Poll/Survey Results Of Decorative Arts Trends For 2018
Preface
The following survey was conducted from January 2018 to December 2018 by the research staff at the Asheford Institute. The survey consisted of a sampling of over 1,870 current students and past graduates that are actively employed or working within the antiques, collectibles and vintage marketplaces within the United States and Canada (both urban and rural areas). All those who participated in the survey operate their own antiques/vintage/estate sale/appraisal businesses (including online concerns), and are listed as, “proprietors” in the survey.
Survey Mission Statement
The focus of the survey was directed towards interest in current market trends within the antiques, vintage and collectibles community, based on sales and requests for particular items/genre/periods from customers and clients. The survey was informal in nature, and therefore did not employ any standardized or measurable scientific practices or criteria in obtaining results. Survey results were categorized by the age groups of the "proprietors," indicating item/genre/period specific preferences most popular to each of these groupings.
The item/genre/period listings, and their relative popularity with consumers, were represented by a potential numerical scale of 1 to 14 - with 1 being the most popular - and 14 being the least popular.
(*Note: While the survey did not include specific geographic comparables, the terms North East (NE), South East (SE), North West (NW), and South West (SW), were used where applicable to indicate particularly strong interest in item/genre/periods. Listings without these abbreviated notations indicate positive interest in “all” geographic locations).
The following survey was conducted from January 2018 to December 2018 by the research staff at the Asheford Institute. The survey consisted of a sampling of over 1,870 current students and past graduates that are actively employed or working within the antiques, collectibles and vintage marketplaces within the United States and Canada (both urban and rural areas). All those who participated in the survey operate their own antiques/vintage/estate sale/appraisal businesses (including online concerns), and are listed as, “proprietors” in the survey.
Survey Mission Statement
The focus of the survey was directed towards interest in current market trends within the antiques, vintage and collectibles community, based on sales and requests for particular items/genre/periods from customers and clients. The survey was informal in nature, and therefore did not employ any standardized or measurable scientific practices or criteria in obtaining results. Survey results were categorized by the age groups of the "proprietors," indicating item/genre/period specific preferences most popular to each of these groupings.
The item/genre/period listings, and their relative popularity with consumers, were represented by a potential numerical scale of 1 to 14 - with 1 being the most popular - and 14 being the least popular.
(*Note: While the survey did not include specific geographic comparables, the terms North East (NE), South East (SE), North West (NW), and South West (SW), were used where applicable to indicate particularly strong interest in item/genre/periods. Listings without these abbreviated notations indicate positive interest in “all” geographic locations).
1970's molded ABS plastic modular shelf unit
2018 Poll/Survey
(Note: (*) Victorian – this term is NOT inclusive of, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and Mission style, in this survey.)
Antique & Vintage Business Proprietors - Age Grouping: 20 - 40
1. Mid-Century Modern "Everything" (MCM) - Continuing its overall reign of the decorative arts, the MCM movement shows no signs of abating, No longer just furniture, almost anything related to this period is now of interest to collectors and dealers alike. Pieces from the later period (1960s and 70s), such as plastic modular wall-units have become particularly popular with young collectors in their 20s, 30s and even 40s. Interest also remains strong for such classics as table-sets by Frank Gehry, egg chairs designed by Arne Jacobsen, bent plywood chairs, Eames and Herman Miller style anything, along with more commercially produced items as well.
2. Costume Jewelry - Continuing to hold its popular positioning from last year, costume jewelry remains a favorite with not only consumers at entry-level shops and malls, but also with major auction houses, who have held a number of large sales over the past year featuring some of the best pieces from the twentieth-century. From online vintage stores to dedicated antique shops, costume jewelry (particularly of the antique/vintage variety) was in high demand across the board. Shop owners continue to indicate that keeping a sufficient quality of stock on hand can be a challenge considering the current market popularity.
