A Glimpse Into The 18th Century

This exquisite pair of large, gilded French angels greet you at Liz Spradling Antiques at Bartlett Street – her new address.

Liz Spradling recently moved her beautiful collection of 18th century antiques from MAI to their new home at 2422 Bartlett Street.  If you have ever paid a visit to MAI, surely you noticed Spradling’s booth.   It was without a doubt one of the best there – overflowing with her handpicked antiques from Europe.     The move was prompted by Spradling’s desire to have her own space where she could spread out and properly display her wares.   The former factory on Bartlett proved to be the perfect spot.    The restored building has brick walls and high ceilings and a decidedly industrial feel.   Plus, she’s right next door to Found For The Home which is a great asset for them both.  Upstairs, a few of Houston’s finest interior designers have office space.  

Walking into the new shop, Liz’s merchandise shines.   The visual impact of the move is immediate:  everything just looks better in its new home.   In anticipation of her move, Liz went on a buying trip and her new purchases have since arrived and are now on display.   Not on display is a warehouse full of even more inventory – there is only so much space available  (I’m dying to see what is in storage!!)  Liz has a flawless eye.   There is something special, something unique to almost each piece she purchased.   Her knowledge of the 18th century is deep and she is willing to share it.   She graciously explains the appeal of her choices – pointing out details your own untrained eye has missed.

In all, it’s a joy to walk into a shop solely filled with such beautiful antiques.   Most pieces are from the 18th century, a few are from the 19th.    In a world today that is filled with tacky reproductions and cheap copies passed off as old, the beauty of seeing a true antique is thrilling.  And, when the owner is friendly and welcoming – it’s the proverbial cherry on top!

A close up of the delicately carved face.  I loved the brooch in the folds of neckline.  Liz patiently explained to me the differences between French faces and German faces found in putti.  

Here are some of my favorite pieces that I saw on the day I visited a few weeks ago:

 

Gorgeous French commode – I love the dark rich patina.

 

 

 

An unusual Swedish piece on the left – great painted finish.    On the right were these cute, matching chests.

 

 

  Simple, but simply beautiful.  

 

The finish on this 18th century French Buffet deux corps is perfect for today’s trend.

 

This was my favorite piece I think.  The lines, the hardware, the finish – fabulous!

A close second!   Those apothecary jars are to die for!!!!!

 

 

A wide shot of the back of the shop.  Behind the store – the glass looks into the back  of the former factory.  Very industrial chic.

Notice the two arms crossing on this charming painted and gilded carving.    Cute bench too!

 

 

A beautifully painted piece filled with French pots.  Notice how it’s painted with touches of blue in the carvings.

Charming, charming – what a great piece for a dining room.   Liz also has a large selection of white ironstone for sale.  Such pretty pitchers. 

 

 

  As Liz pointed out – notice how the two sides of this enfilade are not matching!!

 

 

 

Gorgeous console for an entryway.

Did you notice the dog in the mirror’s carving??  I didn’t at first – not until Liz pointed him out to me. 

There are wonderful mirrors and trumeaus throughout the shop. 

 

 

The cutest side table ever!   It just kills me how charming all these pieces are!!!  Those legs, that little drawer, the perfect painted finish.

  Another table to drool over;  its carved legs are so wonderful – notice the brace.

 

 

 

And another, great end table with a wonderful patina.

 

 

 

Not everything is pricey – there are smalls to pick from.  

There is a great collection of pillows made out of tapestries. 

And finally, a brick wall of station clocks.   Real ones, for once.

If you are in the neighborhood, Kirby and SW Freeway – stop in.  It’s worth having Liz walk you around and give you a tutorial on all the wonderful furniture. 

The website is: www.lizspradling.com    
It was designed by Nancy Morgan who also designed my  blog:  http://www.morganwebdesign.com

Here are the deets:

LIZ SPRADLING ANTIQUES

2422 Bartlett St.   No. 7  Houston, TX  77098

713-526-1400

In between Kirby and Greenbriar, down the block from Goode Co. BBQ

Store Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10-5 pm

  Saturday 11-4 pm