Ender Tasci is the man behind The Elephant Walk. He started his business 30 years ago in Florida, and has been coming to Round Top for the last 25 years. Three years ago, he moved his business to Market Hill and now buys in Europe and Florida ahead of the spring and fall shows. We caught up with Ender for a sneak peek into what he has in store for us in the fall.
Don & Marta Orwig Antiques is known for its collection of American relics, including a massive collection of old advertising signs.
“I’ve been in the business since 1971,” Don says. “Everybody has their thing. Some people are into tables or chairs or pillows, that’s not me. I’m into these old signs and country store fixtures, store cabinets and cupboards.”
Custom mid-century modern “Viking” armchair
An antiques dealer for more than 35 years, Louis Shields is also an interior designer, furniture maker, and artist with his own gallery, Hastening Design Studio, located in Middleburg, Virginia. Louis offers a sneak peek of what he’s bringing to the fall show.
“An 18th-century Louis XV French Provincial enfilade made of pear wood with a deep rich patination and a lustrous golden color. It has two drawers, carved decoration over three carved and paneled cupboard doors, and a scalloped apron above shaped feet. Wonderful, narrow proportions. All retaining the original steel hardware. Made in the Provence, circa 1790.”
Among his original paintings are, “Transitions,” made of contemporary mixed media on canvas as part of his Element Series 2017, and "Threshold," another contemporary mixed media on canvas as part of this Element Series 2016.
18th-century Louis XV French Provincial enfilade
“Transitions” by Louis Shields, 36x48 Element Series 2018, Mixed Media on Canvas
A custom design is a pair of mid-century modern ‘Viking’ armchairs, styled after a 1960s Danish design called the ‘Viking Chair.’ Upholstered in gray linen with blue piping and blue accent pillows, they are as comfortable as they are beautiful.
These are just a few of the must-see pieces at Hastening Design Studio at Market Hill.
View more of his work online at HasteningDesigns.com.
Coming from a long line of “pearl men,” Vincent Peach has created a signature brand of fine jewelry, combining Tahitian pearls with mixed metals, exotic leathers, antlers, tusks, and other natural elements.
A native of Nashville, Tennessee, where he still resides, Vincent designs his pieces in a studio attached to his namesake boutique in Marathon Village. Drawing inspiration from life's leisures and the romance of luxury travel, his pieces are vintage and modern, masculine and feminine, bohemian and baroque.
While each piece can be considered an heirloom intended to be passed down to future generations, these aren’t your grandmother’s pearls. They are bold, expressive conversation starters. Vincent Peach’s designs have something to say about the person wearing them. His cult following includes Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Alice Cooper, Steven Tyler, Taylor Swift, and Miranda Lambert, to name a few.
At Market Hill, you can’t miss his showroom. Designed and sketched by Vincent himself, Paul Michael and his son (and right-hand man), Jake Michael, hand-built it to the exact specifications. It’s a special experience stepping inside the space to view his fine jewelry, one that reflects the elegance, sophistication and uniqueness of these pieces. Come see what we mean by that at the fall show. Vincent Peach has select original pieces on sale, up to 50% off, so stop by early to take your pick. You will also find a 60%-off sale, September 29 through October 3, on name brands like Tacori, Henri Daussi, and more.
View his collection online at VincentPeach.com.
Photo courtesy of Ables Antiques and Props Antiques
Tony and Kitty (Ables Antiques of Ripley, Tennessee) are literally married to the business. They tied the knot in 1990, and after cutting the cake and toasting with everyone at their wedding, they set out on an antiquing adventure and haven’t looked back since. With decades of experience, they share these insights:
Photo courtesy of Ables Antiques and Props Antiques
“When we first went into business,” Kitty says, “I would hear many of our customers say ‘in this phase of life I am looking for this or that,’ and I truly didn’t grasp the total impact of this statement until several years ago. But I totally understand it now. Have you ever looked around and just said, ‘I love this piece, but it’s time for someone else to have it who loves it more.’ Well that is what collecting and decorating is all about. Our taste and personality changes with time. Everything changes – as we evolve with life we see things differently. So, I say, ‘Out with the old that isn’t quite you anymore.’ Let someone else love your past objects.”
Photo courtesy of Ables Antiques and Props Antiques
As for what we can expect at Market Hill, she says, “This fall our booth will be explosive with an assortment of items with lots of character. I think our homes, our workplaces – wherever we are spending lots of time – should reflect our personalities. Challenge yourself to think outside your box. That’s what is so fun about this business.”
