Florida - It's been sometime now, but the shift, while seemingly imperceptible at first, has finally come full circle. The terms Antique Shop, Antiques Store and to a lesser extent, Antiques Business, have generally always referred to the concern of one who collects and sells old things - even if some of the items didn't quite match the 100 year-old "antique" threshold - they were usually still included as such. Fast-forward a couple decades, and what was once considered the granddaddy of collecting terminology - antiques - is now not only sharing its king-like moniker with a new upstart, but in some cases it's being completely replaced by the "V" word. The term vintage has slowly managed to creep into the lexicon of general consumer collecting over the past twenty years - spurred on originally by the reselling of textiles and vintage clothing, but now encompassing literally all areas of the collecting universe. In some instances (as we've written about in the past), there has even been a comingling of the words to form such eye-catching creations as, "vantique" or "Vintique Items For Sale." And, while the meaning behind the term antique may be quite clear, and the term vintage somewhat clear, new descriptors such as vintique and vantique are beginning to blur the lines. Collectors and dealers who once referred to toys and games from the 1970's merely as collectibles, can often find themselves being viewed sideways now by a hipper and younger group, who'll often insist on the vintage moniker being applied to virtually anything in the store. Tom Ridgemore, a dealer from West Texas said that he feels almost antiquated himself unless he signs-on to the new verbiage being used by the younger collectors and buyers. "These kids will literally refer to anything in my store that isn't brown, as vintage!" Ridgemore isn't alone in his assessment as many other dealers have taken to adding the vintage moniker to their storefront, web pages and business cards. "It isn't about whether we actually carry vintage items," said Shirley Dinsmore, a dealer from Wichita, Kansas, "but whether or not we have the term vintage associated with our business." Older dealers admit that it's taking some effort to adjust to the new world order of expressions and terminology, but that it's simply a sign of the times. "A new generation of collectors and buyers are here," said Ridgemore, "they're the one's setting the rules of the road now, and if I don't like it, I'll just have to park on the side - or choose to go with the flow I guess..." For many, the explosive growth of mega sites such as Etsy, which allows collectors and dealers the chance to hawk their wares on their own online vintage store, is all the proof most people need when it comes to acknowledging the changing of the guard in the lexicon of collector expressions. "Five years ago there were antique shows, said Sue Holloway, a social media developer for antique malls and shows across the country, "today, there isn't a show out there that doesn't incorporate the word vintage into its overall advertising campaign." For the rest of us, acknowledging these changes may take some time, but the truth of the matter for those within the business is pretty clear - the sooner the better! - AIA Staff Writer's NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. Florida - The Antiques Roadshow has been doling out information and appraising rare and unusual objects for decades now. The show has created various clones of itself with international versions popping up in Canada, Sweden, Australia, and of course the USA. However, recently someone decided to finally give it one of those 1970's style Dean Martin-esque make-over roasts it so rightfully deserved - but with a 21st century twist. Enter Keaton Patti, a Photoshop specialist, and salient meme humorist who takes legitimate freeze-frame photos from Roadshow appraisals (shown above), and turns them into fake one's for our viewing pleasure (shown below). So, without further ado, here are a few of what we think might be some of the funniest fake appraisals memes of the Antiques Roadshow that we've ever seen... There are of course many more of these types of memes online (not all "G" rated however), but we thought these seven particularly represented the ethos of the Roadshow quite well, while simultaneously giving a wee chuckle. However, if you've managed to come across a few more you think should also be included, please let us know, and we'll be happy to take a look... - A.I.A. Staff Writer's NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. Destin - While most in the antiques industry are familiar with the Asheford Institute having some deep roots along the northern Gulf's emerald coast, the beautiful sandy white beaches are not the only reason for the school's love of this remarkable and historic area of coastline, also known as the Florida panhandle. For many, the "deep south" has always been associated with a slower pace of life, and an abiding respect for things and items from the past. From beautiful plantation homes to small historic towns that look like they haven't changed a day in over a hundred years, the feel and fit of South has always been a perfect accompaniment for those working in the antiques business. Below, you'll find some of our favorite shops and markets along this coastline that we've visited, which we think truly make up the best-of-the-best when it comes to hunting for antiques and collectibles along the Gulf Coast. From Navarre Beach to Rosemary Beach, we're listing some of the best places to spend a day looking for items from the past. While there are plenty of out-of-the-way locales to choose from, we've narrowed our choices down to a mainstream Top Five list... 1. Smith’s Antique Mall As a natural successor to Clement's Antiques which operated for over thirty years beginning back in the 1970's, Smith's is now the longest running antique concern in the area and has been in business for over twenty-seven years. The twenty-five thousand square-foot building has more than a hundred quality antique booths with knowledgeable dealers and vendors at every turn. Higher-end items with prices to match. 2. Modern Antiques Nestled in Uptown Fort Walton Beach in Cinco Bayou, Modern Antiques is a treasure trove for visitors who love antiquing and the atmosphere of flea markets. There's a wide variety of genre's to choose from, ranging from collectibles and objects of art to retro, midcentury modern, and Asian antiques. 3. Antiques on Holiday Another unusual concern, this business is located just behind Smith’s Antique Mall. Not modelled on your standard idea of what an antique shop should be, Antiques on Holiday manages to fit perfectly into the local blend of beaches and vintage shopping with an eclectic mix from museum quality to general collectibles. Multiple vendors with items from around the world, including architectural antiques. 4. De’ France Indoor Fleamarket Antiques & Collectibles As far as quality flea markets go, this is the place to be if you're looking for good decorative arts items before they hit the showrooms of antique and vintage stores. With almost fifteen-thousand square feet, there's literally something for everyone - from new and hand-crafted, to reclaimed, to authentic and old. Get there early because De’ France really does offer a little something for everyone's wish list. 5. Flutterby Antiques Uniques & Gifts Located in Destin proper, Flutterby also has a quality and eclectic mix of antiques and local art. Much of the inventory is sorted and curated into groupings by owners Michele and Ron Sandstead, who like to create display vignettes to help customers visualize the possibilities for their own homes. Items are well chosen with an emphasis on well constructed pieces. If you've got some favorites of your own, let us know where and why, and we'll see about including some of them in our next series of articles about antiques and the decorative arts in the deep South and along Florida's Gulf Coast. - A.I.A. Staff Writers NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. Florida - From scotch tumblers and fishing lures to vintage books and watches, collecting antiques has become an increasingly popular investment for men. So much so that the term "mantique" (which refers to collectible items with a specifically male appeal), has now become almost commonplace in today's collecting lexicon. In a matter of just a few short years this moniker has exploded across the collecting platform as both businesses and men flock to create a stylized impression of themselves within this testosterone fueled genre. Their collections may vary, but their interest is usually a combination of historical association and a reflection of what their collection says about them. Items such as vintage bar sets, old tennis racquets and cigar boxes infer a degree of individuality and an interest in a bygone era before the arrival of smartphones and flat-screens. The craze for all things "manly" hasn't been restricted to just North Americans shores either, as a leading UK antiques dealer in Yorkshire explains, “Men in general are natural collectors – much more so than women in my experience,” says David Harper, of David Harper Antiques. “I have always found that any antiques that appeal to men are particularly popular, especially anything relating to golf, or other sporting memorabilia, such as old cricket bats and vintage footballs. Classic pens are in demand too. A stylish 1950s Parker pen with a gold nib is perfect for signing big checks, a major work contract, or for other special occasions.” Harper, who began his own collecting career at the age of five