3. Vintage Fashion - New to the list this year, vintage clothing has taken off. Sites such as Etsy have no doubt fueled the interest, but young retailers in the vintage space indicate this market has been huge over the past year. Name brands from the 1960s and 70s are all the rage - from mini-skirt inventor Mary Quant - to couture labels from the top shops of the era. Also popular are authentic 1940s and 50s fashion, especially those with an "atomic" themed design.
4. Memorabilia (collectibles) - Travel posters from the 1960s and 70s, along with all things "Space" related (especially anything to do with Star Wars and the early Star Trek series) were big in 2018. Pop memorabilia - songs and playlists connected to a famous band or musician were also on the list. Early automotive and motorcycle items/parts maintained their popularity as well. Pop-culture items from the 60s and 70s also moved upward, with old cameras and vinyl records, lunch boxes, games, paper antiques (i.e. old film posters), continuing to gain in the ranks. New in this category for this year were some vintage 80s inspired rugs, console tables, electronic games, etc.
5. Toys (MCM) - Always a perennial favorite, the toys category has steadily moved up the list over the last few years as more and more young collectors are buying their own childhood toys from the latter half of the twentieth century. Items from the 1960s all the way up to the 1980s are particularly desired, such as Masters Of The Universe (He-Man), and Transformer figures and action sets.
6. Lighting - 1920s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. Lighting choices reflect strong interest from a number of different eras. Colored glass shades are again becoming popular, while the mainstay of chrome, and stainless (style) lighting from the 1930s through to the 1970s continues to be a mainstay. Industrial lighting in the Steampunk fashion is also making its mark according to many urban dealers. Copper pieces are also beginning to shine as speculation builds around the inevitable replacement of the stainless-steel motif. (NE) (NW)
7. Paintings/Sculptures - Mid-century continues its domination in this area, but interest has shifted to lesser known artists -preferably off-beat and somewhat funkier. All styles are represented, but particularly popular are those from the late mid-century movement - 1960s and even 70s. Brutalist mid-century metal sculptures displayed indoors or out, are also very desirable, as are naturally occurring decorative objects, such as driftwood pieces or stone items. (NE) (SW) (NW)
8. Glass - Art Glass continues to be popular across the board with consumers as it fits virtually every design motif from modern to antique. Vibrant colors and unusual whimsical shapes tops the list though. Other popular items include, vases, pitchers, and objects d’art. Other glass, particularly from the 1930s and up is also popular. Depression glass continues its comeback with newer younger collectors entering the market due to the low price point.
9. Art Deco - Although primarily related to furniture at the moment; Deco is on the rise according to many young dealers. Attributed to the periods close proximity to the mid-century modern movement, along with some similarly shared design features, dealers are finding a renewed interest in this once popular collectors category. Items such as armoires with metal accents, chests of drawers with steel hardware, jewelry, mantle clocks, and lighting are all reported as selling well. (NE) (NW) (SW)
10. Art Nouveau - Following on the heels of Deco, Art Nouveau seems poised to be making a comeback with the buying public as well. Some dealers have indicated a strong interest in virtually "all" items related to this period of time. Especially as accent or blend pieces for the mid-century modern motif. Dealers also report a shortage of good available stock, and a subsequent rise in "asking" prices. (NE) (SW) (NW)
11. American Western Collectibles - Another strong performer this year is anything to do with the cowboys of the American west. Photos of famous gunslingers and towns (especially signed examples), are continuing their upward climb for the paper collectibles genre. Paintings from the likes of Catlin, Bierstadt and Remington all saw marked increases in value as well.
12. Early Americana/Canadiana - Small wooden and metal farm tools, single-board and two-board harvest tables and chests of
drawers, coffee tables (reproductions), side tables, hutches, wood framed mirrors, blanket boxes, dry-sinks, etc. Anything primitive. (NE) (SW) (NW)
13. Mirrors - All periods. With an emphasis on metal frames from the 30s, 40s and 50s, along with a particularly strong trend recently toward chromed frames and mirrors from the 1970s (think disco period). (NE) (NW) (SW)
14. Textiles - Rugs, quilts, tapestries etc. (NE)
(Note: (*) Victorian – this term is NOT inclusive of, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and Mission style, in this survey.)