“Hunt for a special piece of furniture or object that makes for new conversations with old friends and new ones as well. Accept the challenge, and come see us at Market Hill, and let us help you find the piece of furniture or the object that expresses where you are in life at this moment,” she says.
“We are bringing things like a mid-century mod couch that is going to leave you searching for words; several over-the-top signs (not going to give away any info on those), including a killer scoreboard; some high-end decorative pieces and, of course, some French finds. I never buy what I’m not moved by.”
Returning to Market Hill this fall is Props Antiques out of Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee. Owner Klint Griffin has been in the business for 14 years, and his wife, Cindy, for seven years. Props specializes in Americana acquired from roaming the backroads looking for old signs and décor.
“We are excited about the fresh picks we are bringing to Market Hill in the fall,” Klint says. “We’ve found some wonderful old hand-painted signs this time around as well as more excellent old neon signs. We’ve also collected more great mercantile tables and store counters.”
Photo courtesy of Ables Antiques and Props Antiques
Their first show at Market Hill was in the spring, and they are excited to come back. “The best of Round Top is under one roof,” Klint says. “We are looking forward to seeing returning guests, friends, and colleagues from around the world.”
Photo courtesy of Ables Antiques and Props Antiques
“There’s nothing better than the thrill of the hunt than connecting with someone who loves what we find just as much as we do.”
Follow them on Instagram @propsantiques.
Ables Antiques and Props Antiques share a booth space at Market Hill. Visit and shop their beautiful wares.
Photo courtesy of Ables Antiques and Props Antiques
Photo by Nomadic Trading Company
Since 1995, Nomadic Trading Company has been in the business of selling handpicked home décor items from all over the world.
“We are importers of vintage furniture, accessories, and hand-woven rugs,” says Demir Williford.
The North Carolina-based company has grown to produce its own line of products.
Photo by Ashlee Nobel, Lee Lee Arts + Design
Poufs and benches from vintage handmade rugs.
“For us, it’s like a big treasure hunt. Finding and creating products that become popular is the ultimate reward,” says Demir.
From the most recent treasure hunt, he says, “We are bringing in more and better products than ever before from Italy, France, and Spain. You will find very nice outdoor furniture, marble-top tables, and leather club chairs and tables.”
Their set-up at Market Hill is impressive with large rugs hanging from the ceiling, covering the walls, and piled high in stacks upon stacks on the floor. It’s easy to see why Market Hill is ideal for them, but Demir tells us it’s not just the space; it’s the people that make Market Hill special.
“Market Hill is the best place in Round Top to showcase our merchandise. An indoor air-conditioned booth is a huge advantage for us and for shoppers alike,” Demir says. “Seeing our customers and dealer friends is definitely the highlight of our show in Texas.”
To see more of their rare finds and original work, visit nomadictrading.com.
Photo by Nomadic Trading Company
A rug from Nomadic Trading’s new Oushak production, 10’x14’
Photo by Nomadic Trading Company
Pair of French club chairs from 1960s
Photo by Nomadic Trading Company
Shopping trip to France
Photo by Nomadic Trading Company
Photo courtesy of Antica Collection
A collector first, Lisa Strait Vanpoucke turned her love of antiques into a business.
“Having been a collector myself for over 20 years, I’ve combined my passion and love for antiques with the current demand to incorporate them into modern design,” she says.
Photo courtesy of Antica Collection
“My frequent travels to Europe allow me to continuously hunt for special pieces, where I hand-select each and every object. I buy what I would place in my own home, so each antique or decorative item has special meaning to me personally. With that said, my purpose is to extend that passion into my clients’ home decor and encourage a life well lived.”
My purpose is to extend [my] passion into my clients’ home decor and encourage a life well lived. - Lisa Strait Vanpoucke
“I find inspiration in history, faraway lands, culture, architecture, and great design from all periods. I’m always evolving and trying to be as cutting-edge as possible; but, the longer I’m in the business the more simplified I’m becoming. I will never tire of beautiful hand-crafted things.”
Photo by Ashlee Nobel, Lee Lee Arts + Design
When it comes to her purchasing decisions, she says, “My creative process is simple: I buy what I love. If I wouldn’t put it in my own home, I usually skip over it. For me, quality is a must, along with great design.”
Lisa has been coming to Round Top since 2002 and says, “I like the fact that we are able to reach so many people in a short period of time and help them take home a little piece of history,” she says.
“As a vendor at Market Hill, I appreciate the attention to detail Paul and his family have, treating us like one of their own. They have what it takes to make everyone feel at home.”
Learn more at AnticaCollection.com.
