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

http://www.provenance-chicago.com/