by collecting early clay pipes from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, is now a regular on television shows about antiques, and has also begun to specialize in mantique-themed items for his store - including an old taxidermists tiger’s skull, mounted on a piece of oak that was converted into an inkstand in the early 19th century. Since he first purchased the piece over a year ago, Harper estimates its value to have risen by threefold. According to many shop owners specializing in mantiques, fans of the genre don’t usually conform to a specific demographic. They tend to range from the small time sports collectors saving up for a few vintage jerseys, all the way up to those collecting paintings of famous hunting scenes done by recognized artists from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Longtime antiques columnist and writer, Eric Bradley, also noted the increasing popularity of the genre in his book "Mantiques - A Manly Guide To Cool Stuff." Which included such topics as, how to pick your first Patek Philippe watch, and why first-gen Apple computers are now bringing in more than $600,000 at auction. So is it possible to sum up the appeal of mantiques? For some, mantique collecting is rooted in an appreciation of days gone by, a time when things were considered to be better made, and more importantly, made to last. For others it's about rarity. While for many, it's a combination of the two. Scott Fowler, a self-confessed mantiques-addict summed it up by saying, "It's about finding quality and style in my purchases - I want to be as original as possible in what I buy - and prefer to have stuff that nobody else does... and I'm willing to pay for it." Sentiments such as those are certainly going to be music to most dealers ears, and are likely to help keep prices and demand in the mantiques market high for the foreseeable future. - A.I.A. Staff Writer's NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. Florida - Not all interior designers are experts when it comes to antiques, but in this particular case, these two blokes would most certainly be considered exceptions to that rule. Both Jamie Drake and Caleb Anderson are not only well versed in the field of the decorative arts as it relates to interior design, but they're also exceptionally gifted when it comes to understanding the world of antiques as well. Both designers have cut their teeth on some pretty impressive jobs, including former NYC mayor Bloomberg's, Federal style Gracie Mansion, as well as chairing New York's famous Winter Antiques Show. During a recent interview on the state of today's antiques market, the dynamic duo provided some interesting opinions and thoughts on the overall direction of current antique trends and what to potentially collect in the future. When asked about the all encompassing mid-century modern movement, both were quick to note that they felt like the MCM wave had likely crested, and that it was now time to start gravitating to only the very best items one could afford from this period - preferably commissioned or one-off pieces. As with most collectors of this genre, they also questioned the true value in paying for authentic mid-century modern mass produced pieces from the 50's, versus those made today by such companies as Crate & Barrel, since the return on investment for "originals" may no longer be there. However, areas of interest that did seem to intrigue the two designers included many 18th and 19th century antiques, especially when combined with some of today's more modern elements. For many, this gentle turning of the corner in bringing back classically defined antiques into the current design equation has been a long time in coming. For Anderson it's simply about blending some of the older pieces with some of the newer styles. "Even though they’re old, there’s something kind of new about introducing them into projects, since we’re so used to seeing the mid-century products. I always tend to want something old in the room, and I think that layer is important for any interior to make it more interesting," said Anderson. As with most advice related to the field of collecting, both designers were quick to point out the old adage of purchasing what you like, not what you think will be popular. For Drake it came down to one simple rule, "Find something that you’re interested in or passionate about. Don’t just buy something that you think is a good investment, or that a friend told you was the right thing to get. Buy what you find intriguing and will take delight in..." We couldn't agree more. - A.I.A. Staff Writer's NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. Florida - The United States has so many great towns in every state, but some are just a little more inclined to the antiques trade than others. Below, you'll find what some of the writer's here at the Institute think are a few of the best "antique towns" in the country (listed in no particular order). Arizona: Cottonwood Located in the bucolic setting of Verde Valley, this community has a great selection of second-hand stores, vintage and colorful antique shops. Larry's Antiques & Things is one of the most popular with over 2 acres of knicks & knacks to be had. California: Healdsburg While this charming Northern California town is probably known more for it's wine tastings, it should also be recognized as a great stop over for a little antique hunting. Mill Street Antiques is favorite as is the Jimtown Store which mixes wine and antiques together! Alabama: Pell City There are a lot of small towns in Alabama that boast some great antique stores, but Pell City with a population of approximately ten-thousand should probably be your first stop. Noted for having not one, but three giant showrooms of antiques and collectibles from one owner. This little town has become somewhat of an antiques mecca for decorative arts enthusiasts. David Tims owner and operator of the massive showrooms is usually on hand to make a deal every day - some come prepared! Connecticut: Woodbury Located in the southwest corner of Connecticut, and often referred to as the Antiques Capital of Connecticut, the town of Woodbury started its antique and collectible odyssey more than 50 years ago when well-known dealers began establishing their businesses in historic homes in and around the town's Main Street. Over the years, it has made Woodbury a favorite rural antiquing destination for collectors, decorators and dealers alike (including such design icons as Martha Stewart.) Delaware: Lewes Often overlooked on many antiquing-maps, this is a fan favorite for locals. The little seaside town offers buyers a chance to shop in two states with a ferry that runs to Cape May, New Jersey. Mercantile Antiques is definitely worth a look with a cooperative of almost forty dealers providing a wide range of antiques and collectibles. Florida: Micanopy We'd be somewhat remiss if we didn't mention a favorite in our home state. Often referred to as Antique Central in Florida, this old town is a mixture of palm trees, scrub-oaks and antique stores that line the old boulevards. Smiley's Huge Antique Mall was certainly one of the best known before burning recently, but has just reopened under new ownership and name (Antique City Mall), and is reportedly doing well. Georgia: Thomasville While we're in the South, another favorite of ours in the beautiful town of Thomasville, Georgia. This lovely town is filled with not only great antique stores, but a good deal of historical sights as well. Dealers from across the country come here to source some of the best antiques in the South. A visit is incomplete until you've been to Toscoga Marketplace - a multilevel antique mall. Idaho: Pocatello Not just famous for potatoes, Pocatello's downtown and surrounding area is home to more than a dozen decorative arts stores. Antiques are a favorite, but you'll also find vintage and thrift stores to accompany as well. Black Rail antiques and Old Town Mercantile offer a wide selection of goods at reasonable prices. These are just a few of our favorite "antique" towns. There are of course, many, many, more which we'll be visiting later this year, so stay tuned... - A.I.A. Staff Writers NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. (*As part of our lead-up to the school's annual Survey/Poll Listings of top selling antiques & collectibles for 2017, we're letting the cat out of the bag a little early by revealing this year's number one spot. **Complete survey listings of the year's best sellers will be released in January 2018). Florida - It would seem like the so-called experts have been making this pronouncement for years now, but the truth does appears to be in the numbers, with costume jewelry ringing-up impressive stats amongst decorative arts collectors and buyers - even when stacked against the overall popularity of today's mid-century modern genre. Sites such as Kovel's (and this one), along with other information based online knowledge forums that track searches and research requests, all seem to be in general agreement that costume jewelry is taking the lead when it comes to the decorative arts popularity contest. Vintage costume pieces that were once thrift-store specials a decade or two ago, have escalated quickly in price over recent years, with those displaying the makers name, like Alice Caviness, Hattie Carnegie, Trifari or Haskell now bringing in top dollar. Some companies such as Ciner, which was founded in New York City in 1892, are still producing costume jewelry to this day. Marked with various insignias or the company's name, this jewelry is also experiencing a boom in market value and online