Starting a collection
Oct 10, 2014 | by Evelyn Roth and Linda Grossman
Dress clip from Evelynne’s Oldies But Goodies
Starting a new collection is an exciting endeavor – there’s a world of opportunities out there, so find what speaks to you. With a little time and research, that won’t be hard to accomplish! One of our favorite categories to collect (and wear) is retro plastic.
The vintage expert mom-and-daughter duo, Evelyn Roth and Linda Grossman, love these items too. Over the years, they have learned a lot about starting a collection. Join us as they share advice from a dealer’s perspective.
Let these tips guide you on your journey, whether that be purely as a hobby or with the hope to curate pieces to sell. We’re excited to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Linda and Evelyn
Evelynne’s Oldies But Goodies
Flushing, NY
718.463.1514
Linda is currently seeking people to consign their bakelite with her; please connect via telephone or through the shop’s website.
“We have been helping clients find stunning pieces for over 40 years. Our passion is bakelite and vintage plastics.”
Learn more about the shop on their blog and Facebook page.
What motivates a dealer: era or item?
It has been my experience that choice is usually personal (like finding what jewelry attracts you – as a wearer). From here, interest expands to acquisition. You may find yourself in a shop, drawn to a particular item, and you ask yourself, “I wonder what era that gorgeous bangle is from?” You may just learn that it turns out to be bakelite from the Art Deco period.
Brooch from Evelynne’s Oldies But Goodies
Fast forward a bit, your passion for that style grows, and you find yourself a dealer of Art Deco bracelets and jewelry. Other items of that time are suddenly interesting. This is typically when the research phase goes into full-swing. You begin to understand more about these years – that it was an historical era of time. Stories about life from this genre add a richness to every new piece you acquire. As you gain a better appreciation for this period, fun facts start to bubble to the surface. For example, during the Art Deco years the hardware items on Queen Elizabeth’s yacht were made of Bakelite and, at the same moment, your mother was using bakelite flatware in her kitchen. Talk about a fascinating and interesting time!
Being an “era” explorer brings about a curiosity that extends into areas that you never considered when you bought that first bakelite bangle. Actually, Art Deco has been the last definite period in our history. Its impact on clothes, furniture, and other mediums extended to daily life and influenced many future stylistic trends. Once you become a well-researched expert on your particular era, you’ll find yourself sharing this passion with a community (whether that be customers, friends, other vendors/collectors, etc.) Suddenly, or so it seems, customers contact you to furnish answers about certain antique items that interests them.
Brooch from Evelynne’s Oldies But Goodies
Representing the Art Deco period widened our horizons and gave our business focus. It has been both aesthetically and financially satisfying. When you do what you truly love, it is reflected in everything you touch. As your understanding for a particular era or item grows, you give back by passing that knowledge on to other collectors, paving the way for them to pursue their new interest.
For our readers: What has inspired your collections? Are you typically drawn to items or materials first?