Did You Know?

Did you know that a spill vase was used to hold rolled paper or sticks and not flowers?

Mill House Antiques & Gardens

Mill House Antiques Spill Vase

Prior to the advent of matches, spill vases were placed on mantels from which a stick or rolled paper would be lit from the fireplace and used to light candles, lamps or even pipes. Spill is derived from the Middle English word spille or small piece of wood. The earliest example of a spill vase goes back to the 1500s and they were commonly found in English homes in the 18th and 19th centuries.

While utilitarian in nature, spill vases were often highly decorative and made in various materials, including, brass, porcelain and pottery. Take this wonderful Staffordshire spill vase with its quaint country theme. The wonderful metaphorical composition of the cow and the calf next to the dead tree, which serves as the vase, is an excellent example of Victorian ornamental design. This and other fine spill vases can be found only at Mill House Antiques.

More than an ordinary experience.

From the Corner Chair

“Downton” vs. “Mad”

Mill House Antiques & Gardens

It’s January 2015. It’s freezing outside, which means customers are not in a mood to be running here and there looking for antiques. So here I sit looking at the the snow falling and gazing at our three dogs curled up together (I guess the forecaster was not wrong when she said it was going to be a three-dog week!). As I sit, I wonder what 2015 will be? Will modern and mid-century furniture still preoccupy the design world? Will Downton Abbey trump Mad Men and will we see a renaissance of fine, hand crafted antiques–better known as “brown furniture” as a result?

I have heard lots of predictions; and of course, I am slightly prejudice but I am rooting for Downton Abbey. I am hoping we will see more blending of the modern with the antique, the grey with the brown, the plastic and steel with the rich patina of mahogany and brass.

Let’s revisit in 2016 and see what transpired. Right now the three furry friends need some ambulatory exercise. – William

Mill House Antiques

Did You Know?

Did you know that a housekeeper’s cupboard was more than a place to store linens?

Mill House Antiques & Gardens

Did you know that a housekeeper’s cupboard was more than a place to store linens?  These large and imposing pieces of furniture with drawers below and cabinets on top also stored the best china and glass, and occasionally, the more valuable staples, such as tea and coffee. Generally under lock and key, it was the head housekeeper, much like Mrs. Hughes in Downton Abbey, who oversaw the contents.

While most of these cupboards were utilitarian in their appearance, some were crafted to reflect the status of the household.  Take this superb housekeeper’s cupboard with such fine details as mahogany crown moulding and banding, as well as a fusee clock.  It must have come from a rather well-to-do manor house, but can only be found now at Mill House Antiques.  More than an ordinary experience.

Mill House Antiques Cupboard

 

Did You Know?

Did you know? Austro-Hungarian cabinet makers were considered some of the finest

Mill House Antiques & Gardens

Did you know that 19th century Austro-Hungarian cabinet makers were considered some of the finest across the continent?  Rightly so, as they took great pride in their work and went the extra mile by hand carving a moulded edge along the inner edges of drawers — something rather unique for cabinet makers of that period.

Take this fine example of a chest of drawers from Budapest that incorporates a drop down secrétaire.  With its handsome walnut root veneer and wonderful brass, the quality of its construction is readily apparent on the outside, but one look inside shows the careful attention to detail rarely seen in chests and found only at Mill House Antiques.  More than an ordinary experience.  #millhouseantiques #antiques

 

Mill House Antiques

 

Must See

Mill House Antiques voted #1

Mill House Antiques & Gardens

We are very pleased to let you know that Mill House Antiques has been voted the #1 antiques dealer in Connecticut by readers of Connecticut Magazine.  Come in see why Mill House Antiques is more than an ordinary experience.  For 50 years.  One location in Woodbury, Connecticut.  Open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm.

Mill House Antiques Best Dealer

Did You Know?

Did you know?

Mill House Antiques & Gardens

Did you know that a tramp freighter was so named for its itinerant travels and not the promiscuous nature of its sailors? Without a set itinerary, the tramper would sail between ports usually with a single cargo. While quite numerous from the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s, tramp freighters became obsolete as larger cargo vessels were required following WWII.

After reading the ship’s log, one could easily conclude that the S.S. Alyestone was indeed a tramp freighter, or perhaps the original love boat. The ship’s log provides a long list of doctor visits by various seamen for, shall we say, “personal reasons.” Not only can you discover this wonderful ship builder’s model at Mill House Antiques, but you can also find excerpts from the ship’s log. More than an ordinary experience.

Mill House Antiques Ship

 

Mill House Events

Vintage Garden Wedding at Mill House Antiques

Mill House Antiques & Gardens

From “Style me Pretty”…After months of planning, The Mill House Of Woodbury, CT was the perfect location for this inspiration shoot, with cascading gardens and a plethora of antique furniture and tableware to compliment the vintage aesthetic.  View the magnificent photos.

Only at Mill House Antiques.  More than an ordinary experience.

 

Mill House Events

Maestro Leif Bjaland with the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra this evening at Mill House Antiques

Mill House Antiques & Gardens

We are looking forward to hosting the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra annual benefit this evening at Mill House Antiques. The event will take place in the gardens from 5:30 to 8:30pm.  Join us for wine and music.

 

millhouseantiquessymphony

Only at Mill House Antiques.  More than an ordinary experience.