interest currently. Not to be left out, the mid-century modern craze also makes its presence felt in this category with early designers of the movement, such as William Spratling, whose Mexican inspired silver pieces, which became a staple in such stores as Montgomery Ward during the late 1940's, now commanding many thousands of dollars at shows and galleries. In general though, most costume jewelry from this period is not as popular as that of other mid-century modern objects. Pieces of costume jewelry that are racking up impressive search results, and seem particularly popular on the larger discussion boards and forums, range from long chains, large colored stones, cocktail rings, broach-pins, bangle-bracelets and pearls. Deb Smith, owner of a vintiques (antiques & vintage store) in Portland Oregon, noted that her online sales of vintage costume jewelry began to skyrocket earlier in the year. "By September I was having a hard time sourcing inventory for my listings," said Smith. While fads seem to come and go more frequently now in the decorative arts scene than they did before, it appears that costume jewelry may be experiencing a longer shelf life than many other items found in online search archives. Whether this is simply due to the tremendous availability and volume of styles produced over the years is hard to say. However, one thing that does seem certain is the price and popularity - both of which are continuing to rise. A.I.A. Writer's Staff NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. Florida - Over the past few years a somewhat disturbing trend has begun to emerge within the antiques and collectibles community - the disappearance of the local country/estate auction. At first glance this may seem like a rather generalized and somewhat sweeping statement, but upon closer inspection, it becomes patently clear that this vanishing act has been happening now in almost every corner of mainstream North America for a number of years now, and can no longer be attributable merely to online listings taking the place of local Saturday morning auctions. Most in the decorative arts business freely acknowledge the turn-of-the-century dip that occurred in seasonal outdoor auctions, as buyers moved into the newly created world of online bidding, but that initial Internet euphoria eventually settled, as local auctioneers soon returned to the business of offering in-person sales of goods and chattels to the highest bidder. However, within a few short years this same decline had begun once again. So what's caused this change over the past few years? In reality, it may not be that anything has changed as much as it's simply moved sideways and been replaced by what some perceive as a higher performing revenue model - the estate sale. The correlation between the arrival and almost instant popularity of the estate sale, and the corresponding simultaneous decline of the country estate auction cannot be overstated. Local newspapers that once bristled with ads for upcoming auctions are virtually empty now; replaced instead by listings for estate and large multi-family garage sales. Small estate companies that began offering clients what appeared to be a better opportunity for selling their goods at a higher price over a longer period, made the choice obvious for most who were liquidating their estates or relocating. These considerations (along with others), eventually forced many to ask the question of whether or not there was still a need for local estate style auctions?" For many the answer was yes. Kent Holloway, an antiques dealer from Ohio, said that there were times he could pick up a half year's inventory at an auction sale. "It was a huge time saver because I could buy everything in one go." Now he says he spends more time trolling from one estate sale to the next, often having to wait till the end of the weekend to see if his bids have been accepted. Similarly, other dealers, including Juan Gomez from Nashville, were found echoing the same sentiment, and often pointed to the fact that picking at auctions was not only a great and fast source for building stock, but there was also the camaraderie of those in the business who would gather and share information in between bidding. "If an item came up and someone was unsure about it's history or value," said Gomez, "...there was always another dealer or picker there to offer advice." Aside from those in the trade, many of the buying public have also lamented the dwindling number of estate auctions, as it was often the go-to event to participate in - especially if it happened to occur on a rainy day. However, despite the apparent demise of such auctions, it is clearly not just a matter of one format being more fiscally viable than another, as Sotheby's and Christie's, along with most other major auction houses have demonstrated by posting record profits in recent years. As one auction spokesperson noted, "It's still one of the most profitable methods for selling used items ever to be invented!" For those interested in reading further on this topic, Cary Hooper of Magna Trada (https://medium.com/magna-trada/the-disappearance-of-the-local-auction-9af63cb9266f) has written an interesting article that delves further into some of these issues and why he thinks there's a good reason to bring back the local auction. - A.I.A. Writing Staff NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. Florida - We always hear about the "pros" fabulous stories and valuations over the years, but every once in a while even the Antiques Roadshow can have a rather embarrassing (and somewhat major) hiccup. When an episode of the long-running show was filming in Spokane, Washington, dedicated thrifter and estate sale attendee Alvin Barr came to the show's pre-approval desk with a glazed redware jug standing at just under twelve-inches tall, and embossed with a series of decorated faces on the rounded surface. Barr had apparently come across the unusual jug while at an estate sale in Eugene, Oregon, "It was covered with dirt and straw, and some chicken droppings," said Barr. After a little brush-off, I suddenly realized, "I simply had to have it,” and forked over $300 to the sales owner. "It somehow spoke to me,” he later said. To Barr's surprise, he was bumped up to Roadshow appraiser, Stephen Fletcher (who seemed similarly enthused), and gave the piece of redware pottery a date that placed it sometime in the 19th century. Fletcher was so enamored with the piece, he even commented that, "...you could even see a little bit of, like, Pablo Picasso going on here.” With remarkable assuredness, Fletcher went on to put the jug's retail value in the neighborhood of between $30,000 to $50,000. The problem was, it wasn't worth that at all. Nor did the jug come from any period in the Victorian era either. The grotesque face jug, as it became known on the set, was in fact not centuries old, but rather made in 1973 by a young woman attending a high school ceramics class. While watching the show, a friend recognized the piece, and contacted the Roadshow to let them know that the artist in question, was one Betsy Soule, a horse trainer from Oregon. Soule claimed she just made whatever popped into her head in those days, "You know, It was high school..." When contacted about the piece by other media outlets, Soule went on to express surprise, and stated, "I thought Alvin Barr paid too much for it at $300." PBS immediately corrected the "error" on the station's website, once the jug's creative source became clear. As for appraisal expert Fletcher, he sheepishly admitted that the whole incident would have to be written up as a learning experience. “Obviously, I was mistaken as to its age by 60 to 80 years. I feel the value at auction, based on its quality and artistic merit, is in the $3,000-$5,000 range. Still not bad for a high schooler in Oregon.” That's quite possibly true, but for the uninitiated hoping to make a career out of potting (or collecting and selling antiques), perhaps that assessment should be taken with a grain of salt too... - A.I.A. Writer's Staff NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. Florida - By now we've all heard the incredible story of the Leonardo da Vinci painting, "Salvator Mundi" (Saviour of the World) selling for the fantastical sum of $450 million at Christie's auction house last week. The story lit up every newscast and anchor room across the globe as editors and writers scrambled to outdo each other with descriptive financial superlatives about the sale. Readers and viewers were told of the James Bond-like circumstances of how the sale came to be, including a whirlwind promotional tour of the painting put on by the auction house itself in the months preceding the event. The hype surrounding the auction was nothing short of a Star Wars movie trailer. However, often lost in the telling of this tale, or only scantily referred to and in passing, was how this "apparent" da Vinci painting actually ended back up on the auction block, along with some of the mysterious circumstances surrounding that journey. The painting shows Christ in a blue robe holding a crystal orb, which represents the Earth, and is deemed as one of fewer than twenty paintings by the grand master known still to exist. Most current scholars agree that Leonardo is thought to have painted Salvator Mundi sometime after 1500, (about the same time-frame of the Mona Lisa). From here it is known to have made its way into the English Royal collection of Charles I by the early 17th-Century. After that, It disappeared for almost a hundred-and-forty years until resurfacing in 1900, when English art collector Sir Charles Robinson