Reader Collection – Antique Rose & Women Paintings Tracey a Math Teacher from Australia
What made you start collecting your antique and vintage floral and woman portrait paintings?
I love art but unfortunately (quite early on) realized that I was no
good at it myself. So I decided to collect rather and have now
collated gorgeous collections. I remember in my grandparent's home – on
an isolated farm in South Africa in the early 60's (which had all the
decor that I lust after now: embossed wallpaper, antique brown
furniture, Persian rugs, dark oak wooden floors and picture railings)
they had a painting of a woman playing the piano. It was an old
painting and I was desperate to have it. (Unfortunately, my mother who
does not have any nostalgia or sentimentality didn't bother keeping it
for me) so I decided to find my own. I collect mainly art deco period
women on canvas and antique and vintage roses paintings. I particularly
like the copies made my the Victorian ladies of the American
Impressionist ( originally from France) Paul De Longpre and the
fabulous Catherine Klein.
What is your favorite piece from your collection?
My favourite item is a roses painting bought in Australia (one of the
few I have found here as I mainly buy from America) which is signed and
dated 1909. I don't have any information about the artist but I
continue trying to find out. I love the colours, the size and the way
the roses are lying on the table in a relaxed and casual manner. But, I
must say I love all my paintings and am very attached to them. My
husband says, that when I die, they are all going to be converted to
cash!! (I have collected a whole wall of vintage floral paintings for
my daughter and I love that collection, but she doesn't want it anymore
… so I guess you can't collect for your children). Perhaps my husband
is right.
What is missing from my collection, that you dream of owning?
I suppose an original 1900's roses painting by someone like Paul de
Longpre or Catherine Klein but I must say, I think my collections are
almost complete. I have absolutely no space for anymore!
What makes a great collection or collector?
I'm not sure, but I think that you really must try and buy the best you
can afford and rather start with a small collection of gorgeous items
than just any old item that fits the collection. I have definitely sold
more paintings than I have kept. Also know when enough is enough. I'm
not sure about every wall being covered with the same type of thing.
Move on and find something else to collect. My roses paintings are a
favourite, but then of course, I also have vintage hat blocks, antique
sterling silver boudoir jars, antique French perfume bottles, antique
needlework, antique fabric, modern Australian paintings, antique
boxes……. oh, the list is almost endless.
A special thank you to Tracey for sharing her beautiful collection with us. Please be sure to check out her lovely blog, Live a Fabulous Creative Life.