Authors
Rigorously intellectual, David, a meticulous Virgo, has a keen eye and penchant for details, which serves him well as he delves into the ongoing research of objects already in the collection as well as keeping a vigilant eye on the lookout for a new treasure to add. A perpetual student and collector of Chinese art for over 50 years, David is a native of Morristown New Jersey and summered in Bermuda for many years.
Beverly studied art history at Columbia University, Creative Writing at Johns Hopkins, and many years later received a Master of Divinity from The Episcopal Divinity School in art and spirituality. As a professional portrait and family photographer for 50 years, Beverly is known for capturing the spirit not just the face. An energetic and enthusiastic Sagittarius, her eclectic collecting interests are textiles, books, postcards, cats, friends and birthdays!
Both David and Beverly are engaged almost daily in their magical gardens and museum in Nantucket – David tending the koi ponds and fountains while Beverly embraces all that grows including their two Welsh Corgis, Maggie and Marlie.
In the News
David and Beverly explore their approach to collecting and passion for Asian art in “The Collector,” an article featured in the Winter 2021 issue of Nantucket Today. Read the article.
Asian Treasures from the Billings Collection
Nantucket Whaling Museum, McCausland Gallery
May 28 through November 1, 2022
Sampling seven thousand years of Asian art history, the exhibition will highlight more than two hundred examples of fine ceramics, bronzes, textiles, and other artifacts from China, Japan, Korea, India, and Tibet. Learn more.
Collecting Asian Art with David Billings
Lecture at the Nantucket Whaling Museum