acquired it for the Cook Collection in Surrey. During the time of this rediscovery, the paintings authorship had also suddenly changed, and the painting was now being attributed to Leonardo's follower, Bernardino Luini, with Christ's face and hair having somehow been painted over. No details were given on the change in provenance and the painting quietly slipped back into obscurity until resurfacing at Sotheby's auction house in 1958, where it was promptly dismissed as the work of a disciple and sold for sixty-eight dollars. As it had in the past, the painting once again disappeared for almost another half-century, before turning up in Louisiana in 2005, badly damaged and in need of restoration. However, something caught the eye of a consortium of art dealers who ended up paying less than $10,000 for it at a local Louisiana auction house. Led by a group of conservators, and New York art collector Bob Simon, they set about conducting a meticulous restoration (including the removal of painted-over layers), and when completed in 2011, re-attributed the work to Leonardo da Vinci. In 2013 the consortium sold the painting to Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, who bought it for $127.5 million in a private sale. Mr. Rybolovlev, clearly made a handsome profit on his 127 million-plus investment, but the questions surrounding the painting's authenticity still remained even after that sale. Why would Charles I own the work of anything less than a master? Why would an English art collector and curator suddenly change the provenance of a painting he just purchased from a master to a disciple (and why would it be painted over)? Additionally, according to auction house records in Louisiana, there are only anecdotal mentions of the 2005 sale, no official auction records. And lastly, how (and more importantly "why"), does a painting believed to be that of a disciple for over a hundred-years, suddenly revert back once again to a master, when landing in the hands of a newly formed art consortium? When Todd Levin, an internationally renowned art advisor was asked by the New York Times what he thought of the question of authenticity and the way in which Christie's promoted the painting, he told the newspaper: “This was a thumping epic triumph of branding and desire over connoisseurship and reality.” These may seem like harsh words so soon after the sale, but across the globe, some experts are now coming out of the woodwork and are starting to question just how real this event truly was. While this belief may not be the norm just yet, since most mainstream art advisors still believe in the legitimacy of the work, the doubters are beginning to gain some traction - especially when the story is viewed in its entirety. It's not that anything is glaringly out of place when contemplating the work and its subsequent timeline, but when one considers all the facts, and lack thereof surrounding this painting, wouldn't it have been prudent to maybe have a second (or third) look before writing a check for $450 million? After all, the new owner(s) are certainly going to need to perpetuate the "grand master" myth for the next sale - especially if they hope to hear the auction-house hammer fall at a billion... - AIA Staff Writers . NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508 Florida - It may be one of the last known letters to have been written on the Titanic, and it just sold at auction for a record price. The Titanic stationary along with the hand-written letter from American businessman and Titanic passenger, Oscar Holverson is the only known headed-letter to have gone down with the Titanic, and yet somehow managed to survive the ravages of the Atlantic. When the hammer finally fell, the salt-stained letter fetched $166,000 at British auction house, Henry Aldridge & Son. The auction house had originally predicted the item would sell for between $75,000 to $105,000. The identity of the final bidder remained anonymous, but auctioneer Aldridge described him as someone known for, "Collecting iconic items from history." The letter written by Mr Holverson, was intended for his mother as he and his wife were traveling on the ship back to New York from Southhampton. The letter eerily contains the foreboding line, "If all goes well we will arrive in New York Wednesday A.M." Part of the reason for the letters extreme desirability from collectors is due to the fact that it was written one day prior to the ships sinking, along with some of Holverson's anecdotal recollections of his time aboard the liner - including descriptions of the ship's palatial accoutrements, and coming into contact with the world's richest man at the time, John Jacob Astor. Both men died in the sinking. The previous record for Titanic related paper-memorabilia was set in 2014, when a surviving passenger's letter fetched $157,000 at the same auction house. - A.I.A. Staff Writers NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. Florida - For many in the decorative arts industry, the debate over to software or not has raged since the inception of the first database. Is profession-specific software (and Point-Of-Sale devices), designed for collectors, shop owners, appraisers, antique malls, pickers, etc. really a necessity? For some the answer is a resounding "Yes." While for others, there seems to be a more muted approach on whether or not these programs are actually a required component for success. For the sake of expediency, this particular article won't be addressing the yea's & nay's of whether or not software designed for the decorative arts is a must-have for folks in the industry (we'll save that for a later discussion), but instead will focus on today's various software options available to both collectors and dealers alike. In the not too distant past there were only a few software providers for those in the antiques business However, today that number has stretched greatly, and there are now a whole host of different kinds of software tailored to one's specific type of business model. Collectors, dealers, consignment shops, appraisers, and more can order and install software that has been created with them in mind - it's no longer a one-size fits all platform. Below, you will find a listing of some of the more popular software options available. These are listed in no particular order, and do not in any way constitute an endorsement from the Institute. The intent here is to merely share the information regarding the products out there, so that consumers can see what's available, and then decide for themselves what might or might not be appropriate for their collection or business. Decorative Arts Software Options 1. Collectorpro - (http://collectorpro.com/) These folks are probably the granddaddy of collector software, and have been around since 1992. They offer a variety of different software packages, including one that is tailored to conducting USPAP compliant appraisals. 2. Charles Crume Software - (http://www.charlescrumesoftware.com/) This company also comes with a long history in the antiques industry, and has specific software designed for antiques dealers and antique malls. They even offer ongoing consulting services. 3. Art Saas (http://www.artsaas.com/) - For those in the art industry, this is a powerful tool that does more than just mange one's collection - from analytics, to sales and email marketing, this software offers a robust package of goods for the gallery owner. 4. Recollector (http://www.collectingcatalog.com/) - Designed specifically with "collectors" in mind, with an attractive price-point, this software is suited to beginners and pros alike and offers a free trial version. 5. Antiquity Software (http://antiquitysoftware.co.uk/) - A British upstart that also caters to antiques stores and businesses. Very modern look with a host of features for today's dealers who are on the go. 6. ConsignPro (https://www.consignpro.com/) - This company offers a broad range of products, but also has specific software for consignment businesses and thrift stores. This above selection of antique and collector related software is by no means a comprehensive listing of all products available, but is merely meant to showcase some of the more popular brands available to those in the decorative arts community. For many, simply knowing how to tweak a database program that may already come pre-installed on your computer, could be enough. However, for those looking for something a little more turn-key, with virtually no programming required, then these options might offer a good starting point in helping to organize and keep track of one's inventory and stock. - A.I.A. Staff Writers NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508 Florida - When it comes to stocking up on antiques and vintage items, there's certainly no shortage for today's dealer and collector when trying to source out good shopping locales - from yard sales to estate sales, flea-markets, and auctions - the country's awash with collectible venues of almost everything and anything imaginable. However, when you're looking for product consistency, and a truly wide selection of goods that can provide a relative degree of stability and choice when it comes to the shopping experience, then it's worth considering stepping-up to a few of the country's larger antique and vintage options. The six choices presented here are based on a regional guide, and have consistently proved to be some of the best places to find and buy antiques, collectibles, and vintage items over the past twenty years. Some names may be familiar, while others many not, however, what they all have in common is a successful history of offering a superb selection of goods on a very consistent basis. 