Antique & Vintage Business Proprietors - Age Grouping: 20 - 40
1. Mid-Century Modern "Everything" (MCM) - Continuing its overall reign of the decorative arts, the MCM movement shows no signs of abating, No longer just furniture, almost anything related to this period is now of interest to collectors and dealers alike. Pieces from the later period (1960s and 70s), such as plastic modular wall-units have become particularly popular with young collectors in their 20s, 30s and even 40s. Interest also remains strong for such classics as table-sets by Frank Gehry, egg chairs designed by Arne Jacobsen, bent plywood chairs, Eames and Herman Miller style anything, along with more commercially produced items as well.
2. Costume Jewelry - Continuing to hold its popular positioning from last year, costume jewelry remains a favorite with not only consumers at entry-level shops and malls, but also with major auction houses, who have held a number of large sales over the past year featuring some of the best pieces from the twentieth-century. From online vintage stores to dedicated antique shops, costume jewelry (particularly of the antique/vintage variety) was in high demand across the board. Shop owners continue to indicate that keeping a sufficient quality of stock on hand can be a challenge considering the current market popularity.
3. Vintage Fashion - New to the list this year, vintage clothing has taken off. Sites such as Etsy have no doubt fueled the interest, but young retailers in the vintage space indicate this market has been huge over the past year. Name brands from the 1960s and 70s are all the rage - from mini-skirt inventor Mary Quant - to couture labels from the top shops of the era. Also popular are authentic 1940s and 50s fashion, especially those with an "atomic" themed design.
4. Memorabilia (collectibles) - Travel posters from the 1960s and 70s, along with all things "Space" related (especially anything to do with Star Wars and the early Star Trek series) were big in 2018. Pop memorabilia - songs and playlists connected to a famous band or musician were also on the list. Early automotive and motorcycle items/parts maintained their popularity as well. Pop-culture items from the 60s and 70s also moved upward, with old cameras and vinyl records, lunch boxes, games, paper antiques (i.e. old film posters), continuing to gain in the ranks. New in this category for this year were some vintage 80s inspired rugs, console tables, electronic games, etc.
5. Toys (MCM) - Always a perennial favorite, the toys category has steadily moved up the list over the last few years as more and more young collectors are buying their own childhood toys from the latter half of the twentieth century. Items from the 1960s all the way up to the 1980s are particularly desired, such as Masters Of The Universe (He-Man), and Transformer figures and action sets.
6. Lighting - 1920s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. Lighting choices reflect strong interest from a number of different eras. Colored glass shades are again becoming popular, while the mainstay of chrome, and stainless (style) lighting from the 1930s through to the 1970s continues to be a mainstay. Industrial lighting in the Steampunk fashion is also making its mark according to many urban dealers. Copper pieces are also beginning to shine as speculation builds around the inevitable replacement of the stainless-steel motif. (NE) (NW)
7. Paintings/Sculptures - Mid-century continues its domination in this area, but interest has shifted to lesser known artists -preferably off-beat and somewhat funkier. All styles are represented, but particularly popular are those from the late mid-century movement - 1960s and even 70s. Brutalist mid-century metal sculptures displayed indoors or out, are also very desirable, as are naturally occurring decorative objects, such as driftwood pieces or stone items. (NE) (SW) (NW)
8. Glass - Art Glass continues to be popular across the board with consumers as it fits virtually every design motif from modern to antique. Vibrant colors and unusual whimsical shapes tops the list though. Other popular items include, vases, pitchers, and objects d’art. Other glass, particularly from the 1930s and up is also popular. Depression glass continues its comeback with newer younger collectors entering the market due to the low price point.
