Shopping at Home – The Committed Collector

A few months back, during the socializing part of the local Depression Glass Club meeting, another avid collector and I were talking about the upcoming weekend and where we were thinking of going to look for more treasures for our collections.

We talked about the estate sales listed in the classifieds and whether they would be worthwhile. We wondered about the possible finds at the newer Henrietta Mall Antiques, which we were both interested in visiting again.

I eventually confessed that I still needed to finish my inventory of some recent purchases, and my collecting colleague admitted that she should just stay home and go through some of the boxes of things she’d already purchased. Hmm. I had to agree with that.

What’s more, writing my last post—which itemized where collectors can find more pieces for their collections—reminded me of that conversation and the truth of it.

Committed collectors like I am already have houses and attics and storage units full of wonderful finds. Those of us who have extensive collections have often been forced to pack up and store away some amazing things.

Rather than go out and add more to our existing collections (which would likely be packed up, too)—or, God forbid, risk finding different things to collect—we could just go through the things we already have.

We could venture into the basement or attic and go through storage tubs or packing cartons and see what we wrapped up ages ago. Maybe we’ll find a charming old teapot or a rare medicine bottle.
We could spend some time at the mini-storage unit, open a few boxes, and find treasures to bring home or mistakes to donate or sell. Perhaps there’ll be an unusual advertising sign or a box of holiday decorations that we’ve forgotten about.
We could reach up to the highest shelves in the kitchen or closets, or back down into the recesses of desks and dressers, and wherever else we store the excesses of our collections and discover what we’ve hidden away there. In such places, we might find Mid-Century Modern martini glasses, Aunt Bea hats, commemorative stamps, or Bakelite jewelry.
We could even rearrange the pieces we have on display in our curio cases and china cabinets. By taking everything out and seeing each piece anew, we can put our treasures back on display in fresh ways that showcase different aspects of our collections.

Although there are many, many fruitful places to go antiquing in Rochester, “shopping” at home is a gratifying option, too.

Since we longtime collectors probably already have many, many treasures in our own homes, rediscovering them is a thrill in itself. It’s a trip down memory lane and a chance to make better use of what we already acquired.

In addition, “shopping” our own stockpiles and storehouses not only saves time and money; it also conserves space because we’re not bringing in more things to house and we might even end up relinquishing a few items we no longer desire to keep.

Over time, our talents improve and our tastes change, so we might find we own things that make us ask, “What was I thinking?” so we can let go of them now as we review our collections.

If we’re serious about collecting, spending time on our current possessions helps us keep our collections organized. It allows us to appreciate what we’ve already collected, and it asks us to consider whether we still value pieces as much as we did when we bought them.

What we value—in other words, why we collect—is an essential aspect of collecting, and it’s the topic of my next post. Until then, I think I’ll stay home this weekend and see what I can rediscover in the attic.

Happy Curating!

Patti
The Committed Collector

If you’ve rediscovered something wonderful among your own collectibles, please let us know. Leave a comment, so we can share in your joy.