Helene Marlowe has written to tell me of her plans to end her monthly column, “Collector’s Playtime,” a detailed work on the topic of dolls and related subjects. Her “one year” agreement to write a column stretched into a decade.
TheCollector is a labor of love at a time when the antiques and collecting world have changed. When I look at Helene’s columns, I know there is a body of well-researched work available for future collectors. It may be some time before we know what will be appreciated by the next generations, but at least there will be a place to start.
I know I constantly rely on the work done by antiques “scholars” of years past. Often these were collectors who researched with a passion, with only the satisfaction of finding some previously unknown fact as a reward.
For years, before “price books” and later eBay added an air of speculation to antiques buying, serious collectors spent hours tracking down details on antiques of all varieties. Pewter collectors went as far as testing the composition of pewter to determine where and when it may have been produced. Collectors of early glass or redware and stoneware went on “digs” to identify what was produced when and where. Early newspapers were researched for clues about where craftsmen were in business, who they partnered with, when they sold, and so on.
People like Lew Larason taught us to recognize the tool marks of cabinet makers, or which way an early tabletop shrinks, or why certain “parts” didn’t really go together on a piece.
There are probably few antiques writers who are compensated for their knowledge and the time spent to gain that expertise. They willingly share that knowledge and perhaps pen some articles or publish a book that isn’t likely to make the best seller list.
Collectors, whatever their collecting passion may be, are excited to share, debate and discuss. Most of us have had a few mentors over the years and found the source material, amended and extended by new collectors, that we trust.
So thanks, Helene, for sharing. And thanks to all those willing to share antiques knowledge in print or over a coffee cup.