The Antiques Capital of Connecticut

February 11, 2010

Recently, my sister, Laura, told me that she and her husband, Randy, needed to escape the winter doldrums and were taking a drive to Woodbury, Connecticut. Located in the western part of the state in scenic Litchfield County, Woodbury is known as the 'Antiques Capital of Connecticut.' This reputation became established more than 50 years ago when antiques dealers began setting up shop in the historic homes on and around Main Street. Woodbury soon became a popular destination for collectors and for the curious. I, myself, have made many trips to Woodbury and have found many great treasures. There are some lovely inns and some great places to eat. It's a fun place to visit. Please enjoy these photos from Laura and Randy's field trip.

: The sign leading into Woodbury, Connecticut

: It was an entertaining and educational visit to Woodbury’s Antiques district.

: G. Sergeant has been selling to museums, collectors, and the trade for over thirty years.

: The large piece in the rear is a George III mahogany breakfront circa 1785. To its right is a Baltic cabinet whose doors are decorated with gilded metalwork.

: A very impressive collection

: This is a fine 19th century Chippendale style gilded mirror – very beautiful!

: Another great mirror

: This is an Italian Tavolino table – exquisite inlaid wood!

: A stunning game table

: Another room filled with fine pieces

: This is G. Sergeant Antiques – this converted barn houses a varied selection of period furnishings of English, American, Continental and Asian origins, dating from the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries. www.gsergeant.com

: Wayne Mattox Antiques is a trusted source for 18th and 19th century American furniture, paintings and folk art as well as primitives and antiques with historic appeal. www.antiquetalk.com

: I really love this gilded weather vane.

: This is an old pharmacy sign made of sheet metal – quite fun.

: This painting box belonged to Harry W. Newman, a 19th century painter.

: The slag glass on this art nouveau lamp is stunning.

: This ship painting is by Thomas Willis, an idiosyncratic 19th century artist.

: Willis, who worked for a time in New England’s textile mills, executed ship portraits, using velvet for the hulls and silk and silk floss for the sails and rigging.

: This painting is by Thomas Chambers, a 19th-century artist, known for his maritime and landscape paintings.

: The rooms have lots of light and are painted with great colors. The dining table is a Duncan Phyfe design, one of 19th century America’s leading furniture makers.

: This beautiful bowl is French from 1820. This style of glaze is called Faience, generally defined as tin glazed earthenware.

: A copper horse weather vane – these were often seen on top of old New England barn cupolas.

: This painting, Man With Cockerel, is by Romeo Tabuena, a Filipino living in Mexico.

: The gallery is housed in a classic Greek revival home.

: One of many historic buildings in Woodbury, the Canfield Corner Pharmacy is a quaint, family operated business.

: This shop offers English and American furniture highlighted by antique and vintage accessories celebrating the horse, the dog, and decorative sporting accents.

: The Crossroads is a very unusual antiques store. http://sportingantiquesct.com/

: Across the street is Martell & Suffin, specializing in 18th and 19th century English and Continental furniture and accessories. martellandsuffinantiques.1stdibs.com