1. Brimfield Show, Massachusetts Quite likely the nations largest antique and collectibles fair, it runs three times a year and lasts for six days at a go. It truly has something for everyone, and is certainly a fan favorite for dealers, collectors and shoppers alike. From architectural antiques to clocks and primitive furniture, one can literally find anything here that could be collected. Parking is in fields, and the show runs for miles, so be prepared to walk. 2. Scott Antiques Show, Atlanta Often referred to as the "Greatest Show In The South," dealers, collectors, and shoppers tend to gather for this offering on the second weekend of every month, at the Atlanta Expo Center for the Scott Antique Market. With a huge covered venue, the show offers buyers one of the largest indoor monthly staples of fine antiques and decorative arts in the country. For those looking to haggle, the show also offers vendor-booths outside that reflect a more flea-market oriented theme. 3. Rose bowl Flea Market, Pasadena While this venue may not immediately jump to mind when thinking of antiques and collectibles, it should. For almost half-a-century now, the Rose Bowl stadium has been converting itself into a California-styled bazaar on the second Sunday of each month. Filling the stadium with more than twenty-six-hundred individual vendors and sellers, the market comes complete with a wide and varying customer base - from collecting newbies, all the way up to wily veteran dealers, and gallery owners. Though not solely antique in nature, those vendors that do offer vintage decorative arts and accessories can all be found in one locale, thereby minimizing search and walking time. Truly, one can find everything under the sun here - from vintage to junk - and everything else in between.. 4. Randolph Street Market, Chicago Billed as the most eclectic indoor-outdoor (weather permitting) monthly flea market in the country, the Randolph Street Market can be found in downtown Chicago. Known for its pop-themed booths and collectibles, you'll also find vintage housewares, furniture, ephemera, clothing and food. Aside from just selling cool collectibles, you'll also find a number of decorative arts services, from appraisals, to furniture and porcelain repair. 5. West Palm Beach Antique Festival, Florida There are a few large antique shows in South Florida, but the biggest and most widely known is still the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival. Held at the South Florida Fairgrounds each month, the festival has its largest showing of the year during February when snowbirds fly into town for the winter. Although vintage furniture can be found, this festival is more traditional in scope and caters its offerings to an older clientele. Jewelry is a big player here, along with smaller collectibles such as pottery and silver. Repair and replating services are also available. Locals say the best finds can be found in the summer's "off" months. 6. Aberfoyle Antique Market, Canada Every Sunday, and open spring until fall, the Aberfoyle Antique Market is probably Canada's best known Sunday antiques and collectibles show. Running consecutively since 1961, it offers something for everyone from primitive Canadiana to early automotive signage and more. Less than an hours drive from Toronto, the market is favored by dealers and collectors alike, who come prepared to haggle it out with over a hundred-plus quality vendors. Locals report the best deals can be found in early spring and autumn, when the kids (and collector parents) have gone back to school. - A.I.A. Staff Writers NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. Florida - There are so many different places on the Internet that one can go to when searching for that perfect retro, vintage or mid-century modern piece, but the reality of actually obtaining that piece is usually quite different when it's 350lbs, six feet high and located on the other side of the country. Enter attic-dc.com. A small start-up from Washington DC, by web designer and creator, Tarek Anandan, the premise was simple; offer local vintage, retro and mid-century modern pieces from local stores, under a local online umbrella - something you could drive to and pick up within a few blocks of your home. Sounds easy enough, after all that's what Craigslist is for, right? Well, actually no. The difference being that Anandan sourced the local antiques and decorative arts businesses himself - those that were close by, and those that also specialized in vintage, retro, and mid-century modern motifs. Anandan's impetus for the eclectic web site came about as a result of he and his partner searching far and wide on the weekends for a period-fit coffee table to add to their 1919 Wardman rowhouse near Columbia Heights. “We knew what we wanted, and we were picky,” says Anandan, who described their quest as “the potentially impossible blend of mid-century lines with a touch of deco flair, plus a drawer for remote controls.” While they entered the search with boundless optimism, the reality of the massive amounts of time being spent searching in vain began to take its toll, and frustration quickly set in. That's when the light went off, and Anandan realized the idea of a collective of local vintage and retro shops being rep'd online under one web site. Everything would be within shooting distance. The goal, according to Anandan, was to promote local businesses, make shopping easier, and to encourage the use of upcycled, and restored pieces. It seems to have worked. Two years on, and attic-dc.com is going strong, proving that there's always room for a new twist when it comes to the selling and marketing of the decorative arts. For students and graduates of the Institute, this tale of frustration-to-fix is a great example of how to harness a simple but original idea, while simultaneously putting it to use in one's own business. It doesn't have to be solely a mid-century modern or retro amalgamation of geographically paired businesses, but can literally be anything where an online collective is possible. If antique and vintage lighting is your thing, why not consider looking for local businesses within your regional footprint that might be interested in joining forces to create your own online "lighting collective?" For dealers and collectors, this simple idea could open up a wealth of business opportunities; potentially leading to increased sales, alliances and partnerships, along with greater general exposure to the buying public. All of which makes participating in one's "local collective" now, a far more attractive proposition than it used to be when Craigslist and others like them were the only game in town. (For readers seeking more information about the "Attic," you can visit their web site at: https://attic-dc.com/) - A.I.A. Staff Writers NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508 Florida - Not that many years ago, there were very few people conducting estate sales in North America. For the most part, estate sales (or tag-sales, as they're commonly referred to in the UK), had almost always been the domain of the English and Europeans. A common practice of disposing of one's finer goods and chattels when an auctioneer either wasn't required, or one didn't have the requisite volume of goods to necessitate the auctioneer's services. Fast-forward a decade or so, and today estate sale agents and representatives have literally become the go-to service for many aging North Americans wishing to downsize and liquidate their personal property collection. However, in the race to one-up the liquidation offerings provided by garage sales, and smaller auction companies, many estate sale agents and companies have become trapped in a dilemma of their own making. As more and more baby-boomers seek the services of estate sale agents, their requirements for professional appraisal credentials from these agents has also risen, making the days of operating an estate sale business with little or no decorative arts knowledge, somewhat problematic in today's marketplace. Nancy Johnston, an Asheford graduate who operates an estate sale services business in Raleigh, North Carolina, summed it up best by saying, "Fifteen years ago when I started out, no one asked me about my appraisal qualifications when I advertised estate sale services - nobody cared - today, that's all they ask me about." For many, the main shift of focus in this industry, from glorified garage-sale to professional service, has been the change in the quality of goods being presented. "Most of the baby boomers who contact me today," said Johnston, "want me to prove that I can evaluate their antiques, collectibles and vintage items correctly... that's their first requirement before they even consider hiring me." Nickolas Brown, another estate sale agent from the bay area in San Francisco, echoed Ms. Johnston's sentiment, and said that he'd watched people come and go in recent years as many tried to jump on the estate sale bandwagon without any formal training in the decorative arts or appraisal field. "If I didn't already have the knowledge of antiques and collectibles from my family antiques business, I'd be out of the estate sale business," said Brown. "Clients now want credentials - they want to see some kind of professional certification before I even walk in the door... it's all just part of the changing landscape," quipped Brown. Many within the estate sale liquidation business recognize the need for change. "There's a huge divide," said Sally Walker, a certified appraiser who represents a number of estate sale companies in the