coquille was made with 6 sides instead of eight, everyone had an opinion on where HLs was heading early on and look what happened to the value of this 6 sided monster. Am I happy? No! Will I buy? Yes!!

On behalf of Tony Constantino:

“Barking Rocks”

I have had the opportunity to read your individual comments on the Collectors’ Forum and quite frankly am a bit surprised by several of them.

The one I most immediately would like to address was the comment about the “starving artist sale at the local Holiday Inn.”

David Winter is an internationally recognized Artist with a reputation for winning dozens of awards both from the National Association of Limited Edition Dealers, CIB and others. There are many Collectors of David Winter in both this country and abroad, who consider his work genius!

Here is a list of some awards:

NALED – Collectible of the Year -1987
NALED Manufacturer of the Year – 1987
Best Collectible – 1987
NALED Artist of the Year 1987
NALED Collectible of the Year - 1988
NALED Collectible of the Year – 1989
NALED Artist of the Year –1989

I do not have a more up to date reference at my desk.

Please take an opportunity to look at this sculpture closely; the detail is amazing and the story is the genius of a truly creative mind.

There is a reoccurring theme each time there is a new or different product or a change is made, change is not an act of desperation! I am pleased to report Harbour Light sales YTD are ahead of last year, we have added over 25 new Dealers since January and existing Dealers reported 2006 Christmas sales of Harbour Lights were the strongest of the last three years!

Why was “Barking Rocks” commissioned? It’s fun–it’s different and it’s good marketing. In order for the brand to grow, we need to share the Harbour Lights experience with a new audience, individuals who can appreciate the art of Harbour Lights, the amazing detail, fascinating story and a quality equal to none. We are privileged to have been able to work with an Artist with the talents of David Winter.

I do not feel the introduction of “Barking Rocks” is a “sin”. It is simply a departure from the norm. Hopefully, there will be some Collectors that will appreciate this sculpture and add it to their collections. We understood at its inception “Barking Rocks” would not appeal to every Collector, we simply wanted to use our talents to produce a work of art with a different story.

I can assure you, our Corporate Mission is to create authentic, finely detailed Replicas of existing Lighthouses or those Lighthouses that are “Gone but not Forgotten”. However, not to use the talented craftsmen, artists, sculptors and painters available to us and promote the Harbour Lights brand would be a waste and not in the best interests of the brand. The future is in our ability to attract new Collectors and Dealers!

My use of the phrase "starving artists" was not meant to challenge the artistic ability of David Winter, who is held in high esteem by collectors world-wide. My use of that phrase was questioning the introduction of a fictional lighthouse into our treasured HL line.

I sincerely wish Harbour Lights great success in marketing such a fictional light to those who fail to recognize the true artistic value of a replica of an actual light over a fictional thing. It is my hope that this LE be sold out long before it can become part of a true HL collector's collection. If such fictional depictions become more frequent in the future, perhaps Harbour Lights should consider not using a tried and true HL# and use one with the prefix "F" for fictional.

:rolleyes: Bob :rolleyes:

Tony, thank you for responding here. Also thanks for answering a question I posed to you in another thread.

Now I understand that this piece is meant to attract another audience rather than the HL lighthouse collector.

I do know who David Winter is, including his accomplishments, reputation and awards. I know of the ties with Harbour Lights. I know he has his faithful collectors/followers. I've even had some of his sculptures in my home, but I chose to let the "ex" keep those.

I wish you well with this piece and hope it sells for you. Thanks again for sharing your views and reasoning, and Kathy, thanks for posting.

Judy

Again, I'm Sorry, but I am still laughing at this thing....

A new audience is fine because it is clearly obvious now that the normal HL Collector isn't interested!

Since it doesn't fit the HL corporate Mission, (as commented below), why was Barking Rocks given a HL number of 699? It should have been something like EB101 (Enchanted Building)

Lets get back on track! I think us collectors could name at least 20 new lighthouse for HL to make. :rolleyes:

With all that said, the piece still belongs with the HL Balloons!! Nice ( I guess to some), but NOT A LIGHTHOUSE. :rolleyes:

I'm going to leave it for the new audience to buy.

Thanks Kathy for posting and thanks Tony for your response! But...

I guess we are all very much in favour of the promotion of the HL brand! Can't argue with that. But I do hope very much that the inclusion of "fantasy pieces" does not wash out the brand. Isn't part of what makes the brand work its faithfulness to real lighthouses and the commitment to their preservation?