9. Art Deco - Although primarily related to furniture at the moment; Deco is on the rise according to many young dealers. Attributed to the periods close proximity to the mid-century modern movement, along with some similarly shared design features, dealers are finding a renewed interest in this once popular collectors category. Items such as armoires with metal accents, chests of drawers with steel hardware, jewelry, mantle clocks, and lighting are all reported as selling well. (NE) (NW) (SW)
10. Art Nouveau - Following on the heels of Deco, Art Nouveau seems poised to be making a comeback with the buying public as well. Some dealers have indicated a strong interest in virtually "all" items related to this period of time. Especially as accent or blend pieces for the mid-century modern motif. Dealers also report a shortage of good available stock, and a subsequent rise in "asking" prices. (NE) (SW) (NW)
11. American Western Collectibles - Another strong performer this year is anything to do with the cowboys of the American west. Photos of famous gunslingers and towns (especially signed examples), are continuing their upward climb for the paper collectibles genre. Paintings from the likes of Catlin, Bierstadt and Remington all saw marked increases in value as well.
12. Early Americana/Canadiana - Small wooden and metal farm tools, single-board and two-board harvest tables and chests of
drawers, coffee tables (reproductions), side tables, hutches, wood framed mirrors, blanket boxes, dry-sinks, etc. Anything primitive. (NE) (SW) (NW)
13. Mirrors - All periods. With an emphasis on metal frames from the 30s, 40s and 50s, along with a particularly strong trend recently toward chromed frames and mirrors from the 1970s (think disco period). (NE) (NW) (SW)
14. Textiles - Rugs, quilts, tapestries etc. (NE)
Twig-Rocker
Antique & Vintage Business Proprietors - Age Grouping: 40 - 60
1. Mid-Century Modern (MCM) - Ranking first in popularity in this age category in four out of the last five years is really no surprise, at least according to the dealers we spoke with from this group. Dropping to number two last year, due to the rise in popularity of costume jewelry, MCM is once again tops in this category, due in large part to the cross-pollination of MCM into virtually all other areas of the decorative arts. Including clocks, lighting, paintings, sculptures, accent pieces, and of course furniture.
2. Costume Jewelry - Dropping one spot this season appears to have had almost no discernable effect on available inventory for dealers. Last year many in the business complained of not being able to find quality stock, and little seems to have changed this year, as supplies of good vintage and antique costume jewelry remain scarce, while prices remain high. As in past years, items from top designers such as Fouquet, Colonna, Ciner, Caviness, Bogoff, etc., continue to escalate in value.
3. Lighting - Moving way up the charts from last year, dealers in this category also reported strong sales in virtually every era for lighting. Desk models, floor lamps, table lamps and even chandeliers all posted strong sales according to many of the survey's respondents. While MCM styles were often prevalent when it came to popularity, dealers also indicated that late Victorian inspired pieces were also moving well. (NE) (NW) (SW)
4. Early Americana/Canadiana - Continuing its popular upward curve, authentic twig-furniture has become increasingly desirable and valuable with the growth of outdoor living spaces. Smaller wooden tools and boxes also sold well as accent pieces. More traditional items such as blanket boxes, harvest tables, early chests of drawers, side tables, hutches, and reproduction coffee tables also continued to be relatively popular with buyers interested in blending primitives with more modern furnishings. (NE) (SE) (NW)
5. Automobilia/Petrolina - Spurred on by such television shows as American and Canadian Pickers, the growth of auto and motorcycle related products continues to rise. From emblems to oil cans to gas pumps, there seems to be no end in sight to mechanically related collectibles, as competition for top condition pieces remains fierce.
6. Jewelry - While costume jewelry is getting all the attention, traditional gemstones and precious metals are also being swept along the popular curve, as evidenced by recent sales results from major auction houses. All periods and styles seem to be selling well - with an emphasis on Art Nouveau and many Mid-Century Modern pieces.
7. Folk Art - Across most spectrums of the North East and West, many dealers noted a strong resurgence of interest in this area of collecting. Paired with modern decors, primitive folk art pieces seemed to be popular with decorators looking to tone down the somewhat austere feeling of certain MCM interiors. All varieties and in all price ranges, but particularly items such as whirligigs, and weather vanes etc. (NE) (NW) (SW)
8. Architectural Antiques - Items such as balusters, mouldings, doors, old windows (stained glass), railings, etc. (NE) (SW) (NW)
9. Dinnerware - Mostly items from the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. Some popular mid-century producers such as Gladding, McBean & Company that were sold under the "Franciscan" brand along with other MCM styles such as Hallcraft and Metlox have all proved to be top sellers for a number of dealers this past year. These styles often reflect the "atomic-age" with starburst patterns that blend well with most modern motifs.
