January is the big month for the Big Flea, a huge, two-building antique market located at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia. The Big Flea is held every other month and January is known as the best time to buy. Both buildings are open (the North building is being bought by Walmart) and they say there are more than 1000 dealers. Everyone shops the Flea-curators, collectors, dealers, and anyone looking for a deal.
When I worked as a curator I always looked forward to the Flea, because you never knew what you might find and prices were reasonable. Plus, it was fun!
These are a few of my favorite things
I took pictures with my cell phone-sorry!- of my favorite finds. Since I missed the first day, things were picked over. A dealer friend who always gets the goods, went early saturday morning and found an early 19th century quilt, fabulous jewelry (really expensive) and several purses.
If you go next month be advised the South building is the best. Everyone goes there first. Be sure to check out The Brandts booth. They are from Ohio and always have great early furniture and fabulous primitive smalls.
Jim, with the electric appliances in the 2nd row on the right side, has awesome stuff, especially early industrial. Check out his magazines and ask him about his appliances under the table. He has the best and there are always a lot of men checking things out. He never has a bad show!
The last row on the left side has all the difficult, weird, creepy, dealers. If you are into Death-photos of shooting victims, mortuary pictures, and really weird medical instruments this dealer is for you! What is it about seeing medical instuments under a picture of a dead man in a casket that gives you a chill up your spine. UGH!
And right next to him is a strange, creepy, mid-century modern dealer that wears knee socks-you know the kind- you wore these with your plaid skirt and penny loafers in 8th grade. She is strange and has a reputation for being extremely difficult with just about everyone. Go down this aisle at your own peril.
Great purse
As a redhead, I always look for chestnut-colored anything. This red fox coat with brown leather belt was yummy! So seventies.
The perfect simple gold dress.
It is hanging up backwards.
Black Velvet and a Peacock
I think Ava Gardner had one of these.
It actually looks awesome on-not as vintage on as it looks off. The dealer said it was Jaguar-I think it is endangered and illegal to sell this.
Nice lines
Nice shine
Love the seltzer bottle.
For smokers or to hold your earrings
A "must" for your library if you are a textile lover. Printed Textiles by Florence Montgomery.
I would be interested in hearing your comments about your opinion of the Big Flea.
The next Big Flea is in March 5-6
I would just pee my pants to get to go to a huge good flea market like that.
ReplyDeleteI really need to get that on my bucket list
Janice