| Merry Walk Antiques | |
| Joan Datesman · Quimper Specialist | |
| 706 Melrose Street | |
| Annapolis, Maryland 21401 | |
| 410-268-6233 | |
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Welcome to the wonderful world of old Quimper and other French faience! |
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We became enthralled with this folk art form a long time ago, and have explored its many facets, from primitive shapes and decors, through the fine quality Porquier Beau and HB of the late 19th century, to the exciting arrays that the early 20th century HR (i.e., HenRiot) and HB faiënceries brought forth, right through the stunning revelations of the Art Deco period of the 1920s. So our buying for you tends to follow our own enthusiasms: generally, from the 1830's through the 1930's. At any given time, we have 300-400 pieces for sale, each and every one personally selected, restoration done where needed (and we always tell you if we have had it done), and each one with a history that we vouch for, and a story of its own. |
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| Our Indian journey was so successful, we repeated it in October, this time bringing back heaps and piles of vintage quilts, made of old cotton saris, all hand-blocked prints, the forerunners of the French provençal fabrics we all love so much. Unfortunately, they are difficult to photograph well, as the fabrics are used in large blocks, and one does not get their dazzling effect in a small space. Nevertheless, we really want to whet your appetite for these, in the hopes that you'll plan a journey to one of our shows or chez nous in the coming year. And our other Indian bonanza is the stack of exquisite botanical paintings; these are modern, in the Rajasthan miniature tradition, but done on old papers: Persian books and old British court bill stamps. In groupings, they are just charming. So take a look at India Encore! | |
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| What's new at Merry Walk? A whole grouping of items on The Shelf, including very specially-priced little people from Mme. Perrotte of Pontivy. These have been selling for as much as $300-$325 recently; we just took all of ours and made them special for you at $225 each. You'll find them on the top row of The Shelf, as many well-priced goodies as we could garner. | |
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| Our focus this winter is on the many wonderful representations of the Breton people that have been created by the faïenceries in the past. It does "Take a Village" to get the real sense of the infinite variety, both of the people and their artists. So The Village has an array of choices for you. Also, we've used some composite pictures throughout our site, so do browse through it all! If you want to know about any specific piece on any shelf, just send us a note, and we'll be glad to give you details. | |
| There's one addition to our show schedule in February; check the list altogether, and we are venturing far afield this spring, so come meet us! We did a lovely open house here in Annapolis in December, and think late spring , when all the tulips are in bloom, would be a good time to do it again. Last week in April is my current thinking; do let me know if you 'd like to come! As always, our book "Collecting QUIMPER" is still available from this site. | |
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Member Quimper Club International
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We exhibit at: and At Home, by Appointment
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