And while I admire David Winter and his art and his huge talent, I am not sure, if this addition to the HL collection is not too far from what we have come to expect from the brand.

"Different" and "New" is OK and there is room for that.

But as I said before, I would have liked it better with its own identity. A series of FLs (Fictional Lights) is possibly a very good idea and would get new collectors interested. But seperate from and in addtion to the well known and established HL collection.

Thank you Kathy and Tony for responding.

I keep looking at the piece and sometime one I do not care for will grow on me. But this one it is just not happening for me.

I can understand branching out to get new collectors, but I agree it should have a category of it's own and not HL.

If I were one of the collectors who have every piece ever made, I too may buy it to keep the collection complete. But there are many HL pieces I do not have yet and would like to get. I would rather spend the money on tose pieces then to buy a piece I really do not like.

Sorry for the terrible spelling. I'm running late for a meeting.

The general opinion of the hardline collectors is coming across. This piece does not belong as a Harbour Lights Limited Edition, per se.

But there's a small undercurrent that doesn't seem to be opposed to the production of sculptures like this by Harbour Lights as a company. And the idea of a separate series of this could be a whole other business idea that could expand beyond this one piece - a whole collection of "Fantasy Lights," whimsical lighthouse sculptures in the Harbour Lights tradition.

There's a market for those types of things, and there's a market for lighthouses. Harbour Lights is already known for quality. Why not take advantage of that reputation and expand the business offerings to a whole new collection that crosses over the fantasy realm with the lighthouse realm.

As I said above, whether or not you like it on premise, one must agree that this is a very nice sculpture for its market. But its market is not us. It IS, however, a market that could be marketed to great effect.

If this piece was created to draw in new collectors, then those collectors need to be retained in the Harbour Lights brand. And they may not be drawn to the “traditional” limited edition line. So to retain this new, VERY valuable collector base, HL needs to continue marketing to and creating pieces for this fantasy/lighthouse crossover category.

So, my opinion? This piece is falling flat with the purist, traditionalist core collector group here. The biggest thing they’re angry about is that this non-traditional piece is being given an exclusive HL number. If I were in charge, I’d dump that number NOW and move it into the first piece for a whole new collection, one of fantasy crossover lights. If there’s a whole other collection, akin more to an LLOM or SkyBound, the purist collector will look at it completely differently.

And to add my final thoughts on this subject I have to agree with Greg and the many others. The piece should have a completely different number assigned and should be the first of many "Fictional Lights". I will buy it if it has a HL number but only to keep my collection complete. I will not be very happy about this purchase and as said several times before, I would much rather spend my money on a "TRUE HL REPLICA". I also hope that if this light is not reassigned a new number and catagory that this will be the "one and only reproduction" of it's kind. I am running out of room and want to save my remaining space for reproductions of lights yet to be produced. I will not waste my money or limited space on more then one of these fictional lights.

This piece puts me in the mind of a "set" of lighthouses that Lenox put out some years back. They were also fictional and shared a common theme. They were large, sat on a high crag, and the various buildings were all on different levels of the model. I thought they were nice and they look good in the bookcase with other nick-nacks. They were also in the same price range ans this piece but I did not pay that for them. I purchased mine from the internet at a considerable savings. This piece however seems to have a problem. The picture looks like the lower right level of the lighthouse is missing, maybe crumbled into the house below. Sort of reminds me me of Hanlopen. Anyway, I will probably pass on this piece and hopefully get it later when the new has worn off.

End of story, I AM NOT GOING TO BUY IT!

This piece does not belong in the Harbour Lights line. It would have been better to create a new line of lighthouses rather than hurt the integrity of the Harbour Lights we have cherished and collected for so many years. I do not plan to buy this piece.

Ron
(CT Keeper)

Quoted from Tony Constantino;
I agree with this statement wholeheartedly.

The probelm is, this is not a Harbour Light, it is a David Winter Cottage. I would have had no problem if the David Winter sculptor had been asked to sculpt a REAL lighthouse. But this is a fantasy piece. And, quite frankly, although it may be art in it's own right and to it own collectors, I don't see the connection to H.L. (Other than it's is some sort of lighthouse)

I'm all for H.L. trying to do whatever it takes to get new collectors. But why a fantasy piece? If the intent is to get the "crossover collector" (my words) why not a real light? I believe it would have the same effect and satifiy both sides, the David Winter people and the Harbour Light diehard.