Interior designer Michelle Cheatham is the owner of Architect’s Daughter, a home furnishing and design company based in Napa Valley and San Francisco. Architect’s Daughter sources unique, authentic objects from around the world, selling primarily to the design trade. Michelle has a deep knowledge and passion for her products, and provenance is very important.
Architectural Anarchy returns to Market Hill with an interesting mix of mid-century modern finds, folk art, industrial and architectural pieces, and an assortment of old signage. Based in Chicago, Gosia Korsakowski and partner William Rawski operate a 30,000-SF showroom filled with a remarkable collection of antiques from the U.S. and Western Europe.
Phillip feels right at home on a private ranch in Texas as he prepares fro a day of shopping in Round Top.
Photo by Ashlee Nobel, Lee Lee Arts + Design
Based in Chicago, Illinois, Phillip Lantz is a one-man interior design show, specializing in custom residential interiors. He describes his design philosophy as “architecture first.”
“My background is in architecture, so my first critique on any project is to review the layout of spaces. Before color or style is even considered, it’s critical to make sure the home functions well for the current user,” Phillip says. “I feel it is my job to show clients ‘what can be’ with what they have to work with and, even then, we sometimes add space to achieve the best results. Only after we get the architecture and space right can all their interior dreams be fully realized. I take pride in cultivating interiors that are timeless but with flourishes that are specifically unique to the owner. This, to me, is what makes a home a home, and ultimately, is my only goal.”
In recent years, Phillip has added Round Top to his calendar.
“I've been to Round Top twice now, both spring shows in 2018 and 2019. I have wonderful clients in Austin and Dallas who love the hunt. Texas has a much more relaxed vibe than the traditional homes of Chicago and its suburbs. Both of these clients encouraged me to visit Round Top, and we’ve found so many wonderful, original pieces.”
The people he’s met and the memories he’s made also stand out in his mind.
“I have never in my life been surrounded by freer people. I'm from the big city and was afraid that Texas wouldn't accept any outsiders, but I am embarrassed and elated to say that I was wrong. Could it be that Round Top is building bridges in the design community? I danced my a** off at the Junk Gypsy prom last year, and I felt like I was surrounded by love and creativity. I remember saying to my client, Heather Raymond, that my faith in humanity was restored. (I might have yelled that out loud while drinking sangria and dancing to 80s hip hop with a group of middle-aged women dressed up as the Golden Girls, something we typically only see in the gay community!). I kept thinking that not only would my pals in Chicago relish this, but my actual blood sisters in Arkansas would make more friends here than a feather boa has feathers.”
In addition to the warm welcome he’s received around town, he’s also made Market Hill his home base.
For his Austin client, Phillip was searching high and low for the best antique rugs. He ultimately found the antique rugs he was hoping for at Nomadic Trading Company at Market Hill.
Photo by Ashlee Nobel, Lee Lee Arts + Design
“As you know, it’s hard to spend too much time at any one place, but I know that given the opportunity, I could spend all day, every day there. Not only is the array of selections so broad for any shopping venture, it really seems to be a collection of some of the best. I remember finding it difficult to focus because there were so many wonderful considerations. I think, honestly, having food and wine there reminded me to enjoy the shopping experience a bit more. When I'm in Round Top it’s for work, but slowing my roll and taking a seat to listen to some live music and chat with locals as well as other travelers makes it seem less like work and more like a vacation.”
“Can we talk about the fashion of the live music group this past year? I feel like it was Dolce & Gabbana SS 2017 to a T. It did not go unnoticed! I don't recall their group name [editor’s note: The Heart Collectors], but they were so effing chic. So, yes, inspiration from everything. I'm buying a brocade vest tomorrow.”
For his Austin client, Phillip found some incredible pieces at Market Hill.
“After much consideration, because there were so many to choose from, Heather bought some beautiful rugs from Nomadic Trading Company. The collection of colorful Moroccans got us giddy and made us reconsider our entire design concept on the spot.”
When it comes to his design concept and where he finds inspiration, he says it’s all about research, research, research.
Photo by Ashlee Nobel, Lee Lee Arts + Design
“The more I see, the more I refine my personal opinions on what is 'good.' Fashion, hair, makeup, landscape, architecture, technology, and interiors all inspire me and surge my creativity. While I truly consider myself an artist, I honestly feel the core of my job is to educate clients on smart investments, because, make no mistake, a cultivated home ain’t cheap, but if I didn't have my finger on the above, there is no magic in my work, and that is what makes it special.”