10. Art Nouveau - All items related to this period of time. (NE) (SW) (NW)
11. Glass - All types. Particularly from the late Victorian era. Depression and Early Art Glass also showed strong growth from buyers in this category.
12. Paintings - Mostly Victorian, with a special emphasis on small oils painted on canvas or other hard surfaces that were often copies of masters works. Done by professionals or painting enthusiasts of the time. Popular due to their small size. Mid-Century Modern examples depicting space-aged themes from this period also gained in popularity within this age group.
13. Victorian - Early, Mid & Late - Golden Oak furniture items ranging from round dinning tables, bookshelves, bookcases, to flat-to-the-walls and pew style benches also gained favor in the past year. Continuing the theme of Victorian pieces with less ornamental decoration; including many late period maple and oak items.
1. Mid-Century Modern (MCM) - Ranking first in popularity in this age category in four out of the last five years is really no surprise, at least according to the dealers we spoke with from this group. Dropping to number two last year, due to the rise in popularity of costume jewelry, MCM is once again tops in this category, due in large part to the cross-pollination of MCM into virtually all other areas of the decorative arts. Including clocks, lighting, paintings, sculptures, accent pieces, and of course furniture.
2. Costume Jewelry - Dropping one spot this season appears to have had almost no discernable effect on available inventory for dealers. Last year many in the business complained of not being able to find quality stock, and little seems to have changed this year, as supplies of good vintage and antique costume jewelry remain scarce, while prices remain high. As in past years, items from top designers such as Fouquet, Colonna, Ciner, Caviness, Bogoff, etc., continue to escalate in value.
3. Lighting - Moving way up the charts from last year, dealers in this category also reported strong sales in virtually every era for lighting. Desk models, floor lamps, table lamps and even chandeliers all posted strong sales according to many of the survey's respondents. While MCM styles were often prevalent when it came to popularity, dealers also indicated that late Victorian inspired pieces were also moving well. (NE) (NW) (SW)
4. Early Americana/Canadiana - Continuing its popular upward curve, authentic twig-furniture has become increasingly desirable and valuable with the growth of outdoor living spaces. Smaller wooden tools and boxes also sold well as accent pieces. More traditional items such as blanket boxes, harvest tables, early chests of drawers, side tables, hutches, and reproduction coffee tables also continued to be relatively popular with buyers interested in blending primitives with more modern furnishings. (NE) (SE) (NW)
5. Automobilia/Petrolina - Spurred on by such television shows as American and Canadian Pickers, the growth of auto and motorcycle related products continues to rise. From emblems to oil cans to gas pumps, there seems to be no end in sight to mechanically related collectibles, as competition for top condition pieces remains fierce.
6. Jewelry - While costume jewelry is getting all the attention, traditional gemstones and precious metals are also being swept along the popular curve, as evidenced by recent sales results from major auction houses. All periods and styles seem to be selling well - with an emphasis on Art Nouveau and many Mid-Century Modern pieces.
7. Folk Art - Across most spectrums of the North East and West, many dealers noted a strong resurgence of interest in this area of collecting. Paired with modern decors, primitive folk art pieces seemed to be popular with decorators looking to tone down the somewhat austere feeling of certain MCM interiors. All varieties and in all price ranges, but particularly items such as whirligigs, and weather vanes etc. (NE) (NW) (SW)
8. Architectural Antiques - Items such as balusters, mouldings, doors, old windows (stained glass), railings, etc. (NE) (SW) (NW)
9. Dinnerware - Mostly items from the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. Some popular mid-century producers such as Gladding, McBean & Company that were sold under the "Franciscan" brand along with other MCM styles such as Hallcraft and Metlox have all proved to be top sellers for a number of dealers this past year. These styles often reflect the "atomic-age" with starburst patterns that blend well with most modern motifs.