northeast. "I get a lot of my business from liquidators who are simply over their head when it comes to providing accurate evaluations - but they still won't turn down the job." Walker went on to say that even though she's glad to be of service, she still thinks there needs to be some form of standardization in the industry when it comes to evaluation techniques and procedures. While there is no specific formal qualification standard on the horizon just yet for estate sale liquidators, most in the industry feel that the personal-property appraisal designation issued by professional societies, and internationally recognized schools such as Asheford, would be more than sufficient to cover the knowledge base required by those in the estate sale business. However, as Ms. Walker pointed out, "Showing them the way is one thing - getting them to sign onto a regulatory code of professional conduct is another..." - AIA Staff Writers *NOTE: For those looking for more information on why product knowledge and appraising credentials are so important in today's estate sale marketplace, we recommend that individuals visit the Institute's page on Conducting Estate Sales as an Asheford graduate, in order to fully understand the benefits behind professional-level credentialing within this field of endeavor. Florida - It's been over seven years now since the reality show Storage Wars($) first appeared on television to huge fanfare - quickly becoming a giant network ratings bonanza for the A&E network. Since then, the cast of wacky "everyday" characters from buyers to auctioneers have become ingrained in the North American psyche, as they battle each other for the valuables contained in unpaid storage units. Over time, A&E's production team has managed to effectively showcase the highs and lows of buying site-unseen goods and chattels - giving viewers a real-time glimpse into the reality of trying to make money off of other people's discarded possessions. However, after seven years, the question for most regular buyers in the decorative arts business has become, "Can anyone hope to really profit from this type of buying anymore?" Sure, we've all seen or heard about the golden finds, like the three lads from England who pitched in $300.00 together on a last ditch storage unit, and ended up with seventeenth-century books, Georgian silver, and sixty year old French wine, but how common is this really? According to Colorado storage auctioneer Rich Schur, "The chances of finding a treasure are remote. "It's hard work," says Schur. "This is not a get-rich-quick scheme." In addition to this, a number of other auctioneer's in the business also noted the price being paid for storage units and the number of people attending storage auctions has dramatically increased over the years. Said, one buyer, "Before I could grab a unit for about three-hundred bucks, now I'm paying almost twelve-hundred." And, while a scenario like that may be good for the auctioneer's purse, it's not such good news for dealers looking for a way to stock up on their antiques and collectibles inventory. Even small storage unit sites in rural areas have become inundated with people hoping to make a fast buck with a quick turn-around on Craigslist or e-Bay, but the reality is quite different says Cleveland auctioneer Neal Grossman. "Buyers have 24 hours to dispose of their items - and failure to move them quickly means some buyers are forced to rent the lockers that they purchased." Grossman also indicated that many buyers often have more trouble than they expect when it comes time to unloading their merchandise on various online sites. "You have to be realistic," Grossman says, adding that many lockers contain household stuff "that no one wants." For many dealers in the antiques industry, storage units can seem like a tempting way to fill some gaps in inventory, and while that may remain true to some degree, it's still going to be a far less risky proposition to buy at a regular auction sale where the items can be "seen" first, rather than plunking down your inventory budget based on a hope and a prayer. As one buyer noted, "Even if I win the auction, and find some decent stuff, it's now costing me three-times what I used to pay just a couple years ago - but I can't charge three times the price!" - A.I.A. Staff Writers NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. Florida - Everyone likes to read or hear about the lottery winner, or the Antiques Roadshow participant who garnered an astounding value for something they had laying about in a drawer. But, the truth of it is, more often than not, most people don't win the lottery or come to realize a half-million dollars in a kitchen cupboard find. However, when it comes to running across a thrift store find, it would seem that the odds might be a bit more in your favor. Consider the last two big-ticket items that have come to the fore in the press recently. First, there was the English lady who splurged ten-quid (about $15), in her local thrift store around thirty years ago on what she thought was a rather gaudy and over-the-top piece of costume jewelry - turns out she was right - it was over the top, to the tune of 26.27 carats. Experts now predict that the 19th century antique cushion-ring could fetch a record setting $650,000 at auction later next month. On a much smaller scale, but still of considerable note, was the recent find by workers at the Mennonite thrift store in New Hamburg, Ontario of an original Maud Lewis painting. A Canadian east coast painter who rose from hardship and obscurity in the 1970's, eventually selling two of her paintings to former President Richard Nixon. Pre-auction estimates put the thrifting-find at $16,000, but it sold this past week for almost three-times that, reaching a final hammer price of $45,000 Canadian - a record price for a Lewis painting. Just a few years ago, Ohio resident Zach Bodish, a thrift store enthusiast who could often be found wandering the aisles of the Volunteers of America charity store came across what he considered was a nice repo of a Picasso print for $14.00. "I thought maybe it could possibly be a poster for an exhibition, or at best a non-reproduction." But to his surprise, after doing a little due diligence and research on the internet, Bodish found out that it was actually a print for a 1958 show of Picasso’s ceramic work, and was numbered 6/100 with the phrase, “original print, signed proof” which was written in French. The Swann Auction Gallery in New York later confirmed the signature and print as authentic, giving the piece an estimated value of between $10,000 to $16,000. Now, while not everyone is going to find a diamond in the rough or an original Picasso, what these stories do point out is that there are some awfully good finds out there for those that are willing to take a little time to look around and do their research. While the stories you may hear in the news are always going to be about the big-ticket items selling at auction, there are going to be far more tales you will never hear about, where items were bought for a pittance and quietly sold for thousands - earning one a far better return than most lottery tickets ever will. So, the next time you're perusing the aisles of your local thrift - don't just give it the once over - but give it a second look too! - A.I.A. Staff Writers NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. Florida - In a recent annual survey conducted by the Asheford Institute Of Antiques on buying trends for 2016 (see survey results here), it was noted by many of the participating dealers at the time, that the market for Mid-Century Modern had been responsible for a large portion of their overall sales growth for that particular year. Dealers from all walks - including those with storefronts as well as online concerns - all seemed to register the same sentiment; that without question, Mid-Century Modern was indeed king of the till. However, fast-forward a few months later, and a number of cracks appear to be materializing in this once stalwart division of the decorative arts industry. In a brief follow-up to the 2016 survey, Asheford school officials sent out a limited questionnaire specifically asking about the types and styles of Mid-Century Modern pieces that were selling well amongst participants from the previous survey. While the responses were not out-of-line with the overall poll results from 2016, what was surprising were the number of dealers who complained about the sudden appearance and mass marketing of Mid-Century Modern pieces by major retail chains. Chris Scott, a dealer in New Hampshire, noted that he’d had a number of people in his shop who had seen the exact same 1950’s style Mid-Century Modern sofa on Mayfair, except at one-fifth the price. “I was so stunned,” said Scott, “that I went online to see for myself, and there it was.” Other dealers also seemed to be aware of the broadening appeal of the Mid-Century look. Christine Abu, a dealer along Florida’s East Coast, said she couldn’t believe how many big-box stores were beginning to incorporate Mid-Century aesthetics into their overall design cues for furniture. “Unfortunately, this is starting to eat into our profits,” said Abu, “Since most people can’t tell the difference between authentic Mid-Century Modern and repos - there’s no patina to go by - like on wood.” Of the dealers who responded to the questionnaire, most seemed to share the same concerns, especially when it came to buying fresh Mid-Century stock. Said Scott, “If I have to buy now, I’m taking a hard second-look at cost, whereas before, I’d just let loose the purse strings like most other dealers