Antique Directories

Another spectacularly beautiful book from the Paris-based publisher Assouline, Antiquaires traces the history of the antiques-dealing profession from its origins in the 16th century to the present day. From the friperie merchant and upholsterer of the ancien régime to today's dealers in antiques and second-hand furniture, antiques dealers remain the middlemen between the serious collector and the past. They are magicians who cast a spell upon the detritus of times past, turning them into treasure-troves prized by the rich and powerful. This book is a celebration of that magic.

It is a challenge indeed to evoke the Parisian antiques dealers and their history, but author Jean-Louis Gaillemin is up to it. The owners of modern art galleries who monitor the work of their artists are actors in the history of art, but antiques dealers, like collectors, create the history of taste, a history that is more subtle, more discreet, and certainly more subjective. While the collectors may sometimes allow a peep inside their doors, antiques dealers are a more secretive lot. Very little has been written about them, and their memoirs have usually proven more anecdotal (though humorous) than useful. Their stock is more ephemeral by definition, and even their large numbers discourage the would-be chronicler.

Gaillemin was conscious of the gaps in this area of study and the choices he was forced to make. Priority is given to "general" dealers who combine objects, furnishings, paintings, and sculptures, to the detriment of the specialists, but that's a minor quibble. Superb photographs done especially for this book capture the brilliance and grandeur of the showrooms, while the thoroughly documented text, rich with cultural references and enlivened by interviews with current leading dealers, provides a solid introduction to the present-day defenders of the great French tradition. And the exhaustive listing of the dealers, their specialties, and their addresses at the back of the book serves as a tantalizing aperitif for anyone preparing for that oft-delayed sojourn to the City of Light. --Charles Decker

A delightful two-in-one guidebook, with many of the authors' favorite shops and stalls illustrated in color. The wares of hundreds of them are described, with notes about proprietors and their specialties and quirks. There are maps and directions for finding markets, tips on bargaining, and even suggestions for nearby cafes. -- Interior Design, August 1999

The Antiques Directory Of Furniture is a comprehensive, completely revised and up-to-date visual guide to more than 7,000 pieces of furniture made between the 16th and early 20th century. Organized by style and period, including American, English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Oriental, The Antiques Directory Of Furniture is an essential reference book for any collector, dealer, art and design student, flea market frequenter, and anyone else who loves furniture. More than 560 full-color and b/w photographs. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

This is an attractive guide to companies that replicate country decor of the Amish, Shakers, colonial America, and the time periods from the 17th century to the Victorian era. The first section of the book lists the companies alphabetically with many colored photographs of their products. A short description of each company follows, with address, telephone number, and the cost of a catalog. An index divides items by broad category. Products are diversefireplace mantels, rubber stamps, coverlets, and wreaths are all available. The companies are also listed by state, and those that have public showrooms are noted with times of opening. A good choice for public libraries. Christine Bulson, SUNY at Oneonta Lib.
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.