Collecting Vintage – An Interview with GSArcheologist 4

We enjoying talking to people who collect vintage treasures.  In this interview, we find out more about Ann, the owner of the vintage shop GSArcheologist on Etsy.

Why and when did you start collecting?

I began collecting vintage items and antiques when I was in college in the 70s. As a college student with little or no money for the things I needed I began searching for furniture and household items for my apartment. I discovered garage sales, estate sales and auctions had just about everything I needed to furnish my apartment.

Who or what was your influence for collecting?

I graduated from college in the midst of a recession with a degree in art education. Teachers of all kinds were being laid off, especially art teachers. I found a job at Kittles furniture in Indianapolis where I was trained to work with clients and interior designers. The training I received there helped me almost 30 years later when our most recent recession hit. The furniture and accessories I helped people by in the early 80s were now being cast out for new styles. My favorite furniture pieces are Pennsylvania House, DIA (Paul Evans and Milo Baughman), Henredon, Russel Wright, Adrian Pearsall lamps, Paul McCobb and Lane. I always loved the old industrial designers and began collecting Copco cookware, Georges Briard and numerous other cookware designers. That’s when I decided to open an Etsy shop and share my finds with people who had similar interests.

What is one of your favorite pieces and why?

Furniture: I have an old handmade coffee table that is made from a 3″ slab of walnut with refinished bowling pens as legs. I love it and would never part with it.
Lamps: I am a professed lampaholic. My two favorite are a 19th c. Carl Unger Schneider base that features two white horses pulling a cart of a German peasant and a Adrian Pearsall modern floor lamp.

What tips can you give us about collecting?

Research your favorite pieces so you can spot them quickly when you’re out. Don’t be afraid to get a little dirty. I’ve pulled some fabulous pieces out of old barns, basements and barns.

What would be your holy grail piece and why?

A dining table by George Nakashima would be my holy grail. I love his work and admire his artistic vision for maintaining the natural integrity of the wood.

Where do you look for new items to add to your shop/collection?

Like many buyers I hunt for items at thrift stores, estate sales and garage sales. I look for older neighborhoods built in the 60s and 70s and just watch for sales that people are having. I’m not particular though some of my best finds have been in run down neighborhoods and mobile home parks. You just never know what is there until you look.

How has collecting changed or affected your life?

My home is furnished with what I find at garage sales and thrift shops. I can furnish any one bedroom apartment in any style for $500.00 and do it well. Although that does not include a mattress and box spring, it does include furniture, bedding, household items and accessories. My background in interior design allows me an advantage in bringing any room together on a tight budget.

Where can we find you? 

Blog:  garagesalearcheologist.blogspot.com/
Etsy Shop:  www.etsy.com/shop/GSArcheologist

New Etsy Shop:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/HipSquareSweaters