When David Fitzmaurice recently walked through the doors of MAPA to share his story, he brought with him not just photographs and names from the past—but a vivid window into the golden age of Brielle Galleries, a once-legendary destination for fine art porcelain and luxury gifts.

David’s journey with Brielle Galleries began in 1973, when he was just 16 years old, a junior in high school. What started as a part-time job—shipping, deliveries, cleaning, even weeding the garden—blossomed into a formative experience that would shape his career and remain etched in his memory for decades.

Brielle Galleries, once known as Brielle China and Glass, had grown from a modest antique shop into a retail giant. By 1964, its main floor alone spanned 8,200 square feet, carrying elite brands like Lenox, Waterford, and Edna Hibel limited-edition art. But the true turning point came in the early 1960s when Marylin Chorlton took over the Cybis studio, ushering in a new era where art porcelain became a signature feature.

Under the leadership of Ira Jacobson, Brielle Gallery became more than just a store—it was a cultural hub. Extravagant parties became legendary: The Cybis Carousel Party, The Boehm Parties, and The Wedgwood Party were just a few of the themed spectacles that drew in collectors, celebrities, and curious onlookers alike. With live models, elaborate backdrops, demonstrations, and massive floral displays, these events were a feast for the senses—and David was in the thick of it all.

He fondly remembers collecting tickets, greeting guests, and working closely with Eleanor Kuta, the director of the porcelain galleries and a pivotal mentor in his life. Over the years, David grew into a sales role and even helped decorate for these grand affairs. His favorite event? The very first Cybis Carousel Party in June 1975. “I was a college freshman and a lot of my friends came. It felt magical,” he recalls.

He met iconic figures such as Helen Boehm, Irving Burgues, and the Chorltons, moved inventory during the gallery’s expansion, and witnessed Brielle’s unique position in the market—one of the few places outside of Tiffany & Co. where exclusive items could be found.

Even as he pursued a degree and eventually became a New Jersey art teacher, David continued working at Brielle for nearly 20 years. It was Ira Jacobson, he says, who supported his college applications and encouraged his growth, both personally and professionally.

Now retired, David still treasures the memories of weekends and school vacations at the gallery. One porcelain piece he always admired was a Kazmar sculpture featuring wrens and cattails—too expensive at the time, but found years later at a flea market and finally brought home. “I never knew the title,” he smiles, “but I always knew I wanted it.”

David first heard about MAPA through the Cybis Archive, and made the trip from New Jersey with his friend Marilyn to reconnect with this history. While visiting, he helped identify people in old photographs, piecing together moments that might otherwise have been lost.

“When you’re young you think things are going to last forever,” David told us. “I never thought the store would go out of business and that this would all become a piece of history.”

But thanks to voices like his, that history lives on.