Antiques Still in Demand

I found this article interesting in today's New York Times. Although much of the article emphasizes "high-end" antiques for wealthier buyers, the demand for vintage is still strong. High-end antiques tend to hold their value over time.

“Kids today are buying things made of pressed cardboard imported from Thailand instead of aged wood,” he said. “A lot of young people don’t want anything older than a pizza box. But you can’t sell that cheap chain-store junk at a yard sale in two or three years, while good furniture holds its value. Good is always good.”

The Best Vintage, Antique & Collectible Shops in Paris

Thanks to Courtney at Style Court for her recent post about this fabulous new book, "The Best Vintage, Antique & Collectible Shops in Paris." This small paperback book by Edith Pauly is a wonderful guide to finding the most unique vintage items in Paris. It showcases 58 eclectic shops, as well as the Porte de Vanves and Clignancourt flea markets.

Whatever you're looking for, this little book has beautiful colored photos of curiosities; garden ornaments, mid-century Scandinavian vases, Grand Tour luggage, monogrammed linen sheets, a train-station clock, textiles, silver, old postcards, child-sized Thonet furniture...

The author describes it best, "Antiques aficionados and rummagers of every stripe: call to mind dimly lit attics, trunks smelling of old leather, dusty cartons, and that indescribable tingle of suspense aroused by the idea of a hidden prize which has been lying there, biding its time, waiting for you to find it."

You can purchase the book for under $14 here on the The Little Bookroom site, who incidentally, has the cutest books. I'm off to buy a copy right now. Can't wait!

Photos from The Little Bookroom

The Ed Hardy Collection

Antiques buyers from around the country are expected to attend the auction of antiquarian, Ed Hardy. Ed Hardy has been a fixture here in San Francisco since 1976. His studio is built like an Italian palazzo and is filled with the most outstanding and unique examples of period furniture and decorative arts from the 17th through 20th centuries.

Partly due to the declining economy, Hardy will closing his studio and auctioning off over 700 items through Bonhams & Butterfields on May 5th.

An Italian Restrato glass five light chandelier
circa 1950, in the manner of Barovier
estimate $4,000 - 6,000

This is so sad as Ed Hardy has been among one of the most respected dealers around the world. He still plans on consulting after giving up the studio.

Here are a few previews I've selected among the hundreds of items at auction. If you can't make it to San Francisco, you can bid online here. Also be sure and sift through the items on Bonham's website as well. Amazing things!

A pair of American terracotta lion form architectural elements
New York
last quarter 19th century
estimate - $3,000 - 5,000

A Burmese gilt lacquered seated Buddha
19th century
estimate - $2,000 - 3,000

A pair of French cast iron, brass and glass side tables
circa 1960, in the manner of Maison Jansen
estimate - $3,000 - 5,000

A superb French Baroque blue and white faience pharmacy vessel
Montpellier
early 18th century
estimate - $3,000 - 5,000

An Italian Rococo style green painted commodino
mid 20th century
estimate $1,500 - 2,000

A magnificent pair of Venetian tempietto tôle, clear, amber and cobalt glass lanterns on botticino marble bases
19th century
estimate - $70,000 - 90,000

A pair of Murano glass and giltwood lamps 1940s
estimate - $3,000 - $5,000

An American or English scrimshaw hourglass

Capt. John Reuter, 1817
estimate - $2,500 - $3,500

Photos from Bonhams & Butterfields

First Stop, Indigo Seas

Last weekend my friend Renee and I took one of our road trips to Southern California. I'm sorry to report that we didn’t find too many treasures on this trip. But, as always, the inspiration was wonderful.

Upon arrival, our first stop was to the lovely Indigo Seas on Robertson Blvd. (West Los Angeles). A definate “must stop” on every L.A. trip. Proprietress, Lynn Von Kersting happened to be in the shop that day, so it was an extra treat. Lynn is a multi-talented lady; designer, co-owner (with her chef husband) of the famous Ivy restaurants, and widely acclaimed as a “taste maker.” If you’re not familiar with her shop or work, many have blogged about her including, Joni at Cote de Texas; Von Kersting being one of Joni's top ten favorite designers.

