Lisa Strait Vanpoucke is a Houston native whose business was born from acquiring beautiful antiques for herself.
Photos courtesy of Antica Collection
“Being a collector first, it was always on my mind to find the oldest and finest furniture in original condition. I have always been drawn to great craftsmanship and original patina. Early on, I studied every detail on what I bought and constantly did research or asked questions to acquire knowledge. I still do! Although, I'm known for early period pieces, I pride myself on great quality of whatever I buy. I love mid-century Italian furniture and lighting, and am now fabricating my own furniture as well out of steel and stone.”
Her first show at Round Top was 2002, and she hasn’t missed one since.
“It is a great place for collectors and people in the industry to get a lot accomplished in one place,” she says. “My favorite part about the show is catching up with my dealer friends each evening after working all day.”
Lisa says, “Market Hill provides a good marriage for customer and dealer satisfaction. We work as a team. We are asked during each show how can we improve and we keep doing it. I love that! We really try our very best to ‘bring it’ every single time.”
Photos courtesy of Antica Collection
As for what shoppers can expect to find at the spring show, she says, “I'm excited about a pair of beautiful 18th century rococo Italian gilt mirrors and an original painted 17th century Tuscan sacristy buffet that's unusually small. The mirrors are from Italy. Their small size and original glass gave me chill bumps. I took them straight out of a villa ... lucky me!” and as for the sacristy, she says, “I have never seen a small sacristy chest/credenza like this. It was originally painted circa 1670s in Tuscany. It's about as yummy as it gets.”
Photos courtesy of Antica Collection
Her signature candles will also be at Market Hill again. “I've been working on launching my candle and furniture line for the last two years. I've just developed my ninth and final candle for the ‘Love Collection’ line. My daughter, Chanel, is my partner in the candle company. We will have a beautiful kiosk outside the entrance to my Antica Collection showroom, where she will be accepting wholesale orders. There will also be coffee tables and round and side tables that I've added to my furniture line. I even do custom sizes!”
As for where she draws her inspiration, Lisa says, “You know, I feel that I'm an artisan, and my eyes are always absorbing beauty. I love people, and I am honored when I find pieces that my clients are excited about. I adore Europe and for me to be able to continue to bring bits and pieces of it back to my friends and clients, that’s enough to keep this Texas gal in love!”