It's almost as though H.L. is trying to bring David Winter to the attention of it's collectors, not the other way around.


Mike

First I would like to acknowledge the sculpting and artistic genius of David Winter, and also to encourage the entreprenuership of Tony and Harbour Lights and understand their desire to reach a new area of collectors. That being said, I have to agree with the majority consensus here that this piece should never have been numbered in the HL collection as it was. I believe that it should have received a numbering category of its own. As interesting and as intricate as this sculptor is, it just does not belong in the same line as those lighthouse pieces that represent a true lighthouse that someone can physically visit, touch and learn its history. Yes, their are those out there who love the fantasy realm and cherish that type of art work but this is not what the original HL line is all about and the numbering system should have been reserved for only those pieces depicting real lighthouses.
Could HL renumber this piece???? Or is it too late?

Very well said KAT.

I understand the need of Harbour Lights to branch out and try to reach others. I also understand that they are using available artists and talents to try and accomplish this. BUT, I am in agreement that it should marketed as such and numbered differently from the original HL pieces.
Why couldn't they use FL for Fantasy Lights?

Well Folks,

After looking at everyone’s post pertaining to this product, it looks as though we basically have a consensus of opinion.

But let’s try to put things into perspective:

• Harbour Lights is trying to broaden its client base. The only way to accomplish this is to try new and different products made available to entice potential customer.
• This just might be one definitive way to reach the desired objective. But I agree with the rest of you that the new “Barking Dog” should NOT have a HL Flag#. Using a FL Flag# should be sufficient.
• Most of us are getting a tad older and with age comes a built-in tendency to cling to the familiar way of doing thing. We “like what we like” and tend to resist change – especially one so dramatic.
• David is a world famous artist and sculptor. I firmly respect what he creates. But if I were so inclined along that line, I would visit Fantasy Land at Disney World. (Which I haven’t done. But hundreds of thousands of people love it.)
• Maybe the same thing will happen in this case.

I for one will purchase this piece from beyond the realm of reality for two reasons:

1. I want to keep my complete collection intact.
2. I am curious to handle it and see this creation in person.
3. I will probably display it in my unfinished basement.

bobo

Bob, I was reading your post and you were so serious you had me reeled in. Then I got to your last line.

I believe Bob is totally serious about the last line

It is a marketing thing.
I bet if HL# wasn't used it would cost Harbour Lights at least 25% to 35% or even %50 in sales.

I know he is. Thats what makes it funny.

It is unquestionable that companies need to make wise and productive business decisions. The company may need to expand but not at the expense of their Harbour Lights division! Most collectors of these lights started purchasing them because of their historical authenticity. I, for one, have never purchased Thomas Kincaide or other such products. Figurines based on fantasy, while lovely in many instances, are just not something I would buy. However, there is a tremendous market for them.

No one questions the genius of David Winter. Most of us are well aware that he is world famous for his work and has very justly received many, many awards for that. But which audience is HL trying to capture? I'm not so sure that there are many David Winter collectors still around, although there are definitely many collectors of "whimsy". As such, the piece is extraordinarily beautiful, but I agree with Margret when she says it belongs in a "Fictional Lights" series. It will probably sell very well - but will the typical HL collector buy?

As for autoship, since it is not the same type of product, can it really be a part of the collection? If it doesn't "fit" in with the rest of the HL line, then, IMO, it's not part of the collection. I certainly would not feel that my collection is incomplete because this piece is missing.

I will continue to collect the historically authentic pieces, but I just can't purchase "fantasy" creations. And has anyone noticed the size of this piece?! Many of us who have been collecting for years have been leaning toward production of smaller pieces because we are running out of space. This piece will not fit in my collection for more than one reason.

Don't we just love the fact that there is freedom of speech on the forums?! Where would we be if we couldn't express our humble - and not so humble - opinions! :p

Originally posted by Beachcomber:
Yea, but are there collectors of $125.00 whimsy?

Heck, some of them are crazy enough to pay a lot more! Obviously, you and I won't!

I'm focusing mostly on the size of HL699:

Take a piece of typing paper and hold it up vertically. That's about the height of this piece. The width of the paper is about the width and depth of the base of this piece. Biggest thing with an HL number except for Navesink.

