Transitioning into a first job will inevitably include upgrading an apartment from the décor of college days. “Mantiques” found at an antique show provide a unique opportunity to begin to redesign personal space to complement a new career.
“Young men living on their own at college aren’t known for their desire or ability to decorate to impress,” says Jay Melrose, antique show promoter organizing the upcoming All Saints’ Antiques Show in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. “Entering the working world will eventually necessitate an associate will get a glimpse of how we live, and anyone who sees how we live receives an important impression of who we are.”
Melrose explains that a certain category of antiques he likes to call “mantiques” appeal particularly to the young male buyer. Using them as accents can be transformative in an apartment setting and send a message of security, class and confidence.
“Antiques are furnishings, but they’re also art and investments,” Melrose says. “Selecting antiques takes a level of appreciation for things not available through commercial resources. Anyone can buy furniture, but it takes connoisseurship to decorate with antiques.”
Five mantiques that Melrose says can help transform a bachelor’s pad are:
1. Glass Decanters-American, English or Irish, a cut glass whiskey decanter clearly says we’ve moved beyond fraternity parties and are ready to enjoy a quiet drink for two.
2. Leather-bound books-A set of leather books says everything we read just isn’t available on Kindle. Knowledge can be elusive, and information exclusive.
3. Slant Front or Butler’s Desk- For modern use these desks provide a convenient place to store checkbooks, invoices and mail. Some can accommodate a laptop and everything closes up and neatly stays out of sight. Some have drawers for liquor, cell phone chargers and secret compartments for things we may reserve for people invited to notice.
4. Vintage Barometer-A scientific instrument like a barometer is sure to add intelligence to your space. You may also find yourself preoccupied with atmospheric pressure.
5. Rifles-It’s a misnomer that Americans in Colonial times kept a rifle above the fireplace. So if you don’t have a mantle, don’t let that stop you from having the “mantique” of them all. A rifle at home says all this fancy stuff doesn’t mean you’re not ready for a scuffle.
“In addition, maps and globes, trays, tea caddies, shaving mirrors and other items can bring sophistication and character to new living quarters,” Melrose says.
The All Saints’ Antiques Show will be held at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center July 29 –August 1, 2009. The show is now in its 60th year, sponsored by All Saints’ Episcopal Parish. The show will be open to the public from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30 and Friday, July 31 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, August 1. Admission is $7. More information is available at http://www.rehobothantiques.com.
Urban Art & Antiques 