Antiques, Art, Vintage and Collectibles Blog and Research Information Forum
Martin visits historic Strawberry Banke in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and chats with the Chief Curator, Kimberly Alexander. This riverside museum has 35 structures dating all the way back to 1695 (only two buildings were moved to the site). Kimberly is a wonderful guest with a passion for preserving history.
Click the image to visit the Strawberry Banke Museum website. “Come explore four centuries of American history in one of New Hampshire’s oldest waterfront neighborhoods.”
Martin stops in and talks with Nancy Jones at Foreside Consignment Gallery in Falmouth, Maine about her eight month old shop that is bustling with business on the beautiful Maine coast. Listen in as they discuss what it was like growing up in a big household of antique dealers and auctioneers and much more.
Click the moosehead image to visit the shop’s website.
Martin visits master craftsman Allan Breed at his shop & School of Fine Woodworking in Rollinsford, NH. They talk about the construction of period American furniture, carving and early American apprenticeships. Of all cabinetmakers in the US, Allan was chosen to make an exact copy of the most important piece of American furniture, the 1760s Nicholas Brown Six Shell Desk/Bookcase by John Goddard (click here). Allan runs a school sharing his knowledge & skills of using hand tools almost exclusively for fine furniture in the manner of the 18th century. You can stop in at Allan’s website by clicking the image to the above right. Click here for a short video clip of the workshop/school.
Martin visits veteran dealer Paul DeCoste in Massachusetts who specializes in antique marine & scientific instruments. They talk about Paul’s background, the people who shared knowledge with him and what the current market is like. Listen in to hear about a “best find” an Aaron Willard Orrery (an orrery pictured to the left). They later discuss rare ivory scrimshaw, famous scrimshanders (Susan’s Teeth), fakes and the strict government enforcement on ivory “smuggling”.
For a related blog, click here.
If you have items of interest in these categories, you can contact Paul at: 978-363-1420
Martin talks to antique appraiser and radio show host of Keep Antiquing, Frank Farmer Loomis. Frank and Martin discuss museums, Nazi stolen artworks, and an unusual book signing. Frank’s sense of humor is always appreciated!
Click Frank’s image to visit his website.
Martin & Thelema speak with phone guest Gene Shannon of Shannon Fine Art Auctioneers about the company’s recent 5 million dollar auction, what is hot & what is not so hot in the art collecting world.
Click Gene’s image to visit Shannon Fine Art Auctioneers website.