Dec. 26, 2011     

With my love for history and traveling (plus an Art Degree and an MBA) it is no wonder I eventually segued from my portrait work to the business of French antique furniture. Austin Texas has been the perfect place to establish Pat Monroe Antiques; especially since this is my town. And I have had excellent success selling nationally through 1stdibs, other sites, and magazine advertising. I love working with designers and helping the shopper.

Pat Monroe Antiques furniture - Austin.  The Collection consists of French Antique Furniture, Italian Lighting and selected pieces of Swedish and English furniture. The French Antique furniture are the basis of my collection. I also like to add "intellectual texture" like, maps, books, or artifacts. When I look for pieces of antique furniture, Austin is not usually where I buy. I work with private estate sales, private auctions and the wonderful sources I have discovered and my favorite, overseas travel.

MY FIRST CRITERIA
When I shop I think through my purchase like this: 1st it has to catch my eye. That is artistically exceptional. Is it stunning, striking, beautiful, elegant artistically? Basically I have to really like it first and then I think "Could my clients use it?" Would it fit with today's styles, large homes, condominiums, cottages, beach-lake or mountain homes? I look at the shapes of the lines of legs, sofa backs, table edges, the table pedestal and also the patina, and the color of the wood. If that checks out I continue.

WORKMANSHIP
As I come closer  I check out the quality of workmanship, carving, painting, joint and try to assess the age from hinges, separations in the wood, the drawer bottom-runners-dovetails, the back of the piece, and underneath.

REPRODUCTION?
If I think it might be a reproduction I look closely at the pattern of the wood holes, the pattern a cutting tool wood made, at the shape nail heads and in the drawers under lining paper and I look for faux pegs. 

CONDITION & QUALITY
Then what is the condition of the piece? I look at the quality of the repairs, table tops, type of wood and finish and the weight of the wood. Wiggle it gently to see if it is loose.

FUNCTIONALITY
Next I look at how practical it is.  I like functional pieces in working order. If the chair seat is too low, is there a way to raise the height of the seat? If the commode is beautiful but stand a full 55" it's too tall for most people. I love long benches but if it is too long it won't work. Do the drawers work smoothly; do the pulls stay on when I pull them? Yes I've had them fall off!

PRICE AND PERSPECTIVE
I will ask the price and then I will stand back and look, get a perspective. Would if work in a contemporary home, a soft Swedish style home, or Old World. etc. Can I really carry this piece after shipping and a few repairs and not lose money? Is there something that is bothering me?

QUESTIONS