What's New
Friday, January 6, 2012
Stair Galleries Auction
January 14th, 10am
Session 1: Asian & Ethnographic (Lots 1 - 214)
Session 2: English & Continental (Lots 215 - 626)
Featuring Lot 490:
FOUR AMERICAN CARVED MIRROR-
INSET CAROUSEL PANELS
Estimate $1,500 - 3,000
Possibly Philadelphian and originally painted, these great panels can be personalized to make a grand statement! As panels on a merry-go-round, they served a number of purposes, adding visual interest, mirrors that bounce light and reflections, and utilitarian, masking joints and mechanisms - now they're available to do the same for your space!
For more information, contact Stair Galleries at 518-751-1000 or by emailing info@stairgalleries.com.
Friday, December 30, 2011
What‘s New at Cupboards and Roses
Veranda Magazine has featured our Made-to-Order reeded Gustavian-style commode, #110-01, has been featured in their January-February 2012 issue (see page 38 for their article on painted dressers). On-line, Veranda style director Eugenia Santiesteban Soto has included us in her “Swedish Shopping Resources.” Thanks, Veranda!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
SANDY KLEMPNER ANTIQUES & INTERIORS
"EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!"
Before we head south for the winter, join us for a
MONTH LONG 1-2-3 SALE
starting this Saturday, November 16, 2011.
The MORE you purchase, the MORE your ENTIRE bill will be discounted!
Buy 1 item.......................10 % off
Buy 2 items............................20% off total
Buy 3 or more items................30% off total!
Come Early for the best selection of one-of-a-kind compelling Antiques and Objects, Rugs, Lamps, Folk Art, Paintings, Vintage & Designer Clothing!
All purchased with an eclectic, yet discriminating eye!
Remember, the holidays are almost upon us.
You’ll support local, buy green, and get value!
2188 Route 295, Canaan, NY 12029
Store hours: Friday thru Sunday, 10-5.
Closing end December 18 through mid-February.
www.SandyKlempnerAntiques.com
518-781-3456 (shop)
518-322-1894 (cell)
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Stair Galleries’ Auction, October 15-16th
English, Continental and American
www.StairGalleries.com
Lot 274: ATTRIBUTED TO SIR GODFREY KNELLER: PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN IN AN ELABORATE WIG
Oil on canvas, relined and restretched. Provenance: Sold Sotheby's, New York, January 1984, lot #727. 28 3/4 x 24 1/2 in. (sight), 38 x 33 x 3 in.
(frame). Estimate $ 2,000-4,000
This wonderfully painted portrait has been in a private collection in Brooklyn Heights since 1984 and is attributed to one of the finest British portrait painters in the baroque period. The treatment of the hair, skin and cloth is of exceptional quality, and very reasonably estimated
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
We, at Painted Porch, are celebrating the start of the leaf changing season by bringing in a large new shipment from France, England and Canada. This would be a wonderful time to visit the Berkshires and visit Painted Porch. We think our assortment of country furniture and accessories is unique. I know you will find it interesting. This is just a small example, by picturing this English pine settle, taken from a pub. The patina is very rich. There are also original pub signs and a great assortment of children’s toys, games etc. We are proud of our current collection of original painted Canadian furniture and English and French store counters, to be used in a country kitchen. Maybe you have been looking for a golf locker, to be used in a mudroom. If you can’t pay us a visit, you can find everything on our web site, at www.paintedporch.com
Monday, September 26, 2011
For the first time in many years, Cupboards & Roses is going to a show! Owner Edith Gilson has decided it would be good to get out of the shop on a beautiful Berkshires autumn weekend, and she signed us up for the Washington CT Antiques Show, a benefit for the Gunn Library in Washington Depot.
We invite you to come out to enjoy the weather and meet Edith at the Show. We’ll have some of our best pieces there for you to see.
Click here for a map of Washington Depot, CT.
