February 2008

As you might expect, we receive many questions and comments about our website offerings, and the objects we offer at shows and at the Connecticut Antiques Center in Stamford, Connecticut.

It is certainly most gratifying when we have a face-to-face conversation with collectors about a particular item that interests them. In the event, we can’t answer a question, and it happens often enough, we need to do further research. This part of the antique business is fun, challenging, and ultimately, a learning experience for everyone. It expands our knowledge and makes buyers and collectors more comfortable with purchasing from us.

To that end, we continue to expand our library and our relationships with other dealers and collectors. It has also been important to attend seminars, conferences and visit museums.

Recently we had the opportunity to visit a wonderful special exhibit currently at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA. This exhibit, running until February 24, 2008, focuses on Samuel McIntire, a Salem native who made his living in the late 18th and early 19th Century designing furniture, houses and all manner of decorative items that are beautifully displayed. He is best known for his decorative carvings particularly on furniture. There are of course, many other offerings of fine objects at the museum. Their website is www.pem.org.

The museum has also published an excellent book devoted to Samuel McIntire, compiled by Dean T. Lahikainen, Curator of American Decorative Arts at the Peabody Essex Museum. It is titled: Samuel McIntire, Carving an American Style.

In our opinion, it is well worth the trip to Massachusetts in the winter!

Until next time,

Lori & Charlie