Mark McNair Eider Drake

Mark S. McNair (b. 1950) Craddockville, VA, 1986 16 in. long

Lots 157- 163 are part of The Barrie and Bernice Stavis Collection of Mark McNair Decoys

Barrie Stavis (1906-2007) was a distinguished American playwright who dedicated his career to addressing fundamental issues of the human condition. Stavis’s works, viewed by millions worldwide, have been translated into over 28 languages and produced by dozens of major theaters around the world as well as numerous universities. Bernice Coe, or BC Stavis, (1919-2001) also had a very accomplished career as a pioneering executive in the film and television industry. Barrie and Bernice shared many loves, including sailing on their treasured wooden sailboat which was moored in Long Island, a place they shared another love, the hunt for decoys.

“It started with a letter, which is appropriate enough for a man of letters. Barrie had discovered one of my pintails at a show on Long Island around 1977. His letter so intrigued me that I responded and thus began a relationship that lasted over thirty years. He was mentor, patron, antagonist, muse, pal, helper, counselor, but most of all friend in the truest sense of the word. For this I’ll always be grateful. He liked to close with, “Be well, do good work, and don’t forget to write.” –Mark McNair

Two important McNair-Stavis decoys currently reside at the Shelburne Museum in Vermont.

"BARRIE - THIS WAS A BIRD I KEPT FOR MYSELF. IT HAS GONE HUNTING, BUT HAS LIVED MOST OF ITS LIFE IN MY KITCHEN. Mark 1994" is written on the underside. Incised "McNAIR 1986." Original paint with minor gunning wear.

Provenance: The Barrie and Bernice Stavis Collection Private Collection, by descent in the family

Provenance

The Barrie and Bernice Stavis Collection Private Collection, by descent in the family