Click here to see the latest pieces on our web site.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Stair Antique Auctioneers and Appraisers
Friday, August 12, 2011
The Country Dining Room Antiques is offering its friends, old and new, a wonderful opportunity. All antiques, china, crystal, silver, dining room furniture, are 30% off. The shop remains as beautifully decorated as ever in memory of shop founder and creator Sheila Chefetz. Tom Hayes will be in the shop Wednesday - Sunday, 10 - 5. You can contact him by phone at 413-528-5050 or by email at info@countrydiningroomantiq.com.
The Country Dining Room Antiques, 178 Main Street, Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
Friday, August 5, 2011
BCAADA member Bill Talbot of Asia Barong has received a number of new pieces, including the Samurai-era Katana shown at right. It’s of exceptional length, circa 1844, and comes with papers of authentication from SHINSA
Other spectacular new items include a 28-foot ocean going bamboo outrigger sailboat from the South Sea Islands and an 18-foot long lost wax cast brass dragon with pearl.
Bill invites you to see these pieces and more in person at the largest Asian store in America. Asia Barong keeps flexible hours at 199 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA, so call before you come, 413-528-5091, or email Bill at talbotwilliam@hotmail.com.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Ellen Ring of Ellen L Ring Ltd has recently returned from a buying trip with lots of wonderful pieces of jewelry, antique, estate and contemporary.
Attached are a few examples:
An iconic pair of signed Seaman Schepps earrings from the Cage Collection.
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An exceptional 18kt, ruby and diamond bracelet that is so flexible and smooth, it is a joy to wear.
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The following are a few other recent purchases:
Judith Ripka Green Amethyst Ring
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Antique 18kt & Diamond Bird in Flight
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Victorian 14kt and Garnet Heart Pendant
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Visit our website at www.ELRLTD.com or stop into The Emporium Antique Center
located at 319 Main Street Great Barrington, MA to see these and many other lovely
jewels.
July-October 2011
Ellen Ring of Ellen L Ring Ltd Jewelry is showcasing a curated selection of her antique, estate and modern jewelry in the Chesterwood gift shop. In August Chesterwood will be hosting a wine and cheese reception where Ellen will bring additional jewels for you to covet and purchase!! She will also speak about the styles of jewelry, past and present and will be available to answer any questions.
Date to be determined.
More of her jewelry is also represented on her website www.ELRLTD.com and in The Emporium Antique Center, 319 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA
Sunday, June 11, 2011
Painted Porch is ready for the summer, with a new container from France and England. One of our primary desires is to buy unique store and shop counters for country kitchens. The attached image is a French variety store counter , with storage, drawer and a brass slot , on top, to deposit Francs. We have many unique store counters, purchased on this recent trip. In addition we were fortunate enough to purchase the nicest painted Irish step-back cupboard we have ever bought, circa 1780 and a terrific selection of dresser bases and sideboards. Canadian painted furniture is also part of our inventory. It’s not all about furniture at Painted Porch. Metal and straw grape hottes, glass wine kegs, shoe and bakery racks, scales, antique toys etc are merchandised throughout the store. This would be a perfect time to pay us a visit or go to our web site, at www.paintedporch.com. we look forward to seeing or hearing from you, in the near future!
Monday, March 21, 2011
In the second of a two-part series on the antiques business in Berkshire County, Berkshire Trade & Commerce monthly discussed the impact of current economic conditions with Alex Sarbib of Le Trianon and with our own Edith Gilson.
The highlights of the March 2011 article are below.
High-Tech Antiques
Trend toward online sales provides both challenges, opportunities for dealers
By John Townes (Berkshire Trade & Commerce, March 2011)
The antiques business, which deals in the past, is being pulled into the future, as one of many sectors that are impacted by the trend towards online Internet e-commerce.
Online commerce has not replaced the traditional ways of doing business such as bricks-and-mortar antique stores, personal relationships and word-of-mouth, or live auctions. However, as detailed in the first part of this series in last month’s BERKSHIRE TRADE & COMMERCE, the traditional antiques trade in recent years has felt the impact of difficult economic conditions, changing demographics and other challenges. The emergence of online commerce is further reshaping the dynamics of the antiques marketplace in ways that present both challenges and opportunities for dealers.