One of my favorite things in this magical shop are the vintage books. Great titles with beautiful covers add a treat of flavor!

Lynn greeted us with her outgoing and engaging personality, detailing page by page of her fabulous book, “La Strada della Dolce Vita.” This book is filled with images of her shop, home, restaurants, recipes and more. It was quite fun to have her share her tales of travel, friends, family and design. Quite an interesting lady.

Lynn does an amazing job of mixing patterns; stripes, florals, it all works. She's not afraid of color, and mixes new and vintage beautifully.

Indigo Seas has an eclectic mix of Grand Tour souvenirs and the most fabulous oil paintings of portraits, florals and seascapes. Depending on the day, you'll hear Brazilian or French background music, adding to the sultry Los Angeles weather, and transporting you to another time and place.

Photos from "La Strada della Dolce Vita" book show Lynn's unique eye...

Shots of Lynn's home...

Fun handwritten recipes in this oversized book.

Color, color and more color!

Before leaving, Lynn was so sweet and gave Renee and I each a shirt. They are from France (of course, right?), lightweight and perfect for summer weather. What a kind gesture!

You won't find Lynn online. She doesn't deal with computers and doesn't hesitate to let you know that. So, you'll have to shop in person. Be sure and visit Indigo Seas at 123 N. Robertson, Los Angeles, CA. Her book is sold exclusively there, so if you can't make it there you could call to order a copy at (310) 550-8758. You won't be disappointed!

A day in Santa Monica and Venice brought us to another favorite spot, Obsolete.

Obsolete has the most unique antiques and artifacts. Entrancing, magical, ethereal. Everything from industrial lighting to obscure curiosities, it is a treat to visit this shop.

These little birds have their own little house in the middle of the shop. They even have their own little vintage lights. How cute it that?

Fabulous found objects...

unique artists...

Mechanical contraptions...

Wonderful art. A treasure of a shop!

Okay, that's all the reporting from So. Cal. See you next trip...hopefully with a van full of treasures!

Photos from “La Strada della Dolce Vita" and Obsolete

Museum of Victorian Curiosities Auction

Di over at Designer's Block has tortured me once again with her post about the The Shambles Museum in Gloucestershire sadly closing and holding a 4 day auction, May 18-21. I wish I could simply "hop over the pond" to the UK to attend.

Divided into interesting sections, this auction has an array of eclectic items with reasonably priced estimates. Auctioneer Simon Chorley said it was one of the largest collections of everyday Victoriana in the UK.

I've selected a handful of photos of some of my favorite things, but be sure and visit the website here to check out the HUNDREDS of things they are auctioning off. Perhaps you'll be there to attend?

THE STATIONER:

A quantity of pens, pencils, nibs etc, many in original packaging

Estimate: £ 50 - 70

THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S STUDIO:

A No 3 Cartridge Kodak camera by Eastman Kodak Co.

Estimate: £ 120 - 150

"The Shambles museum uniquely recreates the feel of Victorian life of the 1890s and everything from the original shop facades and their shelf-stacked interiors to agricultural corn merchants and the police station manned by its Bobby will be offered in the 2,300 lot sale."

THE PHARMACIST:

A quantity of pots for Woods Areca Nut toothpaste

Estimate: £ 80 - 120

THE DOCTOR'S SURGERY:

An early 19th Century apothecary's chest, the brass bound mahogany box with hinged lid enclosing a fitted interior containing various bottles etc above a drawer similarly fitted, bears label for George Anderson, Chemist to the King, Worcester

Estimate: £ 150 - 200

THE GROCER:

Huntley & Palmers Tin, Morocco

Estimate: £ 30 - 40

Nine jars for Frank Coopers 'Oxford' Seville marmalade

Estimate: £ 30 - 40

THE DRAPER, HABERDASHER, MILLINER AND COSTUMES:

A large quantity of gentleman's shirt collars and leather collar boxes

Estimate: £ 100 - 150

THE PAWNBROKER:

Six ivory napkin rings with plated mounts, in a fitted case

Estimate: £ 30 - 40

A pierced fish server and sundry plated items etc

Estimate: £ 20 - 30

Photos from Simon Corley Auctioneers