Discovering the Rich History of New Orleans through Antique Shopping
New Orleans, a city steeped in French and Spanish culture, is a treasure trove of antique shops, each filled with unique and historic pieces that can transform any room into a space with character and stories. The city’s antique scene is a major draw for designers and collectors from Houston and beyond, who flock to the city’s many antique stores in search of one-of-a-kind items.
A City Rich in History and Soul
According to Houston interior designer Marie Flanigan, "There’s no city richer in history" than New Orleans. The city’s antique shops are "gushing with soulful stores, both in French heritage but also a lot of British antiques and shops." Flanigan often brings her clients to New Orleans to source distinctive items for their homes, and her tour of the city’s antique scene is a must-see for anyone looking for unique and historic pieces.
Royal Street: The Heart of the Antique Scene
Flanigan’s tour begins on Royal Street, where she browses the many antique shops, including Moss Antiques, M.S. Rau, Sutton Galleries, Harris Antiques, and Keils Antiques. She also sources upholstered furniture from Tara Shaw, textiles from B. Viz Design, copper lanterns from Bevolo, and elegant lighting from Julie Neill’s studio. Each of these shops offers a unique perspective on the city’s rich history and culture.
Magazine Street: A Hub for Antique Shopping
In addition to Royal Street, Magazine Street is another hub for antique shopping in New Orleans. The street is home to a variety of shops, including Sud, a dual-purpose architecture studio and home goods store run by couple Richard Dragisic and William Brockschmidt. Sud is a treasure trove of antique and vintage pieces, including Greek Attic ware, Arcangela Piscitello’s white ceramics, and papier-mâché pieces from artist and sculptor Mark Gagnon.
Wirthmore Antiques: A Standout for Country French Goods
Wirthmore Antiques, run by owner Gay Wirth since 1983, is a standout for eighteenth- and nineteenth-century country French goods and furniture. Wirth travels to France twice a year to hand-pick the most distinctive pieces for her store, which is filled with dining tables, armoires, dressers, and chandeliers, as well as extensive collections of china, crystal glassware, and silverware.
The New Orleans-Houston Design Connection
The New Orleans-Houston design connection runs deeper than just weekend shopping trips. When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, a Houston client encouraged Wirth to open a booth at the Antiques Pavilion on Westheimer, which helped the store to recover and thrive. Today, many New Orleans antique shops sell their items on design and antique websites such as Chairish or 1stDibs and work directly with designers to fulfill requests for specific items and provide pricing information.
Conclusion
New Orleans is a city like no other, with a rich history and culture that is reflected in its many antique shops. From Royal Street to Magazine Street, the city is a treasure trove of unique and historic pieces that can transform any room into a space with character and stories. Whether you’re a designer, collector, or simply someone who loves history and culture, New Orleans is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to discover the rich history of the city through its antique shopping scene. With its many shops, services, and experts, New Orleans is the perfect place to find that special something that will make your home truly unique.
