Booth # B206
Jeffrey Curry
Q: IF MONEY WAS NO OBJECT, SAY YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WHAT ANTIQUE OR COLLECTIBLE WOULD YOU BUY IMMEDIATELY?
A: A painting, probably Picasso.
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST GORGEOUS ANTIQUE YOU EVER SAW, IN A PRIVATE COLLECTION, OR EVEN A MUSEUM?
A: Most recently, a sterling silver centerpiece by Theodore Starr of New York. Three putti under a circular plate with a glass center bowl, probably by Steuben.
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING STORY YOU KNOW ABOUT ANY OF THE ANTIQUES YOU HAVE EVER HAD, OR EVEN A COMPELLING STORY YOU KNOW ABOUT AN ANTIQUE YOU DON’T OWN?
A: The Gillows of Lancaster breakfront in my booth #206 was formerly owned by Jake Butcher. Jake went to prison after a fraud conviction in 1985. Butcher was highly influential in Knoxville, but his banking empire was corrupt. He brought the World's Fair to Knoxville and even ran for governor against Lamar Alexander. Butcher had exquisite taste in antique furniture!
Q: WHAT ANTIQUE TREND DO YOU LOVE RIGHT NOW?
A: I have enjoyed the recent uptick in interest for good Mid-Century design. I wish I had bought more when it was more plentiful and less expensive.
Q: IS THERE A GENRE OF ANTIQUES OR COLLECTIBLES YOU WOULD LIKE TO COLLECT IN THE FUTURE?
A: I think it would be interesting to decorate with French Art Nouveau furniture and accessories. But honestly, I'm not much of a collector.
Q: WHAT ANTIQUE ERA DO YOU NOT LIKE?
A: Bad, mass-produced Victorian era furniture, ornately carved oak American furniture, cheap knock-off reproductions of good Mid-Century designs.
Q: ARE ANTIQUES A GOOD INVESTMENT? WHY OR WHY NOT?
A: Really fine, exquisite antiques might hold their value or even increase in a lifetime. But tastes change. I buy what I like. That is an investment in my happiness!
Q: HAVE YOU EVER RECYCLED OR UPCYCLED AN ANTIQUE/VINTAGE ITEM?
A: Yes, of course. The top of an old pump organ is on its way to B-206 as a wall shelf!
