John William Boor, M.D. (1947 to 2007)
John William Boor, M.D. was born and raised in the city of Philadelphia. Dr. Boor’s love for the fine arts stemmed from his fascination with American history and his tremendous pride and respect for everything related to or originating from the great colonial city of Philadelphia.
To many he was their trusted doctor, specializing in Neurology. Others knew him as a collector of Americana. He had an avid interest in antique American timepieces, particularly tall case clocks. He spent many years studying timepieces from cabinetmakers to clockmakers, to the intricacies of clock movements from region to region.
He began his collection of American period furniture and timepieces in 1978. It would later become Philadelphia Empire furniture that interested him the most. Dr. Boor became convinced that the furniture from this period was the most underappreciated of the decorative arts and, in time, would receive its due recognition and accolades. He collaborated for more than four years with his four children to publish the book Philadelphia Empire Furniture in 2006.
In April, 2007, Dr. Boor and his daughter Allison were co-curators of the Philadelphia Antiques Show’s exhibition themed “Philadelphia Empire Furniture: Bold, Brash and Beautiful.” He lectured at the Philadelphia Museum of Art as well in 2007 on Philadelphia Empire Furniture.
Information courtesy of Pook & Pook Inc., April, 2009.