by Martin Willis
This blog is a generalization, there is a segment of young people that are really into antiques and I applaud them all. However, as an appraiser I am constantly hearing people say to me something along the lines of: “My kids don’t want any of my antiques”.
Unfounded Rumors
Around 25 years ago I was at a Christmas party with dozens of antique dealers, shop owners and auctioneers. Caroline French, from a family of antique show promoter, and a current antiques shop owner got everyone’s attention. What she said at the time was unfathomable. I can only paraphrase after this many years, but the gist was the following. “You watch as time goes on, kids will not have any interest in antiques, I see signs of this all the time”
I literally walked away from the conversation shaking my head and thought there was nothing to it. After all, growing up in southern Maine, and living in the historic coastal New Hampshire area, I saw no signs of this. There were many wonderful pieces still in generational homes waiting to be found. There were many people I grew up with had an ongoing interest in antiques and art. Shops were everywhere, young people were buying and showing up at auction. It seemed more like a standard and that it was the way it would remain.
The Slow & Steady Shift
When a piece is connected with a story, it becomes more desirable to the next generation. An example; Grandma used to serve us kids hot cocoa in her hand decorated floral motif French porcelain Limoges chocolate set. Years tick by, who knows what happened to that chocolate set, but one is on the auction block in front of you, and you are compelled to bid. You have to have that set that as it will always remind you of the kind grandmother you had. Through the 1970s and 1980s Limoges seemed collectible and prices were pretty high so you pay a pretty penny for the chocolate set. As time rolls on, you admire it in the china cabinet, but it was too expensive to actually use, you would never dare to use it with your children or grandchildren. The story is now gone, the connection to the next generation with this set is never established other than, “You can’t use it”. This is an example, but it is across the board with many antiques and collectibles. They were to look at and not use.
Digital Age
As we know, everything has changed since the Internet has come into existence. What used to be a big adventure to find a collectible, (one that you can pass along stories about), can now be found and purchased with the clicking of a mouse from your own home. What would the adventurous story be now? “I got this figurine on eBay”?
Speaking of digital, gadgets are the thing today, what millennial would trade their iPhone 11 for a very nice painting that they were not allowed to sell? I am guessing a small percentage.
Antiques a Bad Word
“Dusty old dead people’s stuff” or “Too easy to break, it is old and why would I want it?” or “Thanks Grammy but I would never have a formal dinner party, lol, just give that antique stuff to charity or something”. or “Thanks Dad, but old is not my style, besides I want to live with minimal furnishings.” or “Please just sell that old stuff and give me the money if you want, I could use a new MacBook.”
Partial Solutions?
When pieces lose their story, it is just stuff to some. As an appraiser, I love going into homes where the grandmother/grandfather or some other relative took the time to identify pieces. Maybe it is by folding a clipping or a note of what something is and had slipped it inside. Sometimes there are notes about the adventure the person had finding a piece, either way, it builds a connection. Makes some notes, put them with interesting pieces.
Talk to The Young Ones
Okay, tuck away the word “Antiques” for now, “Vintage” sounds better to the younger crowd. Tell stories to them about pieces you like and why you like them or how you found them. Show them the craftsmanship that pieces have compared to what is made today. By all means tell them that “vintage” (or dare say antiques) are GREEN. Why buy new with all the chemicals and pollutants, these “vintage” pieces have a style stands up to the test of time and so does their durability.
Show Them The Money…
… Saved on furnishing.
Let them know they do not have to have gray hair to show up at an auction and auctions are free to attend. If you can talk them into going to one with you, and leaving the iPhone in the car, you are halfway there. If they are looking to furnish a new apartment or home, an auction is ideal and there are many bargains to be had. I have seen this happen and love to see with the young people come back repeatedly.
I have hope that this long downturn is only a cycle, and one day the majority of young people will be proud to say they have some antiques ♦