Frederick John Carspecken

1946 - 2018

Frederick John Carspecken

Wilmington - Frederick John Carspecken, founder of Delaware's preeminent art gallery, Carspecken-Scott, died suddenly in his home after a long illness on October 14, 2018.

He was born on September 29, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri to Harold Hutson Carspecken and Charlotte Elizabeth, his artist mother. He often recounted fond memories of his parents taking him to art museums while he was growing up in St. Louis, which he credited with inspiring an early interest in art. He graduated from the University of Virginia, where he was President of St. Elmo Fraternity. Fred trained during the Vietnam War to become a pilot in the U.S. Navy, hoping to search for Russian submarines in the Gulf of Mexico. Following his discharge in Pensacola, Florida, he found his way into the gallery business by chance. An acquaintance who owned a gallery was searching for someone to manage it, and Fred volunteered. After several successful months of gaining gallery expertise, he was contacted by fraternity brother, John Schoonover, grandson of noted Brandywine artist, Frank Schoonover. John suggested they start a gallery together in Wilmington. Not attracted to larger cities like New York or Philadelphia, Fred thought that Wilmington would be an ideal location for a gallery and agreed to join Schoonover in founding Schoonover Galleries in 1970.

Fred developed a strong love for contemporary art and began planning a transition to create his own gallery that would focus on contemporary artists and their works. During this time, he discovered Delaware artist, Mary Page Evans. Mesmerized by her work, Fred finalized his decision to open his own gallery. He founded Carspecken-Scott Gallery in 1973 and immediately launched into his passion for contemporary works. His first exhibition featured pieces by Evans, Tania Boucher and Tom Bostelle. It was a major success and initiated a relationship with Evans that flourished throughout his career. Evans credits Carspecken for his role in bringing recognition to her work which established her as one of Delaware's most prominent artists. Fred was also central to advancing the works of other well-known Delaware artists, including Cleveland Morris, former director of the Delaware Theater Company, Peter Sculthorpe, Carolyn Anderson and Carol Spiker among a host of others.

Fred gained a reputation for his ability to adjust to the art interests and tastes of the Wilmington community. His exhibitions were major community events. In 1987, he co-chaired the first, and very successful, AIDS benefit.

In the 1980s, he expanded his focus from selling art to marketing his artists to Delaware's professional community. Banks, real estate companies and law firms became major clients. To this day Carspecken-Scott Gallery is noted for its presentation of regional and local artists featuring a variety of styles but not straying far from Fred's passion for contemporary works. He often joked that his vision was to be the Guggenheim of Delaware. Some would argue he actually succeeded. His gallery was endorsed by Delaware Today and named "Best Gallery" in the magazine's Best of Delaware series. He formed a wonderful staff who will continue to carry on the excellent work of his gallery.

While Carspecken is perhaps best known for his prominence in Delaware's art community, his legions of friends also knew him as an exceptional chef and host. During the 80s, an invitation to a Carspecken Sunday brunch was a much-valued ticket to what many believed was also among Delaware's Best.

Fred was also known for his clever and self-deprecating charm and wicked sense of humor. Typical of his stories was the time, after becoming lost, he landed his Navy fighter plane at a small commercial airport by mistake. Many hosts desiring to have a successful dinner party made certain that he was on the guest list.

Fred was keen in the business of art and restoration, a loyal friend, and a devoted church member. His absence leaves a huge gap in Delaware's art scene but an even greater hurt in the hearts of his many friends, colleagues and church family. He was generous to a fault; his friends, his staff, and his church were enormously important to him.

Fred was a long-time and dedicated member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. He attended worship faithfully always sitting in the pew closest to the pulpit. He served the congregation in many ways as an ordained elder, ordained deacon, a Biblical Storyteller, and a Stephen Minister. He claimed that the two Westminster spiritual pilgrimages to Israel and Palestine led by his pastor, had a profound impact on his life.

Fred is survived by a brother, Dr. Harold Hutson Carspecken Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia, his wife Peggy, nephew, Harold Hutson Carspecken III, Hugh Logan Carspecken and their families. He was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth May Carspecken. His family wishes to thank his doctors, and the nurses and staff at ManorCare and Kentmere Rehabilitation Center for their exceptional care during his illness.

A Memorial service will be held on November 2 at 2:00 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W. 13th Street in Wilmington, with a reception to follow.

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church.

For online condolences, please visit www.chandlerfuneralhome.com