by Melody Amsel-Arieli Faded doilies and lacy gloves may evoke visions of bygone afternoon teas in overstuffed parlors. Yet these openwork textiles were likely inspired by highly embroidered Italian Renaissance church vestments. In time, decorative needle lace—hundreds of impossibly tiny,…
Story and photos by Donald-Brian Johnson In the world of mid-twentieth-century décor, it wasn’t enough for a designer to be a household name. What sold everything—from dinnerware to dishwashers to draperies—was exactly the right household name. That name had to…
Nativity Sets Around The World by Donald-Brian Johnson | Photos by Leslie Piña “And it came to pass while they were there, the days for her to be delivered were fulfilled. And she bought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped…
The Fabric of Their Lives: The Albany Institute of History and Art The Albany Institute of History and Art is home to collections that span our country’s formation, including fine art, decorative art, and historic objects gathered from its founding…
by Judy Gonyeau Apothecary Jars and Glass Containers Apothecary jars or bottles were designed to hold powders, dry goods, medicines, and herbs. These were produced in the Midwestern and Eastern states between 1790-1920, and generally ranged in size between 4”-12”…
By Richard Davies, AbeBooks Photo albums The biggest growth area in the rare book world is vintage photo albums. Collectors and institutions want unique items, and personal photo albums fill the bill. Albums filled with wartime and travel-related pictures are…
by Jessica Kosinski Hot-Pads, Potholders and Trivets When it comes to kitchen collectibles, some of the most fun to collect are potholders (pot holders), hot pads, and trivets. In this issue, let’s take a peek at how they have changed…