and scramble to get something authentic.” Ultimately, many of the dealers from the questionnaire simply stated that they'd have to buy more cheaply, and sell for less, if the market continued it's flood of big-box knock-offs. While the style of Mid-Century modern is still likely to continue on the upswing for a while to come yet, it’s certainly worth noting some of these dealers early observations in regard to the potentially changing times that might be occurring within the Mid-Century marketplace; especially since those who are present at the beginning of a trend, are usually the most likely to notice when it starts to change. Dealers hoping to capitalize on the current popularity of the Mid-Century motif should keep in mind that like any trend, course-corrections may be required... - A.I.A. Staff Writers NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. Toronto - Two of the largest international reports on the "arts" and "antiques" market seem to be singing a similar tune. The Art Basel and UBS Global ArtMarket Report by Clare McAndrew, along with the The European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF), both released reports this past March on the state of the art and antiques market, and for the most part, things appear to be looking up. TEFAF was the first to release its numbers, indicating a 7% rise in the overall world art market to almost 56 billion USD, which is essentially a doubling of values over the past ten years. The U.S share was 39%, with England and China both equally commanding a 22% global share. Leading the way in sales were mid-century modern and contemporary pieces, from such famed artists as Warhol, but lesser known artists lead the charge when it came to the volume of sales. Once again proving that the current trend with Mid-Century modern would appear to be all encompassing. Following the TEFAF announcement, came Clare McAndrew's report, which seemed to indicate similar findings, though stressing the movement in art sales as being up for dealers and somewhat down for auction houses. McAndrew's report also had the benefit of numbers closer to today, as her report included finalized figures up to the calendar year-end of 2016, which were based on a survey sent to over 6,500 dealers from around the globe. On the whole, the good news for antiques dealers was that overall worldwide sales were up by just over 4% across the board. This included sales at shows, online venues, galleries, as well as general antiques from bricks & mortar establishments. In the end, both reports seemed to signal a strengthening movement within the decorative arts community, as post '08-Decession fears finally appear to be waning from most dealers and customers long-range radar screens. As McAndrew's report concluded, "There's been an uplift in sales... with dealers gaining shares in the global market." Or, as one long-term antiques analyst put it, "This reveal is simply a positive move for the entire market - no matter how you spin it." Most other industry experts expressed similar themes, with predictions of sustained growth in the overall antiques and art markets expected to continue throughout 2017. - A.I.A. Staff Writers NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. Florida - Change it would seem comes even to the old. For years now, experts and dealers alike have been bemoaning the shake up within the antiques and collectibles market. Where once brown-furniture ruled the day, it would seem that fashions and tastes have now come full circle, as a younger generation makes it clear that their interests in collecting are not necessarily that of their parents, or grandparents for that matter. Dealers at shows and antique fairs in both North America and across the pond are now fully embracing stalls and booths that are being labeled as “fashion forward antiques.” These upstart dealers are not only bucking the age old convention that you must have pre-1830 items to legitimately claim the antique moniker, but they’re also replacing much of their stock with contemporary items from artists and designers who are creating bespoke pieces in the here and now. For some, this is a vast and unsettling change, especially for dealers who just recently recognized the mid-century modern motif as being the omnipresent force in today’s antiques marketplace. As Hal Hoppin, a regular at the Brimfield shows noted, “I just started adjusting to selling things that were 30 years old; now it seems I’ll have to start adding stuff that was made last week.” Although the practice has not yet become commonplace with most antique shows and fairs, those who are adding contemporary items seem to be reaping the rewards. Thomas Woodham-Smith, a dealer and art adviser from England says that it’s all about relevance - meaning things that people can actually use in their homes. Those dealers who have added the newer pieces say they’re only bringing in one-off items from known artists, or using modern cabinetmakers and craftsmen who already have a well-established reputation in their field. "It's not like we're bringing in items from IKEA," said one such dealer. Even the show promoters seem to be on board with the developing trend. “What we’re seeing are the antiques of the future,” says Mary Claire Boyd, director of Olympia Fairs in London. “The antiques we enjoy now were modern in their time. It can appeal to a younger audience, but an older audience likes this stuff as well.” As an overall trend, adding a large swath of contemporary pieces as a mainstay to one's booth is still likely to be considered an anomaly for most North American dealers. However, as more and more dealers become aware of this expanding interest in newer pieces, it would be wise to keep in mind, that it’s likely only to be a short matter of time before today’s hot trends eventually become more mainstream; ultimately turning back once again to the "brown furniture" of years past. - A.I.A. Staff Writers NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. Florida - While we've all seen the warning signs before, sometimes it's simply too hard to pass on a great opportunity that's too good to be true. Though according to some recent findings... you probably should. In a public statement released out of England by the UK Fakes and Forgeries Department, it revealed that almost 40 percent of Britons had bankrolled an average of $190 or more into an antique or collectible purchase within the last year, but that a great number of them hadn't even bothered to check to ensure that their purchase was legitimate, despite the fact that approximately 70 percent claimed they thought there was a good chance that they were being taken, and that their purchases could potentially be fakes. The report, along with some industry experts, went on to say that as much as half of the items being sold in stores and through online venues could be fake. Adding further fuel to the fire was the host of CNBC's Treasure Detectives, Curtis Dowling, who claimed that not only was it a big problem elsewhere, but that of the 16 items on his show one season, half turned out to be fake. "This is a pretty a good indicator of what's going on in the market," said Dowling. However, it's not just the Brits and Reality TV hosts that are taking note of the increase in fakes. In France last month, a team of experts dismantled an early-1700s desk made by André-Charles Boulle in order to learn how, and precisely when it was made. By using a form of carbon dating, discovering its construction secrets, and the materials employed, they hope to use this information to help detect forgeries in the future - especially after a number of high-end copies were recently discovered circulating on the market. Some of France's most prominent galleries and experts have been implicated in these forgeries. In addition to this, booming online bidding sales, live auctions and growing antique fairs are all contributing to the strong growth in the global decorative arts market, however this increased popularity of collecting with the buying public has also opened up a money-making opportunity for forgers of every stripe. As with everything in life, it's best to prudent with your purchases, and be on the lookout for deals that are clearly just, "too good to be true..." - A.I.A. Staff Writers NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. Florida - Recent buying trends and conservation projects, along with the sudden passing of legendary astronaut John Glenn, appear to point to a renewed interest by the public in collecting all things "space." H.L. Hacker, a long time investor in space memorabilia out of Dallas Texas, said he hasn't seen this much interest in the field for over 30 years. "Basically, what we're witnessing is a rebirth of interest by a younger generation," said Hacker. Much of what appeals to this new and burgeoning crowd of space-crazed buyers, according to Hacker, can be attributed directly to the influence of tech giants Elon Musk and Amazons Jeff Beso's, and their respective companies entry into the modern space race. "It's people like this who have fueled the resurgent interest in this field, and the inevitable spin-off products that come with it," said Hacker. However, it's not just the new age of space travel that's gaining popularity with collectors, but also the old. In a recent announcement out of Texas, The "Space Center Houston," a nonprofit group responsible for organizing public tours of the Johnson Space Center, announced that it intended to restore the Apollo operations center back to it's historic 1960's appearance within the next few months. This past November, Heritage Auctions out of Dallas put up for sale a