10. Art Nouveau - All items related to this period of time. (NE) (SW) (NW)
11. Glass - All types. Particularly from the late Victorian era. Depression and Early Art Glass also showed strong growth from buyers in this category.
12. Paintings - Mostly Victorian, with a special emphasis on small oils painted on canvas or other hard surfaces that were often copies of masters works. Done by professionals or painting enthusiasts of the time. Popular due to their small size. Mid-Century Modern examples depicting space-aged themes from this period also gained in popularity within this age group.
13. Victorian - Early, Mid & Late - Golden Oak furniture items ranging from round dinning tables, bookshelves, bookcases, to flat-to-the-walls and pew style benches also gained favor in the past year. Continuing the theme of Victorian pieces with less ornamental decoration; including many late period maple and oak items.
Chinese Vase
Antique & Vintage Business Proprietors - Age Grouping: 60 - 80
1. Chairs - Supplanting last years leader in the "senior" category, many of the long term dealers surveyed were surprised by the sales of virtually all forms of... chairs. "The stranger the better," according to some dealers who noted that older wingbacks that had been reupholstered in more avant-garde fabrics and styles had sold very quickly. However, it wasn't just reupholstered pieces selling - ladderbacks, simple and plain kitchen chairs, as well as more ornate Victorian parlor pieces also seemed to be of more interest to the buying public than in years past.
2. Chinese Antiques - As with last year, this area of buying and collecting continues to be strong. All types are represented - especially those that can be shown to be legitimate, and not reproductions or fakes. The market continues to evolve and grow. Recent sales of bronze figures, and porcelain objects from dynasties such as the Ch’ing are setting record prices for even average objects. But it's not just the porcelain pieces - rugs, furniture and virtually anything that can be shown to have some connection to the mainland's past is selling quickly. (SW) (NW) (NE)
3. Paintings - Last year there were rumblings of growing interest in Victorian paintings, that prior to this had been mainly languishing on dealers walls. By 2018 that movement seems to have been fully realized as a number of dealers in the North East and North West indicated positive sales this year for Victorian oils and watercolors. Whether this newfound interest translates out to the rest of North America remains to be seen. (NE) (NW)
4. Automobilia/Petrolina - The interest by older baby-boomers and a new generation of collectors seems to be spurring this area of collecting onto new heights. As evidenced by shows such as American Pickers, there seems to be no end in sight to the public's fascination with this type of collectible - which according to many of the surveyed dealers - is the main reasons sales have been so brisk in this category over recent years.
5. Victorian (early, mid and late) - Furniture items mainly, ranging from tables, bookshelves, bookcases, what-nots, hutches, flat-to- the-walls, washstands etc. Including a return to some of the more "ornate" pieces from this era. English furniture of this variety seems to be taking the lead in overall interest. (*Some dealers are continuing to report strong sales in regard to these items - especially in the NE and New York City area).
6. American Western Collectibles - This area of collecting seems to be popular with a number of the surveyed dealers and pickers. Virtually all groups reported strong interest from the buying public, but noted an increasing lack of available stock at reasonable prices. Lesser known artists from this genre are also beginning to see higher valuations for their work.
7. Georgian (Style) Furniture - While Georgian furniture dropped a position this year, many good quality high-end pieces such as hall tables, chairs, dinning room tables, sideboards, etc. were still reportedly selling quite well in the (NE) and (SE). Dealers from other regions also indicated that the "brown-furniture" movement appears to be gaining traction with collectors once again, as prices are slowly beginning to rise.
8. Lighting - Traditional lamps – leaded glass, art glass, oil lamps, etc. Turn of the 20th century metal lamps of all types and shapes.
9. Mid-Century Modern - All varieties, but especially from well known designers such as Eames and Alvar Aalto. Specifically high-end pieces that command top-dollar. (NE)
10. Revival Antiques - Especially items in stone with metal bases or supports whose inspiration was derived from Greek and Egyptian times.