Over the past decade, an increasing share of the sales and purchases of antiques is taking place online, through individual dealers’ websites and Internet auctions.
For dealers, the Internet has been a double-edged sword, bringing both new opportunities and challenges.
The most obvious advantage for dealers is the ability to expand their potential market beyond the physical limitations of their own regions. With the Internet, even a small dealer can reach a national and global marketplace.
On the flip side, it has brought a new dimension of competition to individual dealers by offering customers access to sources of antiques throughout the world. Rather than being limited to visiting dealers in their own region, or having to travel to areas with concentrations of antiques stores, consumers can now browse and buy online from an infinite array of sources.
Antiques dealers have widely varying opinions about this trend, ranging from an enthusiastic embrace of online commerce to pragmatic acceptance to outright resistance.
They have also adapted in differing ways. Most antiques businesses have incorporated some aspects of online sales into their operations, such as the use of email and a promotional website. But, beyond that, there are many variations and levels of involvement in e-commerce.
Some dealers, for example, simply use their website as an electronic calling card or billboard, to publicize their location, specialties and other basic information. They may also use it to promote special items or sales.
“Other dealers take it further by including an extensive catalog of their merchandise, along with mechanisms for online purchasing.
The Internet has also spawned a new generation of dealers who deal exclusively online.
Early adopter sees benefits
 One strong believer in the value of e-commerce is Edith Gilson, owner of Cupboards and Roses at 296 S. Main St. in Sheffield and president of the Berkshire County Antiques and Art Dealers Association.
While on-site display and sales activity in her Sheffield store continues to be an important core of her business, online sales through her website www.cupboardsandroses.com to national and international markets are now a significant portion of her sales.
Gilson credits this with helping her business to withstand the impact of the economic downturn, and even to grow despite the difficult recessionary market. “It has made a huge difference for me,” she said. “If I had not made the investment in a website, my business might not have survived.”
As owner of a business that specializes in Swedish painted furniture and other items from Europe, Gilson noted that the Internet is a good fit because it links her with people interested in her niche throughout the world. She noted that she was an early adopter of online commerce, and she placed substantial effort into establishing an Internet presence before it became widespread.
“Five or six years ago, people thought I was crazy to invest so much into a website,” she said. “They did not think it would be an effective way to sell. But today the Internet is a major source of sales. Now, dealers recognize that if they don”t have a good website, it will hurt their business.”
 Alex Sarbib, co-owner of Le Trianon Fine Art and Antiques at 1854 N. Main St. in Sheffield, believes the Internet is a useful tool but not a panacea.
“I think the Internet can be very beneficial, but it also depends on what you’re selling,” he said. “It also requires a lot of additional work. Unlike a physical store, you can”t simply place an item on the sales floor and talk to customers about it. You have to build a database with photographs and complete descriptions and constantly update them, as well as handle inquiries and orders.”
Sarbib’s parents, Colette and Jean Henri, started Le Trianon in New York in 1978 and moved the business to Sheffield five years later. The business launched a website www.letrianonantiques.com about 10 years ago.
Today, Sarbib said, online commerce is an important part of their operations, but primarily as a supplement to traditional interactions. He estimated that online activity currently accounts for somewhere around 20 percent of their business.
“It has helped us to grow from being strictly a regional business to one that deals nationally and internationally,” said Sarbib. “It enables us to show and sell items to people who might never actually come to Berkshire County.”
(Le Trianon also now has a branch in San Francisco. “Basically, my brother wanted to move to San Francisco, and that gave us an opportunity to have a presence on both coasts,” Sarbib said, adding that the company’s website and online presence provide a virtual bridge between the two locations.)
