The Christie Classic Antique Show, May 2009

On Saturday we went to the Christie Classic Antique Show. Held twice a year in a beautiful conservation area, it's one of Canada's largest outdoor antique shows. we have been going for many, many years. We have attended on bitterly cold days, when the vendors huddle under antique quilts if they have them, and on days so hot that anything you pick up to look at sizzles in your hand! We take a potluck picnic lunch and make a day of it. It's always interesting and always fun. This year we had really nice weather, not too hot, not too cold. The attendance seemed to be very good and people were buying! There are approximately 300 dealers, spread over 10 acres...and there must be at least 1,000 tables crammed full of goodies just like this:

One of my favorite booths, these dealers always have beautiful items, particularly lots of fascinating smalls.

A wonderful Victorian cushion top in pristine condition:

Their showcases are always full of the most wonderful things!

One of the show highlights for me was this booth crammed full of vintage textiles!

It belonged to two sisters. Barb Griffin can be found Saturdays and Sundays at the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto. Bev Munkley sells at Lakeshore Antiques in Niagara on the Lake. They have spectacular taste (meaning they like the same things as I do!)

A mountain of chenilles:

An adorable 1920's print:

Best chenille bathrobe EVER!!!

A pristine quilt with sweet 40's fabrics:

Piles of flawless unused vintage fabric:

It was very difficult to be in this booth while on such a strict budget!

Monika Mclaughlin Antique Jewelry allowed me to photograph this exquisite Victorian micro-mosaic brooch. True micro-mosaic, you an barely even see the individual bits of glass:

An enchanting romantic Pairpoint lamp, I can just imagine this as a starting point to decorate a room for a young girl. A RICH young girl.

Magenta Silk, ruched ribbon and beaded fringe, oh my! A great 1920's standing lamp.

A grand Mason's pink transferware set. Love the unusually shaped tureens. Seriously, this was a steal at $650.00.

Mom and I thought this would make a nice jewelry box/bead cabinet. It was only about 6 feet tall.

Something available to enhance any decor:

Opalescent glass AND cherries!

I fell head over heels in love with this 1940's patriotic black cat. Note that one eye is a lightbulb, functional courtesy of a battery concealed in his tummy. Why? I have no idea. I really wanted him but I resisted his allure.

For the elegant picnicker, an English picnic set c.1930, complete with pansy chintz china. Sigh...

An unusual pair of Victorian miniature banner screens:

A charming booth, I later saw a woman carrying the aqua ladder:Many dealers go to a great deal of trouble to make their booths look beautiful:

A tempting table of lace and frills:

Victorian baby shoes, doll stockings and doll portmanteau:

Delightful 1920's graphics:

Another beautifully arranged booth:

Stop and have tea with Teddy!

It was a wonderful show and a really pleasant day. I can't wait until fall to do it all again!