Explore Timeless Artistry
Discover Our Unique Collection
Cultural Treasures
Our collection showcases exquisite pieces that reflect the rich heritage of global artisans. Each item tells a story, connecting you to the traditions and craftsmanship of diverse cultures.
Artisan Masterpieces
Featuring handpicked artifacts, our selection highlights the skill and creativity of artisans worldwide. Experience the beauty and authenticity of each unique piece.
Heritage Highlights
Dive into our curated selection of heritage items that celebrate cultural diversity. Each piece is a testament to the artistry and history of its origin.
The Legacy of the Journey
The Craft World Tours Collection represents the intersection of a lifetime of academic inquiry and global discovery. Curated over four decades by Tom Muir Wilson and now in the possession of his granddaughter Jessie Muir Blumenfeld, this archive is more than a gathering of objects; it is a meticulously documented record of human artistry across five continents. By merging Wilson’s background in museum design and photographic history with direct-source acquisitions from remote village studios, the collection offers a rare continuity between the artisan’s hand and the collector’s eye. Today, we preserve this legacy by bringing these master-level works—and the cinematic stories behind them—into the modern light.
From the Barn to the Archive: A Legacy Distilled
The story of the Craft World Tours Collection is one of a vast world being meticulously brought into focus.
It began in a barn in Byron, NY—a forty-year repository of global art and culture. But the journey didn’t end there. Over the last several months, we have undertaken the monumental task of emptying that space, transitioning thousands of pieces through a residence in Rochester and across six separate storage units.
The Great Distillation
This wasn’t just a move; it was a curation. We have spent countless hours sifting through the “miasma” of the estate, separating the ephemeral from the eternal. We have cleared away the noise to reveal what truly matters: a refined collection of museum-quality objects, handicrafts, and textiles that represent the pinnacle of global artistry.
What remains is the “heart” of the collection—the pieces that my father-in-law saw as the most significant “finds” from his decades of travel.
The Photographic Record
Perhaps the most incredible discovery in this process wasn’t an object at all, but a dedicated storage unit containing the complete photographic record of these journeys. We don’t just have the textiles; we have the photos of the looms where they were woven. We don’t just have the ceramics; we have the images of the kilns and the artisans who fired them.
This archive allows us to do something rare in the world of retail: we can trace the soul of an object back to the exact moment and place it entered the collection.
The Collection Today
Now staged in Henrietta, the collection is no longer a hidden secret in a rural barn. It is an organized, curated archive ready for its next chapter. We are now opening these crates to select partners who understand that a true “find” isn’t just about the object—it’s about the forty-year journey it took to get here.
The Craft World Tours Collection
For over forty years, Tom Muir Wilson (MFA, RIT) traversed five continents, not merely as a traveler, but as a curator of human ingenuity. As a Professor at RIT and a Gallery Designer for the George Eastman House, Wilson applied a museum-standard lens to every acquisition.
Tour World Crafts
is the commercial steward of this extraordinary estate—a vast archive of Global Material Culture sourced directly from the hands of master artisans in village studios from the Andes to the Himalayas.
The Provenance of the Image
What sets this collection apart is the Visual Archive. Every artifact is inextricably linked to an original photographic record. These images document the artisans, their environments, and the specific moment of creation, providing a level of authentication and “story” rarely found in the private market.
Explore Our Collection of Artistry
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Discover the Rich Heritage of Art
Heritage
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Experience the Craftsmanship of Artisans
Craftsmanship
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Uncover the Stories Behind Each Piece
Stories
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Learn About Our Curatorial Process
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Join Us in Celebrating Global Art
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Honoring the Visionaries Behind the Collection
“A Lifetime of Curated Discovery: Tom & Sherry Wilson”
Tom and Sherry Wilson founded Craft World Tours with a shared belief that art is a bridge between cultures. For over 40 years, they traveled to the most remote corners of the globe—not just to find beautiful things, but to document the stories and traditions of the master artisans who created them.
Tom Muir Wilson: The Visionary Behind the Collection
The story of the Craft World Tours Collection begins with Tom Muir Wilson—a man whose life was defined by a profound curiosity for the world and an unwavering belief in the power of human connection. Tom wasn’t just a traveler; he was a scholar, an artist, and a bridge between cultures.
A Foundation in Art and Craft
Tom’s journey was rooted in the fine arts. After earning his degree from the Cranbrook Academy of Art, he spent two formative years living and studying in Italy. This experience ignited a lifelong passion for diverse cultures that would later become the heartbeat of his professional life. He further refined his eye for detail and design at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where he received his M.A. in Woodworking & Furniture Design. His early career saw him shaping how the world viewed art and history, serving as an Exhibit Designer at the George Eastman House and designing the renowned Mees Gallery of the Science of Photography.
The Professor and the Pioneer
Tom’s influence extended deep into the classroom. He dedicated over two decades to his role as a Professor of Photography and Art at RIT, following tenures at Nazareth College and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. However, his classroom had no walls. In 1969, Tom began designing and leading special-interest travel programs. For over 40 years, he guided others across the globe, not as tourists, but as students of life. He didn’t just show people landmarks; he introduced them to the “generosity of spirit” found in local craftspeople and neighbors in every corner of the world.
A Life Full Circle
On June 7th, 2011, Tom’s journey reached its peaceful conclusion. He passed away at his Byron farmstead home and studio, a place of creative sanctuary for forty years. He was surrounded by his loving family, transitioning in the same spirit of peace and connection that he spent a lifetime cultivating.
A Lasting Legacy
Tom will always be remembered for his:
Forthright Honesty & Strength: A character built on integrity and a “gentle touch.”
Exuberance for Life: Marked by twinkling eyes and a legendary, hearty laughter.
Open Spirit: His heart and arms were always open to those he met, from his neighbors in New York to the artisans he visited overseas.
Tom’s mission was to create “ripples of good will” through travel and craft. Today, the Craft World Tours Collection continues to honor that mission, guided by the same principles of authenticity and cultural appreciation that Tom championed throughout his extraordinary life.