Friday, December 2, 2011

PROVENANCE . . . . .

           
               Yesterday afternoon following a design appointment, I received a call on my cell
                reminding me of our invitation to share in the opening of a new shop.  Two of our
                friends were involved and I thought it a good thing to support them and 
                share in their new endeavor.  We did not know the third partner, the antique
                dealer, but as it turned out, that did not take long because he met us at the door
                as we entered the shop!  He was charming and had a bit of a French accent which
                gained my full attention immediately!





Nancy and I met at the entrance that was
without storefront and quite inconspicuous.




Tiny white lights,  an urn filled
with greens in a small patch planted with shrubs,
all in the presence of a black door with a fabulous
logo.  Somehow, the absence of that store window
was just not going to make a difference. . . . .



This shop had once been a warehouse for Lech, the antique dealer
who also had a presence in the city (Chicago)  He greeted us
at the door on his way out with the charm and essence of a
true Frenchman.  Was he or was he not?  His name
is Lech.



The 85' walk down this hall proved to be interesting in itself.  Dark dingy walls
we learned had been revived in a beautiful shade of taupey soft warm gray.  Gold leafed
antique frames were adorned with red ribbons and greens which only made
the wonder grow.  .  .and he personally brought us down this walkway.  Immediately,
I thought about service and attention to detail and a caring for his new clientele whom
he had just met.




When Lech opened the door, all I can say is my heart
skipped a beat.  It was the most beautiful collection of
18th century antiques I had ever seen. So beautifully
gathered and so cleverly unassuming.  There was an
unexplainable comfort in the serious furniture that
was so much a part of the mix.  The atmosphere alone
was a plus because of what 3 clever people envisioned.


TASTEFUL

ELEGANT

WARM

CHARMING

UNIQUE


I honestly was lost in it all and congratulated all for their efforts of
pride and a job so beautifully done.


I looked around and certain things caught my
eye that were unlike  anything nI had ever seen.
This extra large, hand painted apothecary jar
was beautiful.



Old leather books were tied with twine and decorated with
baubles suggesting a wonderful Christmas present offering.




Silver trays were filled with more interesting objects for purchase.  This
over sized silver tray stole my heart.  (I already have one or it might
have come home)




Vignettes were created with such charm and contrast of
colors, texture and interest.
  Note the black lacquered
chandelier over head.  The greens made you feel
the holiday presence at this opening.



This streetlight would be wonderful on a sideboard filled
with a strings of white lights in a bed of greens.  I would
say it was about 20" tall.  Origin: France ?



Santa sitting in an antique French chair.




This wonderful zinc horse head sat comfortably on a vintage
book of Vienna.  What a wonderful gift for a horse lover
or even me!






Another well put together vignette that stole my heart because
of the objects that included antique frames, a clock,
an old trunk turned coffee table, an antique brass barometer
a small wooden antique box filled with frosted cookies  and
then all of it gathered on an animal!!!   WOW!





On the table where a beautifully presented offering of hors d' houvres
taunted,  was this mini drawered chest full of Christmas cookies.  I filed
this idea immediately.  How clever!


This two-tiered epergne was host to the
table that was filled with appetizers and wine.
The floral work was that of Sadie, owner and creator
of The English Garden Flower Shop in Clarendon Hills





I couldn't believe my eyes at how clever these bookends were.
Talk about re purposing. . . . .metal flower frogs and doorknobs
had just become friends with antique leather books!




More re purposed vintage bookends.  The name of their clever
company is called HOBNOBS and I bet they would ship! 




Last but not least I spotted this zinc birdcage that was about
20"tall.  On the perch were tiny candy canes suggesting another
wonderful gift for a holiday purchase.


I truly hope I was able to wet your appetite.  If you live locally, I promise
you that you won't want to miss this little world, down that long hallway
with 3 wonderful people ready to serve your antiquing needs.  They are
open for business, every Wednesday and the rest of the time BY APP'T
ONLY.  (which says to me, they will meet you almost anytime for
a shopping event you won't ever forget.)



LECH KMIEC
630 207 0647

ANN MARIE GENT
630-567-6055

DEBBIE ZIMMER
630-772-0970



PROVENANCE

ANTIQUES AND ARTIFACTS
18 A NORTH CATHERINE AVENUE
LA GRANGE, ILLINOIS 60525

                           

8 comments:

Gatsbys Gardens said...

You know I will be there to see this gem!

Eileen

The Tablescaper said...

Oh my, what an amazing presentation! I'd love to have you join me at Seasonal Sundays.

- The Tablescaper

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Anonymous said...

Oh, my, Mary Anne. What a feast for the senses! I have to find this shop - it is not far from me at all, know the street, just need to find the time. ha!

What an interesting way to gift. A silver tray filled with good things. I need to remember that for some raffle items coming up this year.

Enjoy the weekend.

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

Your so right! There are so many wonderful treasures to adore.

Dee

Red Rose Alley said...

So many wonderful treasures. I love those old leather books. They remind me of my daughter, as she has to read many books right now working on her Ph.D.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

A beautiful place Mary Anne!

Debbie and Ann Marie said...

Oh how exciting to read the posts Mary Anne!! Thank you again for your visit...come one, come all :-}}}}