Seminars on Antiques

Antique Tiles - Adding Old World Charm to New World Homes

A Talk by Wendy Harvey (Saturday 11:30 AM)

Antique tiles are indeed beautiful and unique but, how do I use them? In addition to touching on traditional uses for tiles this seminar will reveal interesting and creative ways to incorporate tiles into any design scheme. Included also in the talk will be a brief introduction to antique tiles, how to tell new from old tiles, where to find antique tiles, and what are they worth.

Wendy Harvey together with her partner Sandie Fowler are the co-owners of Antique Articles, the largest antique tile company in the USA. She is internationally known as a tile specialist and is co-author of "Art Nouveau Tiles", and numerous articles on tiles. Drawing on her background in education, she has presented tile seminars nationally in New Jersey, North Carolina and around New England. She has appeared on HGTV and consulted on a segment for Martha Stewart Living

Acquiring Antique Rugs Today

An informal talk by Jeffrey Arcari (Saturday 12:30 PM)

This talk will include examples from their private collections to be passed through the audience. Jeff will touch on the following subjects: Identifying carpets and attributing age and origin including a brief history of woven carpets as well as a synopsis of current market trends in Antique carpets including values. Also some basic guidelines to follow when purchasing antique carpets through a dealer, at auction, or over the internet.

Landry & Arcari Oriental Rugs & Carpeting of Salem and Boston, are recognized experts in their field. They have given well received presentations on antique oriental rugs and how rugs are made today to many of the area historical societies and museums.

Adventures in Antique Collecting: Some Guidelines

A Seminar by Henry Callan (Saturday 1:00 PM)

Henry Callan will talk on the ins and outs of collecting antiques. What is an antique? How to tell a fake or reproduction. How do you find antiques. How to deal with dealers. How to take advantage of auction psychology. Educate yourself to know, appreciate, and evaluate antiques.

Henry Callan buys and sells antiques. He is a member of the New England Appraiser's Association. He holds Master's Degrees in Library Science and History and was Library Director at Milton Academy for ten years. He taught a course on "Antiques" at Cape Cod Community College for fifteen years. He purchased his first antique at the age of twelve. His specialties are Chinese Export and American Samplers

Dedham and Chelsea Keramic Pottery: a History and Exploration of Design Sources

A Talk by Jim Kaufman (Saturday 2:00 PM)

Mr. Kaufman's profusely illustrated presentation will provide an in-depth history of the pioneering art pottery creations of the Robertson family in Massachusetts. Rarity issues pertinent to collectors will be examined. Special attention will be given to the ceramic genius of Hugh Robertson and the powerful influences of both Chinese and Japanese art and ceramics.

Jim Kaufman is the president of the Dedham Historical Society and longtime volunteer curator for the Society's pottery collections. He has written articles and lectured widely on the topic of Dedham Pottery. He is past president of the Boston China Students Club and a member of both the American Ceramic Circle and the American Art Pottery Association.

Two Centuries of Boston-Area Clock making; Willard, Waltham, Howard, Chelsea and More

A Talk by Bob Frishman(Saturday 2:30 PM)

In this illustrated talk, Bob Frishman, owner of Bell-Time Clocks will present the fine tradition and current values of clocks made in the Boston area from the late 1700's until today.

One focus will be the banjo clock which was invented by Simon Willard and is still reproduced today. It is an icon of American design and a vital part of every serious clock collection. Examples by several famous makers will be discussed, along with those by more contemporary craftsmen like Elmer Stennes whose clocks now also command high prices.

The talk will be an opportunity to learn more about one of the most important categories of New England Antiques.

Giving Antique Furniture New Life - a Restorer Shares the Tricks of the Trade.

A Talk by Tara Deegan Parmenter (Saturday 3:30 PM)

In this session, Parmenter will demonstrate deep cleaning techniques that will revive your furniture and allow it to "glow!" These safe, time-tested methods will remove generation of grime and build-up, with a result that shows off the true beauty of the wood. The session will address questions such as: How to remove water spots and rings? What products and polishes are safe to use on your fine furniture? How often should you clean your furniture? Parmenter will offer some guidance on situations that call for the expertise of a professional restorer.

Tara Deegan Parmenter has studied repair, restoration, and conservation since childhood, apprenticing in her family's 5th generation business and making it a full-time profession in 1993. She subsequently worked at an antique store in Ireland where she served as the master conservator, training a staff of eight apprentices. In 1999, she came to Boston where she met Gentle Giant President Larry O'Toole, who commissioned her to do repairs for the moving company. Simultaneously, Tara established her own clientele. Today, Gentle Giant Moving Company customers, Tara's independent clientele, and Gentle Giant Restoration and Conservation's burgeoning word-of-mouth customer base keep her and her team busy.

Three Centuries of American Samplers, 1620-1920

A Talk by Henry Callan (Sunday 11:30 AM)

Henry Callan will discuss the many varieties, their symbols and inscriptions. His colorful slides will show the changes in style and he will point out how to date samplers without dates. He will give tips on collecting as well as preservation.

Henry Callan buys and sells antiques. He is a member of the New England Appraiser's Association. He holds Master's Degrees in Library Science and History and was Library Director at Milton Academy for ten years. He taught a course on "Antiques" at Cape Cod Community College for fifteen years. He purchased his first antique at the age of twelve. His specialties are Chinese Export and American Samplers.

Collecting & Investing in American Art

A Talk by Roy Mennell (Sunday 12:30PM)

It is only a short step from enjoying American art to collecting and investing in it. Roy will talk about the do's and don'ts. Roy will offer very specific information, recommendations that will assist you in developing your own guidelines.

Roy Mennell is an experienced collector/dealer in American art. With his wife, Sheila, he owns Bradford Trust Fine Art. They specialize in American art, with an emphasis on New England coastal scenes and Cape Cod art. Roy is immediate past president of the Cape Cod Antique Dealers Association. He has had a passion for art and antiques for more than 40 years, first as a collector, then as an avocation and, for the past ten years, as a full-time dealer. Roy was Chairman of Acquisitions and the Vice-President for the Cape Museum of Fine Arts.

Early English Porcelain, 1750-1830: Overview and Collecting t

A Talk by Greg Lovell (Sunday 1:30PM)

Everyone in all price ranges can enjoy collecting, studying, and decorating their home with early English porcelain. While less familiar to many antiques enthusiasts, a basic knowledge of these items can easily be gained as explained by Mr. Lovell. This illustrated talk will include an introductory overview of the invention and development of these ceramics, along with information about buying and collecting this wonderful art form.

Greg Lovell, owner of Gregory Lovell Antiques, deals in early English ceramics. He has been an avid collector for seventeen years and has been selling for three years. Mr. Lovell was past vice-president and currently serves as treasurer of the Boston China Students Club where he has given talks on the subject of early English porcelain factories.