You may have noticed that there is a relationship between the size (volume) of a piece and it's relative retail price. The more material used to make it, the greater the area to paint and the more detail time the artist had to put into it. All those things + the shipping weight add up to generate the SRP.

Admittedly, Barking Rocks looks NOTHING like our beloved Harbour Lights replicas of real lighthouses.

But I was 'collecting' David Winter cottages before I ever heard of Harbour Lights. (I've never been to England, either.) These were typically about 2x3" or 3x4".

As Bill Y. would probably say, just see it in person before you make a final decision. I'm holding off until then.

I have to say that up until I saw this piece I had every intention of one day having a complete collection. I will never have one now, thanks to this piece. I could see myself spending thousands to get Coquille, but I would not spend 5 cents on this piece.

Cathy

Answer #1

Bravo, Bobo! I remember when I was into the complete collection mode, and I will be the first to admit it is an obsession. It wasn't easy to break away from that habit but I did it without going into rehab.

The best thing I did was selling off a few of my coveted pieces with flag# 23 (auto ship). There they were sitting in my storage area in their boxes. They weren't displayed and probably wouldn't have been if I didn't sell them to other collectors. That broke the complete collection chain and I was free at last.

I still buy one of every new LE, AB, or Lens release but would sell most of them if they weren't from my area of the country. Yes, even the new pieces with #23 can be purchased from me. I still have over 600 HL's in storage and I have 18 HL's in boxes in my computer room that need to be logged into inventory. These were purchased on the secondary market for resale within the last couple of weeks. Hmmm? Maybe I should shave my head and join Mrs. Federline at rehab.

Answer #2

Go to a dealer and enjoy your fantasy! Handle the piece! Picture in your mind Fantasyland Castle and Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy! Once it's out of your system, carefully put the piece down (if you break it you may have to buy it) then tell the dealer to notify you when the next real HL comes in.

Answer #3

You store your HL's in an unfinished basement? I'm one up on you. Bobo! I store my HL's in a finished basement. The boxes are on shelves, couches, chairs, the bar, the pool table, the carpeting, etc. I'm buried in HL boxes!

Seriously, on a serious note, I never get too serious about most anything.

Bob

What will be next??

Another "guest" artist??

Perhaps Dean Griff of "Charming Tails"

I can see it now

The Squashville Light complete with a "lightMOUSE keeper" and a fire fly that lights up in the lantern room.

Bob, I suspect you know this, but Bob O. (bobo) means he is going to stash it in his unfinished basement where he doesn't have to look at it.

He's going to keep his collection intact, buying Barking Rock because it has an HL # assigned to it. The basement location also prevents having to explain it's presence to visitors.

The balloons w/o HL#'s didn't cause this kind of problem.

Good plan, bobo!

Judy

I took the comments that have been made in this post and created a Poll. Lets see how all the forum members feel about the Barking Rock.

Barking Rock lighthouse Poll

The one detail that BOBO didn't let you know is that he does not have an "unfinished basement". He is going to bury it in the ground where his basement would have been.

I'm all for HL doing what it takes to make a profit, and that may be cashing in on the David Winter fans. However I would like to have seen it under a new set of numbers, not under the current HL ones.

My knowledge of collectables is limited to Harbour Lights. Who has more collectors or customers, David Winter or Harbour Lights?

Bob

Barking Rocks??????

What a dog.

As I look at my curios full of Harbour Lights, I can see no reason why I would ever own this piece.

I understand that Harbour Lights needs to get a new following of customers to make the company grow. However, when they made the decision to have dishes they didn't give them a HL limited edition number. Then WHY oh WHY give something that has no place in the HL Limited Edition Line a HL number that is in the middle of the collection now. They could have started a new line like the LLOM or GLOWs or Anchor Bay but NO.....they put it in the middle of a collection that has a large number of hard core collectors......BAD DECISION.

It reminds me of the Knights Of Not So Round Table. At least HL didn't put those in the middle of the HL Limited Edition Line. Any long time collector knows where that line went.

2beacons

Judy,

You are only partically correct. You see, anything that I put in my basement seems to get lost forever. It's like an entrance to the virtual unknown.

bobo

There certainly haven't been a lot of positive comments about "Barking Rocks". It makes me wonder how the folks at Harbour Lights feel about the negative feelings expressed. I also wonder what would be the reaction if the David Winter people introduced a sculpture of a real lighthouse to their regular customers.

