One of my favorite things to do , or really I should say one of the things that I do that can actually be torturous for me, in a mild torture way...is looking in windows of antique ships that Are CLOSED. Like this one on Meeting St., across from the Mills House Hotel . I have not seen this shop open as much or I may have just been around on days he was closed. I did meet the man that owned it , probably 10 or more years ago, one day when he was there. He was nice and welcoming , unfortunately I could not afford anything there, as downtown antique prices, especially on King St., are higher than out skirting mall prices, such as in neighboring Mount Pleasant. But....the quality is very high in many of these shops on the historic street.
It was a dreary, overcast , chilly Sunday when I took these pictures...but I like that you can see the reflection of Charleston in the windows of the antique store. Plus you can see the antiques. I made the mistake, of asking my husband to turn down a street past the Mills Hotel to get here, a cobblestone street...
We bounced slowly, really were shaken for a good 5 minutes to drive over this bumpy road. Would tell each of you to not turn down one of these streets with a cup of coffee in your hands.
We did laugh though as it feels like a ride at the fair...and it was a dumb idea ( mine).
Let me show you some shots from the outside looking in...
Antique Watercolor.
My favorite shot here as those paintings are calling to me to come inside for a closer look. Only some one who really loves antique oils and artwork can understand.
Magnetic.
But it was cold and windy, so I moved from window to window...to take more shots.
Outside he has some heavy Asian statuary.
More torture, but mild as I had already bought 4 paintings the day before.
Italian large art glass vases. I like his handwritten signs with info on the piece. Much better than walking in a shop with no prices on anything. I would tell you to be leery of shops that do not put prices on their antiques...they are usually sizing you up to see what they think you can pay before they tell you the price. I have heard some dealers say they do that to not dissuade you from asking or buying, but I prefer the price to be prominently displayed.
Remember I am taking all these pictures through heavy lead glass windows , it is windy cold and I am going from window to window, quickly. I look back at the car towards my husband and smile, and he waves to me...we both can hear the church bells start ringing over the city.
I'm also quite sure, though I did not bother to look...that the bellmen over at the hotel across the street thought I was some goofy tourist taking pictures through windows of a closed , dark antique shop.
They were correct if they were thinking that.
Didn't care.
Here was his closed sign on the front. Nice of him to let people ( serious buyers), be able to contact someone to get in.
Dresden compote vase.
Here you see condensation through the glass, as in Charleston the historic committees do not let anyone use storm windows on their businesses or residences.
This is how I feel lately anyway...always looking in at life, through a barrier...this was glass , mine is thicker and more opaque inside.
Okay, let me show you a few Christmas sightings. Charleston mainly has very simple natural wreaths and garlands made of pine branches , berries and fruit and then some ribbons. I will just let the pictures speak...except for a few. It was so cold that mid-morning windy and cold, I would just jump out the car , snap a shot and jump back in. Here you are...
As you know my very favorite garden in Charleston, and they put a lovely red berry wreath on the handsome statue.
Homemade wreaths for sale.
These are made with berries, magnolia leaves, pine branches and whatever those white branches are. I don't know , but they are beautiful. Enjoy your families, many blessings, Merry Christmas,
love very strong,
Gina
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