Sarbib believes the Internet is most useful for items that have potential appeal to a geographically broad base of customers. “It’s less of a factor for an item that is primarily of local interest,” he said. “But it can be very helpful for items that are of interest to people in other locations.”
He added that for buyers it is a double-edged sword. “It has made it easier for customers in some ways, but also made it harder in others,” he said. “Instead of just competing with buyers in their own area for an item, on the Internet they may be competing with people all over the world.”
Although Le Trianon’s business continues to be based more on traditional approaches to sales and marketing than on the Internet, Sarbib acknowledged that online commerce is changing the antiques market in fundamental ways.
“We’re able to continue to primarily do business through our store and client relationships because we were already an established business before the Internet,” he said. “But if I were starting now, I don”t know if it could be done in the same way, because so much has changed.”
Personal vs. virtual
As a market that deals with tangible items that also have intangible qualities and appeal, there is a paradox between antiques and the detached and virtual nature of online commerce.
Sarbib believes that many people still want to see items and buy them in person, but they also use the Internet to make the process more efficient.
“It has helped us to grow
from being strictly a regional
business to one that deals
nationally and internationally.”
”For example, many of our customers are professionals like interior designers in this region, and they are often looking for particular items for a client,” he said. “Before the Internet, they had to visit or call many antiques dealers in the region to find what they were looking for. Now they can use the Internet to see which dealers have it. So they still do their examination and buying in person, but the Internet saves them time.”
Meanwhile, for other types of customers, antiques shopping is traditionally associated with experiences such as weekend afternoons spent visiting shops, savoring the ambiance, chatting with the owners and seeking out items that make a connection with them.”
Monday, January 17, 2011
In the first of a two-part series on the antiques business in Berkshire County, Berkshire Trade & Commerce monthly discussed the impact of current economic conditions with our own Edith Gilson. The highlights of that February 2011 article are below.
"Antiques dealers have definitely been affected by the economy," said Edith Gilson, current president of the Berkshire County Antiques and Art Dealers Association (BCAADA). "But I'd say that a more fundamental change has been due to the Internet."
"In general, the level of sales and walk-in traffic for dealers is certainly not what it was several years ago," said Gilson, who owns Cupboards & Roses at 296 S. Main St. in Sheffield, and antiques business specializing in Swedish painted furniture and other items from Europe and Scandinavia. "We've all had to contend with that."
Gilson attributed this primarily to the economy and the downbeat public mood about other issues.
"Antiques are not an essential purchase," said Gilson. "Consumer confidence is important, because when people are worried about the future they are more reluctant to buy non-essentials. With all of the negative news lately, that confidence had not been there."
Gilson believes that the antiques market is also experiencing a residual effect of the years of the real estate boom. "With the expensive prices people had to pay for houses back then, they often have not had enough money left over for added expenses like antiques," she commented.
Nevertheless, Gilson noted that recently there have been signs of improvement. "I'm more optimistic now than I was in the spring, because the activity for many dealers this summer was much better than expected," she said.
Gilson noted that the market for art has also stayed relatively strong. "European buyers are investing in art, and that has helped works of art to maintain their value," she said.
However, the antiques business is also subject to the larger uncertainty about the timing and extent of recovery. The shape of the market will also be affected by whether the present economic turbulence is simply the latest version of the perennial cycles or is a symptom of underlying structural socio-economic changes.
Gilson said she is concerned about the potential deeper trends in the economy and society in the United States.
"Something quite disastrous has happened to the middle class," she said. "The poor have become poorer and their numbers are increasing. The middle class is being squeezed and is shrinking. That is a real soci0-economic problem.
"There will always be a segment of wealthy buyers, but the middle class have the greater numbers. If America is not able to sustain a middle class, everything will be adversely affected, including the market for antiques."
Earlier this year, the BCAADA launched a campaign called Antiques are Green. "Antiques are relevant to today's interest in sustainability, and that's a message we hope to convey to younger people," said Gilson.
Despite the present economic challenges, Gilson also emphasized that there have been silver linings and some signs of improvement recently.
