The Arts and Crafts movement began in England, but the offshoot Craftsman style thrived in Portland. Early in the 20th century, Portland was booming! That's apparent today thanks to the abundance of Craftsman-style homes here.It was a time when, Portland's population skyrocketed. By 1920, the city had more than doubled in size, with new neighborhoods … Continue reading Craftsman Style Homes: Portland’s Architectural Heritage
The term "Empire" in American Empire furniture refers to the style's origins and inspirations from the French Empire style, which was prominent during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte (1804-1815). The French Empire style itself drew from classical Greek and Roman design elements, characterized by grandeur, opulence, and a sense of authority. When this style made … Continue reading Collecting American Empire Furniture: Tips and Insights
If asked to describe an ideal antiquing destination, it would be a small town with historic buildings and a dozen or more individually owned shops. Drive about a half-hour south of Portland, Oregon, and after some twists and turns you could come across a town named Aurora. The green fields, 19th-century buildings, and surrounding town … Continue reading Antiquing at Its Best
Hubu Mountain is outside of the South Gate of the ancient city Xuzhou, my hometown. Today it is part of the downtown core with 900,000 people. To call it a mountain is an overstatement. It is more like a hill, although you will break a sweat climbing up. Its commanding view has a perk – … Continue reading Tao Bao – Antiquing in Xuzho, China; A Personal Experience
Portland-based artists Sean McGonigal and Joanne Radmilovich Kollman made the New York Times recently. As former occupants in the Troy Laundry Building, they once had working space in what has now become a Portland branch of the exclusive Soho House. According to the article, Soho House positions itself as a creative space and features work … Continue reading Art Log, March 17, 2024: Fancy clubs, vinyl records, new museums and absurd ones.
Urban Art & Antiques 