By Sharilene Rowland
The Toronto Antique and Vintage Market made its debut this year on Sept. 27 and 28, 2014 at the Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibition Place. Of course, being an admirer of everything vintage, I had to attend 🙂
From the entrance to the end (about three hours later), everything was beautifully organized by both the organizers and the vendors. Each vendor was well spaced from one another, enabling individual shoppers, groups, families with children and strollers, wheelchairs and scooters to easily stroll through comfortably.
The show featured a wonderful range of vendors with something for everyone, providing shoppers with a variety of vintage items including toys, books, coins, jewelry, hats, purses, clothing, furniture, home decor and more! The show featured so many beautiful, unique, one-of-a-kind finds that can add glamour and charm to your home.
One of the wonderful vendors, Retrouver, had a motto that says it all: “Remember, Rediscover and Reuse”. These words really resonated with me and I am sure with many others since shopping vintage helps you stay green while preserving a piece of our past and heritage. Wendy and Sherry at Retrouver have been in business for over 20 years and they glowed with excitement and knowledge when speaking with shoppers visiting their booth about each unique piece they were showcasing. I had the most unusual feeling come over me when I spotted an old craft kit that I remembered having and loving when I was 10 years old. Suddenly, so many memories of that time of my life started flashing through my mind giving me a huge smile.
Another wonderful motto “Preserving the past for the future” belonged to Treasure Hut Antiques, owned by Pat and Penny George, who have also been in business since 1976. Pat and Penny will be at the upcoming St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre for the Oakville Antique show on Nov. 15 and 16, 2014.
If following the history of our coinage is your thing, then you should check out Whimsy Antiques who have been in business for over 30 years. Whimsy Antiques also specialize in military medals, watches and jewelry. If you are not able to make it to a show they are attending, you can visit them by appointment by calling 416-488-0770.
Being a fan of Afternoon Tea, it was hard to pull myself away from Maple Glen Antiques. Owner Margaret Black was charming and had an amazing collection of antique linens, quality crystal, china and glimmering silver.
Truly this show was an eclectic mix of everything antique and vintage, a must visit next year if you were not able to attend this year. With so many vendors to browse, vintage items to amaze and become informed about and escape back to years gone by for a short while.
Special mention to: Clarice Cliff from Nomadic, Mrs. Denison, Century Old Antiques, Peter Frampton Antiques, Beaver Dam Antiques
This post makes me nostalgic for the time in my teens when I was obsessed with vintage clothes shopping. And there was an annual vintage clothing show held at the Exhibition. Fun times.
Sounds like you were ahead of your time, Grace, since vintage clothing shopping is pretty big now! Lori
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