AN INTERVIEW WITH GARDEN STONE & ANTIQUES

What is the unique appeal of antiques?

I think the unique appeal is the connection to the past. With my business being strictly garden antiques, folks tend to identify with their outdoor spaces. It is also the uniqueness of having a garden ornament to admire when you stroll through your garden. It turns into a sense of pride. Many of my stone items are hand carved and all the stones are re-purposed from old buildings, houses, barns,etc. Many times the pieces become focal points in the garden.

How is the industry changing and are you optimistic for its future?

The industry is changing in so many ways. Age of the clients definitely plays into the process, but I do see younger couples starting to see the value of antiques. I especially see this in the garden areas. Sometimes this happens when they become empty nesters. The internet sales has also influenced the the industry as well as estate sales and auctions.

When looking at antiques - what key questions should buyers ask?

In my business there are so many reproductions out there that the client needs to look for authenticity. Sometimes this is difficult. For example the iron pieces will many times have the name of the foundry where they were produced which prove age, etc. This is especially true for the serious collectors, to some others it may not matter if it is a reproduction.

What advice would you give to people new to antiques who want to learn more?

For those who want to begin there are many sources of information. There are books on just about every type of antique out there. The internet also can provide the history and other information.

What attracted you to antiques and starting a business?

I started my business because of my true passion of gardening. I have always admired the unique designs of olde England and the grand entrances and ornaments they had. When expanding my garden I was shopping for a birdbath. I could only find pottery ones that looked too common. As I was browsing through an old English garden book I saw this stone design, so I took a hammer and screwdriver and carved one. A neighbor that had a shop saw it and said you should put some of those in my store. I did and had some high end clients purchase them and invited me to several antique and garden shows. The rest is history. I then started adding garden antiques that I search for throughout the East and Midwest. These include urns, statues, sundials, fountains, gates, and benches.

Why do you support Trade Secrets?

I am excited to be in my first Trade Secrets show this coming year. Reading the history of the organization, I am delighted to contribute to such a wonderful cause. I look forward to meeting the folks involved.