FROM THE PUBLISHER
The Thrill
of the Chase
Raid
the
Icebox
Now
“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you
don’t mind it doesn’t matter.” Mark Twain
The appeal of vintage shopping is the adrenaline rush, a treasure hunt for
adults. In this issue, associate editor Casey Nilsson, with help from contribu-
tors Nancy Kirsch and Ellen Liberman, takes a deep dive into the world of
vintage. Whether it’s fashion finds, jewelry steals or that perfect eclectic
home accessory, there are dozens of venues both large and small, broad
focused and specialty collectors as well. “The Life-Changing Magic of Vintage”
gives readers a statewide roadmap to the best shopping discoveries.
Admittedly, I am a fan of consignment shopping when looking for things
that are not mainstream retail. I do suffer from “over-assumptive syndrome,”
with
PABLO BRONSTEIN
NICOLE EISENMAN
PABLO HELGUERA
BETH KATLEMAN
SIMONE LEIGH
SEBASTIAN RUTH
PAUL SCOTT
TRIPLE CANOPY
which means buying things that I like impulsively and assume I will find a
home for — and often never do. It took a friend with a lot more design sense
than I have to point out the error of my ways and convince me to banish
these orphaned finds to what I affectionately call consignment purgatory,
where they share the camaraderie of rejection forlornly in my basement.
Much as shows like “This Old House” and “Property Brothers” have fueled
the DIY fix up and flip market, “Antiques Roadshow” and “From Trash to
Treasure” have done pretty much the same for the consignment industry.
As has been widely noted, we are moving into a renovated mill building
this month, which in addition to new office furniture means a new design
8 contemporary artists
take on the collection
for the eclectic bohemian-like space. I can say a few inspired items (think
urban loft) and two prized-find chandeliers will adorn the office and
complement our existing furniture.
At least I hope so; there’s only so much space in consignment purgatory.
On view through
September 6, 2020
RISDMUSEUM.ORG
J. Rogers & Son, manufacturer, Boston State House with Cows Plate, ca.
1820, Gift of Edward B. Aldrich in memory of Lora E. Aldrich. Nancy Elizabeth
Prophet, Negro Head, before 1927, Gift of Miss Eleanor B. Green. After An-
toine Louis Barye, Bear Erect, 1833–1833, Gift of Mr. Henry D. Sharpe. Roman,
Marble Column with Vine Decoration, ca. CE 120, Museum Appropriation Fund.
12 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l
MARCH 2020
Enjoy the Rhode. –J.J.P.