The Art of The Find
By Dawn Nolan | Photography by Mary Baldwin
Whether it’s the thrill of the hunt, the feelings of nostalgia, historical interest, sustainable practice or a combination, antiquing has and continues to be a popular pastime for collectors. More than knickknacks and tchotchkes.
The word “antique” is of Latin origin. Stemming from ante, which means “before” and antiquus and anticus, or “former, ancient.” Technically, to be considered an antique, an item must be at least 100 years old. This criteria was established with the enactment of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930. Antiques are often handmade, with significant attention to craftsmanship, and have historical or cultural value. The term “vintage” is used when referring to items 20 (though some say 30)-99 years old and are representative of a specific era. More contemporary items are called such or “collectables.” Finally, “retro” is newer but is defined as “relating to, reviving, or being the styles and especially the fashions of the past: fashionably nostalgic or old-fashioned.”
For a town with as much history as Lewisburg, it is no surprise that there are a number of local shops owned by those with an interest in preserving the past and giving others the opportunity to purchase a piece from days gone by. From fine art to oddities, primitives to curiosities Here are just a few found within a couple of miles – many within walking distance – of each other.
“People that like to shop for antiques and collectables don’t want to go to just one place,” says Vicki Wilson, owner of Brick House Antiques. “We are very lucky that Lewisburg has a good, unique selection.”
Brick House Antiques
At Brick House Antiques, not only are the items inside the shop historically significant, but the two-story, red brick building itself is as well, dating back to 1815. Previously, it was a residence, center for the American Red Cross, a restaurant, leather shop and now its current iteration.
Wilson has been in the business for decades and is known for her experience with estate sales. She has carefully curated each of the Brick House’s nine themed rooms, with regional treasures trending towards the early 20th-century that she has personally purchased. The dining room and parlor are tastefully decorated with glassware, china, copper pots and kettles.The linen room with its quilts, tablecloths, sewing implements and buttons, is a special area that many admire.
“We are one of the few shops to carry beautiful, antique linens,” says Wilson. “They are both difficult to get and maintain.”
Wilson has a soft spot for children’s items and also works with a number of experts specializing in gold, silver and crystal. The ever-changing inventory keeps collectors coming back and is extensively rearranged a couple of times a year.
Brick House Antiques is located at 1066 Washington St. E, Lewisburg and is open from 10 AM-5 PM, Monday-Saturday, and from 11 AM-4 PM on Sunday. Follow Brick House Antiques on Facebook.
“People that like to shop for antiques and collectables don’t want to go to just one place...We are very lucky that Lewisburg has a good, unique selection.”
Patina
The word “patina” often refers to a film or coloring – often green or brown – on the surface of metal that indicates significant age or use. It’s a fitting name for a shop of its kind. With “cool vintage stuff at affordable prices,” the bright and colorful space has home decor, repurposed furniture, local art, retro apparel, handmade accessories and other unique pieces.
Chris Ide and his late partner, Mollie Messimer, took over ownership in 2018, and while a majority of the store is made up of Ide’s own finds, Patina has several other sellers and artists that stock the shop with their own unique wares, like Tiffany and Keith of Commonwealth Vintage (clothing and retro goods), Ali of Dragonspirations (dragon sculptures and fantasy-themed items) and Lena of Lena B. Vintage (farmhouse-style decor).
But the best part of visiting Patina just might be Icelandic Sheepdogs that are the official greeters.
Patina is located at 1046 Washington St. E, Lewisburg and is open Monday-Thursday from 10 AM-5 PM, 10 AM-6 PM Friday and Saturday and Noon-4 PM on Sunday | patinaofwv.com
Robert’s Antiques & Wine Store
What goes well with antiques? At Robert’s, its wine — over 900 labels — as well as craft beer, hard cider and charcuterie.
Robert “Bob” Hamilton and his wife, Mary Jane opened the business in 1990. Initially only an antique store, their son, Robbie added the wine shop.
“It’s two of our favorite things, and they are a perfect combination,” says Robbie.
An eclectic collection of 18th and 19th-century antiques, such as medical instruments, pottery, ancient weapons, oriental rugs, paintings, clocks, mirrors, chandeliers and vintage furniture from around the globe – with special interests in Middle Eastern, African and French pieces.
The stocks and reproduced guillotine is definitely a conversation starter! Check out what Robbie calls “The Inner Sanctum” at the back of the store to see more oddities and curiosities on display, including animatronics, eyeball light, animal head mounts, a church confessional and an Annabelle doll.
Robert’s is located at 1055 Washington St. E, Lewisburg and is open Monday-Saturday from 10:30 AM-5:30 PM and Sunday from 11 AM-3 PM | antiquesandwinewv.com
Tattered & Worn Antiques & Primitives
Shoppers that visit Tattered & Worn are often surprised by its size. The antique and primitives mall is 1,500 square feet and has more than 80 vendors from around the Greenbrier Valley and Beckley. Angie Martin has owned the business for the last eight and a half years, purchasing it from George and the late Linda Underwood, who previously had Thymeworn Antiques & Primitives in the same space. From books to flags, sewing machines to garden accessories, clothing to toys, Tattered & Worn is full of rustic treasures.
Tattered & Worn is located at 1717 Jefferson St. N. Lewisburg and is open Monday-Saturday from 10 AM-5 PM and Sunday from noon-5 PM. Follow Tattered & Worn on Facebook
The Sign of the Golden Rabbit
A newer addition to Lewisburg’s antiques scene, The Sign of the Golden Rabbit, or The Golden Rabbit, was founded in 2020 by second-generation fine art dealer Adrienne French. The shop focuses on sourcing and selling generational heirlooms, including antiques, fine art, interiors and estate jewelry.
French sources pieces, many of which are museum quality, from throughout the world via secondary market, reputable auction houses or direct from consumers/collectors. Periods range from Middle Kingdom Egypt (c.2030-1650 BCE) through contemporary times. Along with having a significant interest in Venetian glass, some of the other iconic items French has sourced include an Egyptian obelisk with hieroglyphics and chandelier manufactured in Philadelphia that is a sister piece to the one that used to hang in the old main entrance to the Greenbrier, and a Japanese table from the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.
The educational component of the world of fine art and antiques is very important to French.
“I’m really passionate about ethically collecting—the ethical consumption and perpetuation of connoisseurship,” French says. “And I want there to be an accessibility to learning about antiques. It’s important to me to be able to educate people about what they have, what we have collectively, and how we can make antiques and antiquity functionally relevant in a contemporary society. ”
The Sign of the Golden Rabbit is located at 951 Washington St. W, Lewisburg. Visit The Sign of the Golden Rabbit’s website for seasonal hours of operation or call for a private appointment. thesignofthegoldenrabbit.com
“...It’s important to me to be able to educate people about what they have, what we have collectively, and how we can make antiques and antiquity functionally relevant in a contemporary society. ”
The Very Thing
Conveniently located at the Rt. 219 and I-64 Interchange, owner Janet Neathawk opened The Very Thing in 2005. The antique mall advertises that it has “Finds of All Kinds,” and with 60-plus vendors, it’s hard to not see something of interest – whether that’s vintage Blenko Glass, discounted Fiestaware, primitive furniture and home decor, or another unique piece.
Local artists Robert Tuckwiller and Ron Refsland both sell their original paintings and prints here.
The Very Thing is located at 2460 Jefferson St. N, Lewisburg and is open Monday-Saturday from 10 AM-5 PM and Sunday from noon-5 PM. Follow The Very Thing on Facebook
