Martin joins Cari Cucksey of HGTV’s Cash & Cari for a fun sit-down at the Brimfield Antique show.
Check out: http://www.repurposeshop.com
Author: martin
Antiques: A Journey Through Time
by Martin Willis
A look at how antiques connect us to forgotten lives of the past
I was walking my dog this morning on the property of the 1790 House, which is a fine colonial structure in Woburn, Massachusetts that houses the auction company’s office. The property is right next to Rt. 128, which is always very noisy with a constant stream of traffic flowing north and south.
The historic house borders the Middlesex Canal, which was a concept that became a reality in the late 18th century. The canal connected Boston Harbor to the Merrimack River and had 20 locks with the average depth of 3 feet. Barges pulled by oxen transported many goods all the way to Concord, NH and back. The main function of the canal was to transport timber for shipbuilding from the virgin forest of New Hampshire to Medford, Mass. When the canal was built, it was a very substantial feat of engineering for that time.
As my dog and I walked near the canal, we came to some brush that my dog decided to walk into. I forced my way through the thicket to find my dog, and came upon a magnificent chiseled granite post protruding out of the ground. It had a hand hammered and rusted iron eyelet near the top for rope lashing. I wondered when the last time was that someone saw this post lost in time. I realized that objects like these, along with antiques are connections to the forgotten lives of the past.
134. Richard Wright, Italian 20th c. Glass
Repeat guest, Richard Wright, of Wright in Chicago talks about fine 20th c. Italian, Murano glass such as Venini & Barovier. Check out the important collection at auction on June 8th, 2013.
133. Antique Violins, Kevin McElroy
Martin speaks with luthier, Kevin McElroy of Frost Gully Violins in Freeport, Maine about what makes antique violins special, and what to look for in a fine instrument. Visit: frostgullyviolins.com
The Next Generation
by Lee Kalfon
One of the most pressing issues in our industry today, and one near to my heart, is how to engage the next generation of auction goers and antique collectors. I have read a good many articles on how the younger generations; the millennials in particular don’t care about antiques. All too many times I’ve heard “kids these days would rather have a cell phone than a bedroom suite”. Frankly I am starting to take offense. I am a millennial. I am 25, and yes, I own an IPhone, but I also work for an auction house. I care about antiques, vintage, and preserving our material culture for the next generation. Maybe I’m an anomaly, but I don’t think so.
132. Lee Kalfon, The Millennial Generation & Antiques
Martin chats with Lee Kalfon about what is going on in the antique world and the opinions of Generation Y. They talk about why younger people may have lost some interest in antiques. They discuss vintage and repurposing as well as steampunk movements.