English & Continental
18^th & 19^th Century Formal Furnishings

413.229.8169

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755 North Main Street, Route 7
PO Box 621
Sheffield, Massachusetts 01257

Phone: (413) 229-8169
Fax: (413) 229-9069
susan@susansilverantiques.com

Antique Aubusson Tapestry Cartoon

Chinese Export Blue and White Oval Tray

George III Satinwood Demi-Lune Cabinet, Circa 1790

Pair Chinese Qing Guangxu Horse Roof Tiles

Pair French Louis XVI Style Bergeres

Sun Burst Gilded Bronze Ceiling Fixture

Victorian Lacquered Toleware Coal Bucket

George III Mahogany Bachelor's Chest, Circa 1750

Large Chinese Porcelain Jardiniere

Pair Edwardian Satinwood Armchairs

Pocket Clock in Sterling Silver Stand, 1904

Regency Classical Gilt Convex Girandole Mirror

First, I have a confession. Beautiful antiques make my heart race and I have a passion for formal English and Continental antiques and accessories!

My mother’s stylish designs and antiques surrounded me as a child. She was an interior designer in New York. Beginning about thirty years ago I realized beautiful antiques made my heart race. Discovering I had a passion for English and Continental antiques, I started down a new path.

Then it happened! I visited the picturesque Berkshires and wandered through the antique shops here. After that, I started to imagine what it would be like to open my own shop. Consequently, rather than deny it or douse it, why not indulge it?

Opening My Antique Shop

In 1985 I took the plunge. My zeal and stylist’s eye was put to work. Firstly, opening the shop I was dreaming of in the Berkshires became a reality. Next, I was off to England to fill a shipping container. Finally, my favorite 18th and 19th century antique furniture was loaded into the container and shipped back to my shop in Sheffield, Massachusetts. What is more, Georgian, Regency, Asian ceramics and all kinds of accessories were on there way. I never looked back!

Most importantly, back then the top decorating magazines and homes of America were filled with fine English antiques. In fact, decorators were redesigning Park Avenue apartments and grand houses all over the United States. The country manor houses in Yorkshire were their inspiration. At the time, I felt that by specializing in 18th and 19th century formal English furniture, I couldn’t miss. As a result, decorators would make routine pilgrimages to the Berkshires. Professional designers and trendsetters like Mark Hampton and Mario Buatta would come to visit the wide range of dealers here. Susan Silver Antiques was on their short list of quality dealers. This delighted me! Consequently, this was an exciting time for fine antiques and collecting!

Things Were About to Change Though

Online shopping started to really take off! Designers and the shopping public discovered that if they shopped for antiques online that it was easier and more convenient. Most importantly, the choices were infinite. I instinctively knew I should leap onto this trend. Developing my own entertaining website became a new exhilarating project. Moreover, this has made a big difference for my clientele. On the other hand, you would be surprised how many people still like to make that trip here to the Berkshires. Because, getting a closer view of my exceptional collection of antiques is what helps them make their decision.

My Current Conclusions

Finally, I’m still obsessed. In other words, I’m always on the hunt for the next perfect object. I indulge myself in my own form of the royal progress on my trips to England and France! A great deal of time and effort go into the hunt. That’s the fun part!

I have discovered along the way that beautiful antiques do abound in the marketplace. I am particular though. The items I buy must possess that little extra that elevates a piece from the very nice to the exceptional. The fine craftsmanship and the varied forms of English antique furniture keep drawing me in.

You will find when you visit that I gravitate to furniture and accessories for libraries and living rooms. These include tables, desks, chairs, bookcases, mirrors and lighting fixtures. Cleverly designed military campaign furniture is another marvel I can’t overlook. Military officers recreated the luxury of home life on their deployments throughout the British Empire. This custom made furniture was ready to be picked up and packed into specially made traveling wooden boxes and finally shipped to the next posting.

You will find wonderful antiques in my shop in the quaint village of Sheffield, Massachusetts.What is more, I’m surrounded by the beautiful Berkshire Hills. I invite you to browse at SusanSilverAntiques.com. Do try to come to see me in person, too! We’re open every day except Tuesdays, throughout the year and by appointment.

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