LG 2011 the big weekend
Get out the sparklers! The Lauritzen Gardens Antique and Garden Show was the best ever! (FYI that phrase has been repeated every year since the show started, and is considered accurate by most if not all...)
The weekend began Thursday night with the Preview Party, where patrons mingled and got the "first look" at the antiques with the opportunity to purchase. As a past attendee, I have learned the hard lesson associated with "thinking" about an item I might be interested in. Thinking often leads to a very disappointing SOLD sign upon returning... after thinking. Thinking is not recommended. This is what I tried to convey to my husband. He likes to think. I am required to "think" on certain things, but if it's something I can't live without, within reason, there's no thinking... SOLD!
I reacquainted myself with the returning antique dealers, and welcomed the new, all the while keeping one eye on the antiques... and, please know that I did all this while balancing on stilts. As if anyone was paying attention to my shoes... all anyone could see were the antiques! Oh my, there was a lot to see. Let's take a look...
From Jayne Thompson Antiques... Exquisite, really exquisite... real statement pieces.
Parrin & Co. was new to the show... and very popular! My mom would have gone crazy over the mercury glass...
Loved the kale arrangement!
These gorgeous red intaglios were my favorite thing in her shop... they sold quickly.
American Eagle Antiques was next door.
I loved the color of this interesting piece. The panels turn to form a tiered table!
Mercato Italian Antiques and Artifacts
from Kansas City is a favorite... I could probably find a spot in my house for anything and everything in Mary's booth... right up my alley. Remember my reliquary pieces from past shows? Love!
PS Mary is my new BFF.
Please look at that mirror!
These architectural fragments were quite popular... and I loved the trio of pots with mums...
Price tag $25 a piece!
(Sorry about my flash)
was another newcomer... do check out her website... My photo selection does not do her booth justice!
Manor House Antiques from Tennessee has beautiful tortoise boxes...
Sallea Antiques from Connecticut had the most spectacular displays in the land!
Blue and white with beautiful boxes...
Rose medallion with tortoise boxes...
Unique pear and apple tea caddies...
Right next door was Sebasky & Hildreth... I did some damage at this stop... loved the barometer.
I've never seen so much miniature Staffordshire!
Coveted the candlestick. Bought the candlestick.
Zane Moss and his adorable wife have been around the block... I love to hear their stories. They love their antiques and talk about them like they're family. I have a bit of a love affair going on with the two of them... just darling I tell you.
An amazing collection of Black Forest we look forward to every year...
Kimball and Bean Architectural & Garden Antiques
My heart skipped a beat at the sight of these charming french tangerines!
Oh dear, I did some serious damage at Nufangle Fine Antiques & Whimsy... another newcomer from Kansas City.
Intaglios, a mirror, checkerboards... stay tuned for that post!
Totally love Trace Mayer from Louisville. I think I've bought something from Trace every single year. This year, I bought this handsomeness... there's a matching one if you are in love. I can't wait to show you what I put in mine! I visit Trace's website often...
Aren't these adorable? From G. Sergeant Antiques
This was a popular item as you can imagine and sold very quickly!
Oh heavenly Father, you know how I love globes... Isn't this one a beauty? From a new dealer, Crow & Company Antiques from Houston. So glad to have her on board!
Janice Paull featured this incredible collection...
Solomon Suchard Antiques & Fine Art
I can't tell you how taken I am with this french faience pottery...
That scissor edged platter? Seriously love it.
Are these two not the cutest? Ever?
This little gal got me. The buckets are for salt and pepper my friends. How could I resist? I couldn't. She is now living on my kitchen counter and I love her dearly.
I have added Palissy to my list of favorite things in the world.
In this booth, you will find some of the most beautiful majolica you will ever see... We're talking rare and unusual pieces featured in Majolica books...
Let me introduce you to "the rug guy" aka Larry Bergman from Coulee Oriental Rugs.
Thomas M. Fortner Antiques
So love this Fortuny fabric and this gorgeous chair!
Anthony Scornavacco
Oh dear. Serious damage done at this booth. I thought these blue and white chargers were the prettiest I'd ever seen. I also bought one of a pair of mirrors. My sister-in-law bought the other... as well as the tapestry in the photo below! Will have to beg her to share a photo when she has it hung in her living room... stunning central!
Earle Vandekar of Knightsbridge, Inc.
I didn't get a good shot of this pair... but I think they may have been the most lovely things at the show! Show stoppers for sure. Their website is worth a visit... more gorgeousness to see!
I was so caught up in the excitement, my camera battery went dead before I was able to get to each and every dealer. I feel terrible about not featuring every single one of them equally. Obviously, I got more photos of things I am specifically attracted to, but I can assure you, there were wonderful things aplenty in each and every booth!
Visit the Lauritzen Gardens Antique and Garden Show website to see the complete list of dealers. (here)
More to come including speakers and what I brought home this year...