In Reflections on Collecting (2025) I wrote a chapter on “Displaying Antiques to Their Best Advantage.” It turns out I should have followed my own advice.
My wife and I have a painted candlestand we purchased from Leigh Keno long ago. It said in our front foyer with candlesticks on it, greeting all who came to visit. At least it used to until one of our cats used it as a springboard and smushed it mightily. It was the first piece we ever had restored and after asking for recommendations off it went to Alan Andersen in Pennsylvania. I must tell all that he did a superb job and upon its return to Chipstone outside Milwaukee earlier this month (Scott Cousins delivers items for us there. It saves him time and us money) it was as we remembered it (does one say as good as old?). An aside – Alan did a superb job not only in restoring the stand but doing so in a timely manner and at a most fair price. I recommend him highly.
Upon its return to our home, to safeguard its future, we put it in a different location, this time in a corner in the living room. To display it properly for the first time since we had owned it we tilted the top down. Lo and behold, also for the first time, the painted top could be seen in all its glory. What makes the stand so special is that the center design on the top and the line along its perimeter that looks like inlay is in fact paint. How could we have hidden that wonderous work by a craftsman for years and years by leaving the top up? Laziness and inertia I conclude.
So once again I advise collectors to move pieces in their collection around more – different location, different light, and the like. I wish we had done so long ago.
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