And, despite the belt-tightening and some casualties among dealers, the antiques business in the Berkshires overall has held its own during these difficult times.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Panted Porch Antiques has just received a new shipment, from France and England. There is new excitement here . Zinc Top store counters, butcher blocks, with marble top, French lawn bowling and French menu signs, are but a few items you will see, when visiting us. Now would be the time. The piece shown, will likely last about a week. It's a golf locker, from the Yorkshire area of the UK and would be perfect for a mudroom or den! In the next week or so, everything will be posted on our web site, at www.paintedporch.com. we will be open 7 days a week, during the fall foliage season. We are quite pleased with our shipment and trust you will be, as well.
Monday, July 26, 2010
BCAADA members Richard and Rebekah Wise of R.W. Wise, Goldsmiths will be showcasing the Henderson Collection of fine jewelry in their store Friday evening and all day Saturday, July 30 and 31.
"The name Lecil Henderson is not yet a household name," said Rebekah, "but he has done something pretty amazing. He has developed a line of richly colored golds - that's right, colored gold - in colors like black, denim and bronze, and he has created a line of jewelry featuring all of these colors in 18k gold.
"Think of it - 18k denim gold that matches your jeans or picks up the color of your eyes! Bronze gold is a wonderful color for redheads, and black gold, well, black goes with everything," she added.
The public is invited to meet Lecil Henderson and see his creations at a reception Friday night, 4:00 to 8:00 pm. For more information, contact Richard or Rebekah at 413-637-1589 or rebekah@rwwise.com.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Charles Flint of Charles Flint Art & Antiques, as well as in his role as President of the Lenox Historical Society, announces the opening of the Musical Memories exhibit Friday, May 14th at 5:30 p.m. at the Academy building at 65 Main Street in Lenox, MA.
The exhibit is free. Those attending the opening can also enjoy a Wine and Cheese Reception, celebrating the rich musical history associated with the Lenox area.
At 6:30 p.m., the A-Cappella students' group from Lenox High School will perform.
For more information, contact Charles Flint, President of the Lenox Historical Society at (413) 637-1634, or Curator, Vickie Salavtore at (413) 441-7902.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
A new exhibition, "The Little Family Letters," opens May 1 at the historic 1774 Dan Raymond House Museum in Sheffield, MA. Built around the recently acquired collection of nearly two dozen letters from the early 1800s to and from members of the Little family, the exhibit also features antique pieces on loan from members of the BCAADA.
The north and south parlors, keeping room and buttery are filled with period vignettes which include extraordinary examples of antique chairs, tables, writing desks, paintings, samplers, china, redware, and mantel clocks, as well as objects related to letter writing such as inkwells, lap desks and envelope holders. Poignant excerpts from the letters appear on the museum walls, and a portfolio of the letters is available for viewing.
The Dan Raymond House is located in the center of historic Sheffield, Massachusetts on Route 7, just north of the Connecticut state line and immediately south of Great Barrington. For more information, contact the Sheffield Historical Society at www.sheffieldhistory.org or 413-229-2694.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Richard and Rebekah Wise of R.W. Wise, Goldsmiths have just returned from their gem and jewelry-buying trip to Southeast Asia. Among other treasures, they found some great hand-made sterling silver jewelry from SE Asia. They will also be featuring silver jewelry by Gurhan, the famous Turkish designer.
Although they could not buy in Burma because of our country's embargo, they did meet with a miner friend who explained that the surface deposits of rubies and sapphires have been worked out and that these gems will not be available in Burma for the foreseeable future.
For more information, contact R.W. Wise at infowise@rwwise.com or at 413-637-1589.
Monday, April 26, 2010
"Invest in the Future....Recycle the Past." This is the new slogan for our members since we have joined "antiques are green," a group committed to the idea that purchasing an antique is a great way to support the health of the planet.