One thing that should be taken into consideration is the fact that many HL collectors are not connected collectors, and do not participate at the CF. Could there be a chance that this low edition size could possibly sell out to those unconnected collectors? Will there be enough collectors, who try to keep a complete collection, to empty the Barking Rocks piece from dealer stockrooms?

:rolleyes: Bob :rolleyes:

I thinks its obvious to say that the piece is very unpopular with CF members. Probably the only sales will come from the few that feel they have to collect every HL LE.

I think the piece will sell well outside the CF community because there is a large market for fictional/fantasy lighthoues. Throw in some who just collect any ol' lighthouse, gift shoppers, and the the few HL collectors that have to have everyone.

If it doesn't sell well, it's probably because of the price & size. Same piece at $85 and about 8 inches in height would have been better.

I guess time will tell.

PS - I think we need to do a limerick about this one.

David Winters is a very talented person and I don't feel like anyone here is personally attacking him as an artist. There are people who will buy this piece who enjoy that kind of sculpture. I think everyone where prefers the triditional lighthouses. I would rather Harbour Lights had given it a differant number and category.

Cyndi,

You are right on target. I don't believe that anyone is questioning the talent and expertise of David Winters. I've seen some of his work and it's fascinating.

The only problem stems from the fact that is has been numbered as an "HL" -- not cool.

bobo

I bought my mom David Winter English cottages several Christmases in a row. We both loved looking for the mouse on them and were amazed at their detail (not unlike Harbour Lights). I love David Winter's work.

But I believe he was smoking something when he created this monstrosity. What a train wreck. It is wholly inconsistent with the spirit of Harbour Lights and its commitment to REAL lighthouses.

I wouldn't pay a plug nickel for this. I wouldn't take it for free.

Barking Rocks. Puh...leez!

I hope one day we'll get to see how he would actually sculpt an existing lighthouse (an English one would be perfect for him).

Very disappointed. Try again.

-

Bill, I agree 100% with this statement. I'll bet he could do an excellent job -- expecially with an English lighthouse.

bobo

Bill
I think you hit the nail on the head.
HL might have done a home run with David Winter if he tackled a real lighthouse
And made it one of a English favorite.

Excellent suggestion, Dan! There's no denying the talent of the David Winter folks.

Just because our fellow forum members don't agree with the release of Barking Rocks under a Harbour Lights number doesn't mean we wouldn't accept a sculpture of a real lighthouse by the same people.

Maybe someday this suggestion will become a reality.

Bob

Just when I thought I had seen everything. But it has reared its ugly head again. It has just renewed my theory that marketing people have all read the same marketing book. They, on a whole, have no idea of what it means to have a great collection. HL clearly attempted to market their other lines by introducing it to HL collectors and most have failed. They have failed to protect the integrity of the HL lighthouse collection. Almost every company has done the same thing. This is clearly an effort to cross pollenate collections in a feeble attempt to try and keep a collectors base out there. HL is not the first in doing this. In fact they were a little slow. Department 56 and Precious Moments, to name a few, have incorporated Disney characters onto their figurines. They have started about 3 years ago, and have steadily increased the amount of "mixed" figurines in their lines. Disney has had an event in Florida for the last two years introducing these pieces. It is an attempt to draw collectors from both venues in hope of maintaining somewhat of a collectors base. Now HL is going to try and draw David Winters collectors with HL collectors? Both collections have lost a large part of their collector base.
Now "David Winters" is a great artist, but if I wanted to collect his work I would buy his cottages. He could have put this piece in his collection. It is the beginning of more to come. Besides what will we be looking for a "Mouse" or a "Seahorse"
After reading these "Posts" the smartist thing HL could do is bite the bullit and take the phony lighthouse out of the collection and get back to the business of producing "Real lighthouses", new ones that have not been produced two or three times before.

Hmmm. Disney and Harbour Lights. Just maybe:

But ONLY if the swimming pool is also included!

With Mickey & Minnie splashing down the water slide from the gallery railing!

Talk about cross-over! Talk about a tie-in! Talk, talk, talk about it! Get the Buzz going! Maybe a Collector Forums EXCLUSIVE in 2008. Maybe a Weekend Regional at Disney World's Key West Resort & Spa!!


Come-on, admit it. We needed a little levity in this thread. We'll seal this one up in a time capsule and look at it again in 10 years and see who wins the "soothsayer" award. (Top Prize a "rare Barking Rocks")