When asked if he’s returning to the show this fall, he says, “Absolutely! The way I see it is if you go in with a specific intent, searching for any one specific item, you will almost always fail; but, when you have an open mind, and, say, accidentally come across the best boots in all of Texas and in your size, well, you come home a winner.”
Photo by Ashlee Nobel of Lee Lee Arts + Design
Celebrating 50 years of fabulous, the Round Top Antiques Show is a big deal for this small Texas town. It’s a tradition every spring and fall, and it’s only getting bigger and better over time. It’s a traveling circus or world’s fair of sorts where some of the world’s rarest antiques are presented by some of the world’s most interesting characters.
Photo by Ashlee Nobel
Black Cat Choir entertains a dancing crowd after dinner at Market Hill
While antiques continue to be the main attraction, it’s become an exhibit of original art and an expression of creativity across all mediums, including music. Market Hill hosts live music most nights. Past performances have included The Heart Collectors from Australia, and The Black Cat Choir, a local rock band from Round Top. The Black Cat Choir returns to Market Hill this fall for a two-night stand, Sunday, September 29, and Monday, September 30, at 8 p.m. Austin-based country singer Kimberly Dunn takes the stage on Tuesday, October 1 at 9 p.m. All concerts are free. Come early for dinner and drinks, and stay for all of the fun.
It’s not Texas Antiques Week without the Junk Gypsy Junk ‘o Rama Prom. As legend has it, during the show, many moons ago, the Junk Gypsies noticed a pile of vintage prom dresses at market. They decided to play dress-up, giving these old dresses another twirl and hosting their very own little prom night under the Texas stars. What started as an homage to a handful of forgotten prom dresses took on a life of its own. Fifteen years later, the Junk ‘o Rama Prom is the biggest night of the antiques show. Held twice a year, it attracts anyone and everyone. You might even see some famous faces – like Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves and Willie Nelson – in the crowd. In true Junk Gypsy spirit, it’s quite the shindig with live music on a makeshift stage and a photobooth made from an old outhouse. This fall, the hootenanny takes place on Thursday, October 3, at the Zapp Hall. Dress to impress.
Photo by Denise Withington
Round Top Dance Hall has live music every Friday and Saturday.
Once the show comes and goes, there is still live music and performing arts to be found. Other music venues in and around Round Top include The Stone Cellar and the Dugout in Warrenton. The Round Top Festival Institute is a world-renowned summer music festival presented for six weeks in June and July featuring chamber and orchestral concerts each weekend, as well as monthly concerts and educational forums during its “August-to-April” series. Located at the picturesque Festival Hill, it’s an international destination for performing and learning.
Photo courtesy of Festival Hill
The 22nd Annual Theatre Forum at Round Top takes place November 1-3. This year’s theme, Footlights and the Silver Screen, explores connections between theatre and film. The three-day forum includes tours of the Festival Hill grounds and buildings with morning walks and open-air lunches in the gardens as well as performances and lectures. The event concludes with an evening reception and formal dinner. For more information, visit FestivalHill.org.
Follow Market Hill Round Top on Facebook and Instagram for more music and event announcements during the fall show.
Photos courtesy of Woodson Antiques
Woodson antiques has come a long way since it was founded on Woodson Drive in the early 80’s in the garage of Jane and Roy Park. Ten years ago, Blake Craghead and Rick Ingenthon acquired the business, carrying on the tradition at the 1861 farmhouse outside of Kansas City in Raymore, Missouri.
“We were both brought up by parents who loved antiques and who passed that love onto us. When the opportunity arose, it was a perfect fit,” Rick says.
“We have always loved traveling the world. We travel to Europe six times a year and are always seeking out the next big thing. I love the hunt. There is nothing better than finding that one-of-a-kind piece that will make a client’s house,” he says.
In addition to antiques, the design duo takes on numerous projects in the city and has been involved in the designer showcase for the Kansas City Symphony for many years. They also design their own pieces, including lamps from found objects and blue and white porcelain.
“Our business is always changing. We specialize in European furniture from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, but every year is different. We never know what treasure we will find on our next trip.”
As for what they are bringing to Market Hill, Rick says, “There are lots of things. We have an incredible table made from a pulpit with carved faces on every spine. We also have a pair of angels which form the railings to a stairway in a private chapel from the early 1700s.”
“Market Hill is an amazing venue. You don’t have to contend with the weather, and you can get a great meal and a glass of wine,” he says.
“You have all of the top-notch dealers from around the country. It’s great to be surrounded by people who have the same passion. It’s not the easiest job, so you’ve got to love it.”
Discover Woodson Antiques at Market Hill.