As an example, take the simple antique Windsor chair. "The chair parts were made by craftsmen who lived in the woods where the materials came from. The turnings were produced on treadle-operated lathes, then parts were taken on foot to a local workshop to be assembled. From there the completed chairs would be distributed around the country by horse and cart or waterways. The chair saw a hard use but is still around today. " (Excerpted from www.antiquesaregreen.org.)
BCAADA president Edith Gilson believes that this is a win-win idea: the antique purchased today is an investment in the future, both financially and environmentally. "We're proud to be a part of this world-wide movement," she added.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
"The fascinating back story of the Hope Diamond. It is both a delightful read and a treasure trove of insights into the world of the 17th century gem trade."
John S. White, Former Curator
National Gem Collection, The Smithsonian
Our member Richard Wise, of R.W. Wise Goldsmiths, has just published a new historical novel based on the real-life story of 17th century gem merchant Jean-Baptiste Tavernier and the stone destined to become known as the Hope Diamond.
THE FRENCH BLUE recounts Tavernier's six voyages - from the seraglios of Persia to the Empire of Shah Jahan, from the lands of the Great Mogul of India to the court of Louis XI - to the ultimate acquisition of a great blue diamond weighing 116 carats. Over a span of forty years and sixty thousand leagues, this is the unforgettable story of one man, one beautiful woman and the world's most fabulous diamond.
Monday, June 8, 2009
PAINTED PORCH ANTIQUES has been featured in Architectural Digest for the 3rd time in 8 years. The June issue displays a grape Hotte, used in the south of France , to pick grapes in the fields. This metal holder would be strapped to the workers back and the vineyard is featured on the front of the grape hotte. This particular piece has long been sold, however PAINTED PORCH currently owns 5 more, that can be bought. Below is the link to this article and can be found on our web site, along with other magazine articles featured throughout the years in business.
http://www.paintedporch.com/architecturaldigestJune2009.htm
Friday, June 5, 2009
After reading a recent article in the Berkshire Eagle about hard times for the antiques business, Association President Edith Gilson responded with a more positive assessment of the current climate. Her letter follows:
To the Editor, The Berkshire Eagle:
Regarding the May 31 AP article on "Antiques dealers lament" in Woodbury, Conn., I feel compelled to dispel some of the doom and gloom that was chronicled. Lest one assumes that the sky is falling everywhere in the world of antiques, I can assure you as President of the Berkshire County Massachusetts Antiques and Art Dealers Association (BCAADA) and as the owner of Cupboards & Roses Antiques, that while these economic times are challenging, we continue to succeed at meeting our customers' needs and making sales here in the Berkshires and beyond.
Brothers Leslie and Leigh Keno, from PBS's Antiques Roadshow, describe the Berkshires as an "Antiques Mecca", and this is quite true. Our dealers specialize in antiques ranging from American folk art to Chinese, from American wicker to high-style English pieces, from French formal and country, to Swedish painted furniture -- in other words, something for every taste and budget.
The bottom line is that our member dealers are unique in that they offer a rare depth of inventory for residents and visitors alike. The business of antiques is always evolving. I'm no Pollyanna. One must work doubly hard to make a sale. Internet sales are now a huge part of our business. Stellar customer service is essential.
Many antiques dealers throughout the Berkshires, including the majority of the 45 members of the BCAADA, have been in business for 20 years or more. We've seen and weathered the ups and downs of countless business cycles. We prefer not to dwell on negativity but to offer a different perspective -- realistic but positive -- as we roll up our sleeves and work harder and smarter for our customers.
Edith Gilson
1st Dibs - Antiquing in the Berkshires
We are absolutely thrilled that 1st Dibs, the great on-line antiques resource has posted a special feature, Antiquing in the Berkshires. Susanna Salk from 1st Dibs toured our area and has reported on what to do, where to eat and where to stay, as well as on the Berkshires antiques dealers who display their wares on 1st Dibs.
This will be seen by designers and antiques lovers throughout the world! Click here to join them and learn what's hot in the Berkshires.
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