Some shoppers will take off with tape measures, paint colors, designers and lists. Blankets for packing fill their SUVs. Roll’en Hills Moving & Delivery is on their speed dial and lunch is a low priority. Or at least it will be a late lunch to recharge for another surge.
Other shoppers will stroll in, two and three generations together, on vacation or for a reunion – a tradition of being together in a beautiful setting surrounded by the top antiques anywhere.
Whether attacking the 10 tents and 12 buildings as an extreme sport, or whether venturing in for inspiration and fun, shoppers anticipate buying from nearly 400 exhibitors from 38 states and beyond.
And this fall there will be more time to find it. On Tuesday, Sept. 28, Marburger Farm will stay open until 7 p.m. for extended antiques shopping and as a benefit for the Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
“We are delighted to partner with this extraordinary organization for the first time,” said Marburger co-owner Rick McConn.
Also on Tuesday, Sept. 28, designer Carolyn Westbrook will sign copies of her new book, The French Inspired Home (CiCo Press), as well as share tips on “How to Shop French at Marburger Farm.” Photographed by Keith Scott Morton, the pages of The French Inspired Home sparkle with Westbrook’s finds at Marburger Farm over the years.
“Glorious displays and diverse styles of French,” said Westbrook, “can be found at the Marburger Farm Antique Show – from French Country to the more opulent, sophisticated French, which I love to mix together. My romance with French is fulfilled as I peruse the aisles of Marburger Farm for fabulous finds and great inspiration.”
Whether shopping with a list or for leisure, shoppers anticipate new inspiration at Marburger Farm.
What inspires a Marburger exhibitor?
“Repurposing inspires me,” says Destin, Fla., dealer Ann Miller Hopkins of Antiques on Holiday. “When we make something out of something else, it’s even more interesting – nothing run-of-the-mill.” Hopkins will alight with one-of-a-kind European antiques, many repurposed for the American market such as aviaries made into chandeliers, drums made into coffee tables and garden artifacts for use in the home year-round.
“I’m bringing fantastic mirrors, painted backdrops from an old theater, a pair of 6-foot tufted leather ottomans from Holland and a large farm table that came from the kitchen of a 19th-century mountain spa in Belgium. I’ll mix in a little industrial, like movie spotlights, with the fine antiques. What inspires me is layering different kinds of antiques in a room, layering pieces from different generations. It gives a more subtle and rich look, but it’s not prissy or pretentious.”
Exhibitor Marilyn Angel of Willoughby, Ohio, finds inspiration in the rediscovery of antiques by a new generation. “Lots of antiques that were overlooked are suddenly moving fast like quilts and homey, sweet pieces, pieces with a story.” For the fall Marburger Farm show, Angel will offer a collection of gold-filled Victorian jewelry – bangles engraved with romantic names and designs, plus Victorian coral and Persian turquoise. “The younger buyers in Texas are not afraid to spend money on good pieces, and they are not shy about wearing them or using them.” Angel will also offer sterling, 1930s cut glass and pottery. “The young people use them to display huge floral arrangements.”
Dealer David Zabriskie of Lake Placid, N.Y., finds inspiration in the splendid buying available in the current economy. “With a downturn comes opportunity,” he said. “It’s a good time to buy for everybody. Prices are good. Quality antiques are on the market. I’m buying everything I can. I’ll bring a huge load to Marburger Farm. I’ll negotiate, I’ll sell fairly and I’ll go home with a very small load. That’s why I’m coming to Texas – Texans like everything.”
And “everything” at Marburger Farm includes French, Swedish, industrial, English, Asian, American or more. It includes art, jewelry, lighting, mid-century modern, folk art, silver, primitives, ceramics, advertising and more. Come to look, to buy, to be inspired and to enjoy a few days antiquing in Texas, whether out for plunder or out for pleasure – or both.
Marburger Farm Antique Show opens Tuesday, Sept. 28, for early buying from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for $25 admission. Regular $10 admission begins at 2 p.m. opening day. Parking is free and admission is good for the duration of the show. Shopping continues Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Saturday, Oct. 2, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
For maps, photos and information on tickets, groups, the Marburger Café, special events and the Roll’en Hills Moving & Delivery number for your speed dial, visit the Web site: roundtop-marburger.com.