Amber Waterhouse of Waterhouse, an antiques and decor store in Hingham, started antiques while in high school in the early 1980s. She would go on antiques hunts with her mother, and her grandparents’ affinity for them was an added bonus.
“(I love) that[the antiques]are handcrafted, the quality of the craftsmanship, the materials they use, the finishing…the design…beautiful and thoughtfully designed pieces,” Waterhouse said.
The hunt is part of the fun and history enriches archeology enthusiasts. But the landscape on the South Shore has changed over the years.
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For about 20 years, the South Shore has been an antique hub, according to Tony Venotto, partner at Bridge Antiques in Weymouth, who has been in the antiques business for more than 40 years. He remembered the days when merchants would tour antique South Shore stores.
“They’ll have a route, they’ll do 3A and stop at all the stores,” said Venuto.
Waterhouse said that when she was in high school there were five or six antique stores in every town. She said that when the market took a hit in 2008, the antiques effect took place, too. Sells a mix of antiques, modern art and home decor.
“But the market is definitely changing, and because interior designers started incorporating more antiques into their designs and mixing things up, that’s been going on for…five or six years,” Waterhouse said.
times change
A few customers wandered into Bridge Antiques in Weymouth on Wednesday admiring china and glassware. One section of the store has typical antiques, such as porcelain and collectibles, and the other is mid-century modern pieces.
Many owners of antiques stores on the South Shore buy items at estate sales and auctions, and Annemarie Kelly, owner of Bridge Antiques, said younger generations are coming in looking for pieces that fit their aesthetics and have specific uses. Antique Waterhouse reupholsters chairs to make it more attractive. The consensus is that some furniture is hard to sell and collectibles go fast.
“Everything has a cycle, I think…When I first started here, it was all dark wood, mahogany, you couldn’t keep in the store,” said Kelly. “…it continues to evolve and change.”
Kelly still keeps traditional pieces in store to cater to these buyers. Waterhouse said the shoppers who frequent her store range in age from 20 to 80.
“The Generation Z crowd, they love them because they really embrace the kind of recycling, craftsmanship, and unique aspects of antiques,” she said. “They don’t want something generic. They want something unique in their home.”
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Jacob Perlmutter, owner of Quincy Franklin Street Finds, has worked in antiques for 25 years. Prior to opening in Quincy a year ago, he had been in Stoughton for 15 years. While town and town are only a 20-minute drive away, he said Quincy has better furniture and that coveted products have changed over the years.
“Brown furniture is not good anymore,” he said. “Dishes are not as popular as they used to be.”
He said that the life-size statue of Spider-Man in the front window brings visitors to him, although he has not yet found a home. Solid glass and brightly colored crockery are popular sales.
“The buyers are out there,” Perlmutter said. “Everyone is looking for modern pieces… eclectic pieces that fit their home.”
External influences
During the pandemic, Waterhouse has used Instagram to connect with customers. She said she let them see what was in her shop and with everyone inside, making upholstery became popular.
Perlmuter said the housing market has an impact on antiques. When you sell homes, you will find more treasures.
With the increase in sustainable practices, Perlmutter said he has seen an increase in interest in archeology. Waterhouse said this installment is popular with Generation Z who finds an appreciation for the environment along with feelings of antiques.
“I think this generation, as well as the population in general, are becoming more and more aware of reusing things and … it helps our environment, not just design wise,” Waterhouse said.
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While antiques store owners say the scene isn’t what it does, Waterhouse said it hasn’t seen a lull in recent months and Kelly said she’s getting more calls about buying items.
“I believe there will always be a desire for beautiful handcrafted things that have a history…,” said Waterhouse. “The history of antiques on the South Shore, I kind of feel the same way…we are one of the oldest parts of the country…and that kind of tells our story as a region of the country.”
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You can reach Alyssa Vail at [email protected].