number of items connected to the Apollo moon missions that comprised a variety of unusual and diverse objects; including a moon brush for cleaning and examining lunar rocks which fetched $37,000, and an engineers' logbook from the Johnson Space Center control room which sold for $4,500. Other "paper" items on the block included autographed photos of the control room staff at work selling for up to $2,750 - which would have been unheard of only a few years ago - according to collector H.L. Hacker. "Photos of anyone not directly in the astronaut program, were virtually give-aways in the past. Simply put, nobody really cared or wanted them - but that's obviously not the case anymore." Even the recent passing of John Glenn has spurned additional interest said Hacker. "In the last three days, we've had a five-fold increase on our companies web site search traffic related to Glenn - It's just great to see people taking such an interest in a true American hero." For those interested in learning more about space-related memorabilia and collectibles, here are a couple of web sites to start with: http://www.thespaceshop.com/framcol.html http://moonpans.com/ - A.I.A. Staff Writers NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. Florida - It 's certainly not the norm to associate the world of antiques with the latest breaking trends from today's modern retail environment, but that's exactly what's happening within some communities. Pop-up stores, as they're commonly known, are simply small retail events that suddenly appear out of nowhere, and last for only a short period of time. Often used by major retailers and businesses to test certain market products in particular areas, or with specific demographics, they're designed to capitalize on maximum short term exposure and foot traffic in order to drive customers through the door. As with most breaking trends, antiques often tend to lag behind such cutting edge business models simply due to the intrinsic nature of "selling old." However, in this instance old may be new, as a number of inventive entrepreneurs in both North America and England have latched onto the idea of "instant antique shops," that only last for a few weeks or months in a particular location, then pop-up again in a different spot. The idea is to create a sense of urgency on behalf of the buying public that will encourage them to come and shop due to the time-sensitive nature of the business. As one pop-up retailer pointed out in Canada's port city of Halifax, "If the customer knows that we'll only be here for a specific number of days, it can often help them get off the fence when it comes to making an impulse purchase or buy." In North Carolina, Mel Powell, another antique store proprietor, has added his own positive spin on the pop-up concept by working with his city to use old abandoned storefronts and locations at deeply discounted rental prices. This not only helps the antique business with low rent, but also helps the city by encouraging potential new businesses to locate into old storefronts that may have previously sat as vacant, or may have been seen as unsuitable for a new business to set up its fledgling operations. Either way, it would now seem that this new business model might be a win-win situation for all parties involved, as Powell pointed out, when indicating that if his first pop-up test was a success... he planned on moving to a bigger location down the street. To read more about the pop-up store in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, or to watch a video clip on this story from the local ABC affiliate station, simply click on the link below. http://www.13newsnow.com/news/local/north-carolina/antique-pop-up-shop-a-downtown-driver-in-elizabeth-city/347324460 - AIA Staff Writers NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. Sometimes there are wedding presents, and then there are wedding presents! Formerly thought to be lost, a painting from Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, one of the top artists from the Victorian period (a Neoclassical painter), has finally seen the light of day again, after it was brought out of storage by the great-great-grandson of the man for whom the painting was originally made. A wedding gift, the painting depicts the etcher Leopold Löwenstam, who was a close friend and colleague of Alma-Tadema. The painting was a wedding present to Löwenstam and his wife, who also happened to be the nanny for Alma-Tadema's children. According to commentary from sources at the BBC, and those working on the Antiques Roadshow, the picture has been described as one of the “best pictures we have ever seen on the Roadshow in its entire history, and is believed to have received one of the show’s highest valuations." Top picture expert, Rupert Mass went on to say that Alma-Tadema was quite likely the most valuable Victorian artist today, and that his pictures had inspired such individuals as the great American film-maker Cecil B. DeMille. The picture was originally exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1884, and later went on tour again in Liverpool around 1913. However, it is not believed to have been displayed since then, until brought forth by Löwenstam's great-great-grandson. Upon hearing the story behind the painting, and its current value, Löwenstam's descendant said that he had no intention of selling it at the moment, and instead, had lent the work to the Fries Museum in the Netherlands where Alma-Tadema was born, for a scheduled exhibition of his works later this year. Initial estimates from art experts from around the world have put the value of the painting between $350,000 and $550,000 US Dollars. - A.I.A. Staff Writers NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. England - If you thought that Asian antiques had topped out, think again! The recent move in the antiques market for all things Asian seems to have no end in sight, as prices continue to escalate in virtually every area of collecting. For proof, one need look no further than the popular British collecting show, Antiques Road Trip, which saw one of its two experts make a staggering 7,500% in profit on a bronze Buddha. The show, which centers on the two hosts of the program competing against each other on a road trip for the best "find" they can bring to auction, at the best realized price, recently set a record with the sale of a bronze Buddha for over $5,100.00 US dollars. Which is nothing to sneeze at when you consider the item is made of bronze - not gold or silver. A former dealer from Brighton who watched the show was stunned, "I actually used to sell these types of items in my shop for less than twenty quid," said Nigel Rothe, "...and that was only a few years ago." Anita Manning, one of the show's hosts, and the expert who came across the Buddha, said that she stumbled upon the figure in a Vintage Curiosities shop in Sandwich where it was marked for sale at £85. Knowing that legitimate antique Buddhas were currently fetching upwards of six-figure sums, while newer reproduction counterparts were worth virtually nothing, she decided to take the plunge and gamble on the chance that this one might be the real McCoy. After a little bartering with the shop owner Anita managed to get the price down to £50, hoping her instincts would prove her right at auction. When the Buddha finally came up for sale, Manning said it was evident from the beginning of the auction that with international buyers in attendance, and a starting bid of a £1000, she knew her gamble was likely going to pay-off. After some jockeying from bidders the final hammer fell at £3800 (or approximately $5,100 US dollars). Many dealers who reached out to online forums after the show to express their amazement at the final price, seemed genuinely surprised at the sudden surge in value for Asian items of this caliber. As one dealer lamented, "It's often the auctions that lead the way... we just have to follow their lead, and hopefully not have already given away too many items... too cheaply!" - A.I.A. Staff Writers NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page. Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: asheford@mail.com or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. |
AIA StaffWe're providing our students and reader's with the latest breaking news on events and happenings that we think might be of interest to both collectors and dealers alike. Including changes within the world of antiques, vintage, collectibles and appraising that might just have an effect on your bottom line. We're also interested in hearing from you - so if you've got a great newsworthy story, let us know, and you just might find it here! Archives
April 2024
CategoriesLegal Disclaimer: Extraneous opinions, statements and comments made by individuals represented within these posts do not necessarily reflect those of the Institute. The publication naming of specific business entities, organizations, and concerns, contained herein, in no way represents an endorsement or recommendation of services or products by the Institute. Publicly identifiable information contained herein (including, but not limited to contact information), has been intentionally limited where possible, due to privacy and legal concerns related to the digital dissemination of information through online means. All views expressed herein are those of their respective owners. The Institute is in no way responsible, financially or otherwise, for the accuracy or validity of statements contained within published posts from sources that originate and appear outside of the written and expressed views of those submitted by the Institute.
|