You don’t have to like old things to enjoy antiques.
If you paint them all white they take on a whole new modern look. And in most cases antiques are made of solid wood that has already stood the test of time and survived.
But if you ask Jennifer Schachtel and her husband, Brian Garten, who opened Blackbird Antiques in November, most antique furniture is best enjoyed just the way it is, perhaps with a little buffing and polishing.
“What we have learned over the years is that there is so much more character and quality in antiques than most of the mass produced modern furniture today,” Jennifer says. “The pieces are usually solid wood and they have lasted 150 years or more in some cases.”
Jennifer and Brian decided to turn their own passion for antiques into an antique store in Williams Lake when they realized the city no longer had one and their own home was filled to overflowing with the antiques they had lovingly collected over the years.
“Now we can spend some time with the pieces we really love, enjoy them for a while and then let them go to someone else who will enjoy them too,” Jennifer says. “It does become an addiction.”
Brian adds: “Antiques have a certain warmth to them because they have already been lived with.”
They collect their antiques by visiting estate sales and with antique dealers in larger centres such as Vancouver and Kelowna.
“It feels good to bring something unique back to Williams Lake,” Jennifer says. “That’s exciting.”
At the same time she says they try to bring in things that are affordable for people.
They carry everything from a large more expensive hutch with stained glass doors, to more moderately priced tables, chairs, lounges, sideboards, and wardrobes to little things such as antique crimping and curling irons.
“We have been all over the countryside and believe we have the best prices and choices on everything from funky little tables and chairs to the large high quality pieces,” Brian says.
They also carry antiques from local people to sell on consignment.
Jennifer also has some interesting tips on how antiques might be used in the home. For instance a travel trunk turned on its end with the addition of glass shelves makes a wonderful display case.
A beautifully decorated china cup looks beautiful with a tea light glowing in it.
And a sideboard that was originally built for a dining room makes a great desk or dressing table with a mirror hung behind it.
Blackbird Antiques is located on Broadway North right next to Total Pet.
Brian has also moved his Praying Mantis Tattoo studio into the space next door to their antique store.
Brian and Jennifer were both born and raised in Williams Lake and have two daughters Madison, 17, and Mariah, 14. Brian has been a noted tattoo artist in the lakecity for 20 years.
Jennifer also continues to work part time as a care aid at the Seniors Village. If she is called to work during the day you will likely find Brian’s mom, Arlene, welcoming visitors to the store.
