Business Beat: Stanley Weiss inducted into RI Heritage Hall of Fame

One of the nation’s prominent collectors of fine American and English antique furniture was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame.

Stanley Weiss, a civic leader, businessman and real estate developer, was among nine Rhode Islanders inducted at the organization’s 57^th annual ceremony held recently at The Crowne Plaza in Warwick, R.I.

Mr. Weiss is also known for his collection of Colonial and post-1800 Classical furniture from Queen Anne to Chippendale as well as late 19^th Century styles such as Duncan Phyfe, Herter Brothers and more. The Stanley Weiss Collection features hundreds of curated pieces of the best examples from these eras, including pieces placed in institutions such as the Philadelphia Museum, The White House, and the Rhode Island Historical Society.

Mr. Weiss began his passion for collecting in the 1980s while working as a bank trust officer and commercial real estate developer. He purchased the historic Halsey House on College Hill in Providence, furnishing this live-in museum in the Winterthur style. He and his wife Beth frequently opened their private homestead for students and historical associations.

His private furniture collection was then moved to the iconic Tilden-Thurber Building, a Beaux-Arts gem that he purchased in downtown Providence to house his collection where it remained until 2016.

Today, the vast Weiss Collection is located in a modern 10,000 sq. ft. showroom on Providence’s East Side. His online gallery, www.stanleyweiss.com, is the premier site in the United States for fine American and English furniture of the 18^th and 19^th centuries. His recently published 300-page illustrated and cataloged reference guide, “Fine American Antiques in the Stanley Weiss Collection,” is a museum standard of the best.

“Our collection is meant to leave a legacy and has the potential to become a museum of American Classical arts in partnership with our neighboring institutions, decorative arts curators, and collectors of the best,” states Mr. Weiss. “I am honored to be recognized by the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame for bringing the history, knowledge and beauty of Classical art furniture to current and future generations of Rhode Islanders.”

Weiss resides in Providence and Wickford Village, R.I.

The Stanley Weiss Collection is located at 212 Fourth Street in Providence, R.I. Hours are by appointment. Phone: 401-272-3200. www.stanleyweiss.com.

Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame Stanley Weiss tribute, produced by Joe Rocco of RocJo Productions:

Founded in 1965, the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame honors and recognizes those whose efforts have contributed significantly to the heritage and prominence of the State of Rhode Island. www.riheritagehalloffame.com

Inductees in 2022:

Jimmy Burchfield – Robert Burke – Arnold Buffum Chace, Jr. – Wilfred W. Greene – John B. Harwood, Esq. – Roberta Mudge Humble – Edward A. Iannuccilli, MD – Mark Patinkin – Stanley Weiss