Second-class citizens no more, “inventive repairs” have been acknowledged in an extensive article in The New York Times. The Fix Is In: Finding Beauty Beyond Repair appeared on the front page of yesterday’s Home section, featuring photos of me and my collection. Andrea Codrington Lippke wrote the wonderful article and Ira Lippke took the beautiful photographs, 11 of which are included in the online slide show.
The response has been overwhelming and I appreciate the over 100 emails and phone calls I received, as well as the many new subscribers to this blog.
Article photos by Ira Lippke for The New York Times
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Great article! Congrats Andrew!
Great article- and I swear I’ve seen you in a shop sometime. If you’re ever heading towards Albany or Saratoga Springs let me know- I have a nicely mended pitcher for you.
An old friend of mine once said that my antiques collection was filled with what she called ‘one-eyed rabbits’, after a favorite well-worn toy that was indeed a one-eyed rabbit.
You, however, win the prize for fabulous examples of one-eyed rabbits. My entire being craves every elegantly repaired thing you have collected. *sigh* I have wiped the drool from my keyboard long enough to say thank you for your blog; I will watch for what comes next in your remarkable collection.
If you ever plan to be in the vicinity of Morelia, Michoacán, let me know and I will pass along a glorious 6″ handmade teddy bear in a felt sailor collar and tie. He’d fit right in with the rest of your beauteous stuff.
Cristina
Mexico Cooks!
The NYT brought me your way. Wonderful! I didn’t know anyone cared about less-than-perfect antiques. I’m not a big fan of perfection. That little dog you have is so much better than any mint-in-the-box action figure or something like that. I love objects that invoke human hands (slippery), human hearts (sentimental).
This commentary found its way to my desk via the Hamilton Spectator this past week – what a great article on what has traditionally been an unappreciated field of collecting here in Canada as well. I’ve been very fortunate to have found some out-of-this-world pieces (everything from Chinese export to depression era staples…) and it’s nice to know I’m not the only crazy one out there fascinated by these treasures of our common social history. Cheers, JRC
Hi Andrew,
I am an antique dealer here in England and I have found your article absolutely enthralling. I too love antique porcelain that has been repaired. I thought it was my own peculiarity, so I am delighted to have found another with this passion. I handle many beautiful, perfect pieces but my favourites are those that have truly lived and show their battle scars. I take such comfort from stapled pieces in particular. There is just something so solid and reassuring about those staples, they hold firm like a metal cradle. Metal handles too, they bring a new dimension to a piece. I love to give them a new home and pay them the homage that they truly deserve. Keep up the good work and I will follow your new finds with great interest.
Regards
A fellow enthusiast
Wabi-sabi!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wabi-sabi