I have just returned from a very successful buying trip in Hungary and wanted to share some of the highlights of my stay. Hungary was at its best last week with crisp sunny blue-skied days . Most of my ferreting for antique pine country furniture takes place in the rural areas of the country. Small villages speckled throughout eastern and southern Hungary are dominated by large churches towering over the terracotta tiled roofs of the ancient homes below. The harvest was being brought in everywhere – corn, wheat, sunflower and grape laden trailers were hauling their precious loads back to farmyards. There is still a very wide contrast in society. On one side of the road it is not uncommon to see monster combine harvesters effortlessly mowing their crop and then on the other side to see peasant farmers hand reaping their precious crops using their donkey drawn carts. It is a way of life that will, sadly, soon disappear forever. It is in these, small villages and barns that I was successful in finding some wonderful pieces for the shop (counters, buffets, tables, desks, benches, coffee tables, pottery, glassware and an assortment of vintage linens, fabrics and rugs) – pieces that have retained their original colour and condition. Pieces, that if able to talk, would recall the traditions and stories of a bygone era. If you would like to be the first to view these items when they arrive in Montreal please subscribe to my mailing list on the left . The expected arrival date is mid November.
My visit to Hungary culminated in a day of grape picking on a hillside vineyard overlooking the village below. Tradition expects all family members to pitch in at this time of the year. I was amazed how quickly young and old swarmed the vines with their clippers and by mid afternoon the white wine harvest was in. A farmhouse meal awaited us all – and yes, you guessed it – the most delicious goulash I have ever tasted !
On my flight home I reviewed the items that I had bought and it was plainly evident that I got a little carried away and bought more than my store can accommodate. To make room for this next shipment I am having a SALE on existing merchandise in the shop at 780 Atwater Avenue. Do come and visit us and if you do not find what you are looking for, let us know – and we will keep an eye open on our next trip to Eastern Europe.
