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Tag Archive | "Antiques"

Treasure Hunting in Cobourg, Ontario

Friday, January 13, 2012

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Here's a post that's been in the can for months. Back in September when I scouted Waddington's new Cobourg outpost, I went on a little treasure hunt along tiny Covert Street, which I discovered thanks to my friend Susan Forint and her SAF Affect blog. Then, before I got a chance to post my thrifty finds, I learned that I had overlooked Cobourg's biggest claim to vintage fame, the massive Legacy salvage yard. So back I went with my Ajax friends Denise and Larry who kindly provided the transport.

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For the Dog Lover on Your List

Monday, December 19, 2011

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Poking around Toronto's W.R. Antiques (179 Queen Street East, 416.504.6900) awhile back I was struck by how much dog art shop owner Winnie Runnquist has accumulated. Bronzes, cast iron sculptures, bookends, ceramics, paintings -- if dogs are your thing or a passion of someone on your Christmas list, then W.R. is a great spot to find something special for under the tree. I wouldn't suggest that Runnquist has every breed covered but her range is impressive and her prices are reasonable; the beautiful cast iron Spaniel is $195 . . .

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Craigslist Deja Vu

Thursday, December 15, 2011

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This morning I saw an ad on Craigslist that really took me back. This Duncan Phyfe is a dead ringer for the table that became my first big refinishing project, my trial by fire. Because of its condition, the table above is selling for just $30, which makes it an ideal candidate for someone like me with more ambition than brains who wants to get his or her hands dirty and learn a helluva lot about refinishing. And while I'm definitely tempted, I don't have the space or inclination to take this on right now. What about you? You might end up with a something you can be proud of, I know I was when my table, below, finally emerged from the fire.

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European Flare on Dundas West

Saturday, December 3, 2011

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Further to Thursday's post about Old Fashioned Restoration, proprietor Emanuel Calleja isn't just a master furniture restorer, he's also a dealer with a great eye who does the bulk of his picking on annual European buying trips. The cost of trans-Atlantic shipping means this is no bargain basement, but if you're in the market for high-quality vintage and antique pieces, 3068 Dundas Street West should be on your shopping itinerary. Although Calleja has a number of very fine antiques — his spectacular German marquetry bedroom set was featured on the Antiques Roadshow — the dealer has a particular taste for early 20th century furnishings and lighting, especially art deco.

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Turning to a Pro For Help

Thursday, December 1, 2011

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StyleNorth reader Liza wrote to me seeking some help finding a well-priced coffee table (up to $250). Liza lives in North Bay, Ontario, where the Craigslist pickings are slim to non-existent so after discussing size and style, I pulled scads of Toronto-area options for her to consider. Liza found the winner herself, above, but there was a caveat (or two, as it turned out). There were a couple of pronounced, white watermarks on the surface that I was pretty sure I could tackle and turn into a good blog post (this one!).

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