11. Architectural Elements - Such as smaller Italian marble pieces. Fragments from carved panels have also become popular as decorative items for the walls. (NE)
12. Paintings - As with virtually all other groups, paintings from literally every era seem to be finding a home. Victorian paintings were also noted as selling particularly well by dealers within this category as well. (NE) (SW) (NW)
1. Chairs - Supplanting last years leader in the "senior" category, many of the long term dealers surveyed were surprised by the sales of virtually all forms of... chairs. "The stranger the better," according to some dealers who noted that older wingbacks that had been reupholstered in more avant-garde fabrics and styles had sold very quickly. However, it wasn't just reupholstered pieces selling - ladderbacks, simple and plain kitchen chairs, as well as more ornate Victorian parlor pieces also seemed to be of more interest to the buying public than in years past.
2. Chinese Antiques - As with last year, this area of buying and collecting continues to be strong. All types are represented - especially those that can be shown to be legitimate, and not reproductions or fakes. The market continues to evolve and grow. Recent sales of bronze figures, and porcelain objects from dynasties such as the Ch’ing are setting record prices for even average objects. But it's not just the porcelain pieces - rugs, furniture and virtually anything that can be shown to have some connection to the mainland's past is selling quickly. (SW) (NW) (NE)
3. Paintings - Last year there were rumblings of growing interest in Victorian paintings, that prior to this had been mainly languishing on dealers walls. By 2018 that movement seems to have been fully realized as a number of dealers in the North East and North West indicated positive sales this year for Victorian oils and watercolors. Whether this newfound interest translates out to the rest of North America remains to be seen. (NE) (NW)
4. Automobilia/Petrolina - The interest by older baby-boomers and a new generation of collectors seems to be spurring this area of collecting onto new heights. As evidenced by shows such as American Pickers, there seems to be no end in sight to the public's fascination with this type of collectible - which according to many of the surveyed dealers - is the main reasons sales have been so brisk in this category over recent years.
5. Victorian (early, mid and late) - Furniture items mainly, ranging from tables, bookshelves, bookcases, what-nots, hutches, flat-to- the-walls, washstands etc. Including a return to some of the more "ornate" pieces from this era. English furniture of this variety seems to be taking the lead in overall interest. (*Some dealers are continuing to report strong sales in regard to these items - especially in the NE and New York City area).
6. American Western Collectibles - This area of collecting seems to be popular with a number of the surveyed dealers and pickers. Virtually all groups reported strong interest from the buying public, but noted an increasing lack of available stock at reasonable prices. Lesser known artists from this genre are also beginning to see higher valuations for their work.
7. Georgian (Style) Furniture - While Georgian furniture dropped a position this year, many good quality high-end pieces such as hall tables, chairs, dinning room tables, sideboards, etc. were still reportedly selling quite well in the (NE) and (SE). Dealers from other regions also indicated that the "brown-furniture" movement appears to be gaining traction with collectors once again, as prices are slowly beginning to rise.
8. Lighting - Traditional lamps – leaded glass, art glass, oil lamps, etc. Turn of the 20th century metal lamps of all types and shapes.
9. Mid-Century Modern - All varieties, but especially from well known designers such as Eames and Alvar Aalto. Specifically high-end pieces that command top-dollar. (NE)
10. Revival Antiques - Especially items in stone with metal bases or supports whose inspiration was derived from Greek and Egyptian times.
11. Architectural Elements - Such as smaller Italian marble pieces. Fragments from carved panels have also become popular as decorative items for the walls. (NE)
12. Paintings - As with virtually all other groups, paintings from literally every era seem to be finding a home. Victorian paintings were also noted as selling particularly well by dealers within this category as well. (NE) (SW) (NW)
** Disclaimer: This survey was conducted for entertainment purposes only, and relied upon a sampling of verbal and written responses for its construction. The data was compiled from "provided" information, and thus, should be treated accordingly in regard to accuracy and correctness.
*Asheford News Ticker - Jan. 2019
*Asheford News Ticker - Jan. 2019
