Name: Brianna
IG: 1920craftsman
What was the first antique you ever bought?
This metal bed was my first antique. When my parents divorced when I was in high school, my mom took me antiquing in Lambertville, NJ & New Hope, PA to furnish my bedroom at her house. It was such a fun experience, and I think it’s when I fell in love with antiquing.
We thought the bed was a full, but it was a queen. This has been fortunate since being a queen bed, it has transitioned into married life with us. We’d never be able to fit a king into our space. My husband and I often joke that our house is 3/4 size.
Do you have a meaningful heirloom that was handed down to you?
This bookcase/secretary was actually my dad’s first antique. As a little girl, I remember my mom keeping all her coupons in the drawer and pulling down the secretary to make a bedroom for my barbies.
My dad has been downsizing and when I mentioned how much I loved this piece, he said I could have it. I was not anticipating that at all! It fits perfectly in our entry.
Our mail tray sits on top, our board games in the cabinet, and the coupon drawer has essentially become a drawer of random things. I love that it’s such a beautiful piece but also functions so well for our needs.
If you could only acquire one category of antiques or collectibles, which would it be and why?
If I could only acquire one category of antiques or collectibles, it would be art. I say that because art is not limited to pieces you put on a wall.
What is art? This is a question I dive into in my classroom.
Art is a beautiful pair of candlesticks. Art is a crystal made by Mother Nature. Art is a gorgeous piece of pottery. Art is a handmade rug. Art is a floral arrangement. Art and art objects tell stories and history lives within them.
*Responses may be edited for length and clarity.