Inside & out
When you need a touch of vintage
It's always fun to visit Architectural Artifacts, and they promise there's a new shipment for your perusal.
For example, here's a funky Italian bench found in an Argentinian ice cream parlor. For $6,800, you could take it home.
Other treasures that might fit your home better include Mid-Century lighting from Italy, those yummy French leather club chairs, clock faces and much more.
A special find is leaded and stained-glass windows and doors by George Maher, a Prairie School architect. They are from the Charles Hosmer Morse house in Glencoe.
The very large store is at 4325 N. Ravenswood, Chicago. Call (773) 348-0622 or visit www.architecturalartifacts.com.
What antiques are you searching for?
While you're in the mood for antiques, the Merchandise Mart is planning its first Fall Antiques Fair.
One of the special objects is this commode signed by a Parisian cabinet maker named Crieard. It was made around 1770 and features marquetry and original hardware. Jean Yves Lhomond Antiques of Paris will part with it for $50,000.
Michael Graves, architect and product designer, will talk about "Designs that Stand the Test of Time" at 10 a.m. Friday in the Merchandise Mart Conference Center.
The talk is free and includes a 9:30 a.m. continental breakfast and free admission to the fair. Reservations are requested at asarvan@mmartm.com.
The fair will be Friday through Oct. 15. The hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 14; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15.
It is open to the public with tickets priced at $15. A special event Thursday night costs $125, which will benefit Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
The Merchandise Mart is at Wells and Kinzie streets, just north of the Chicago River.
Call (800) 677-6278 or visit www.merchandisemartantiques.com.
Tickets go on sale for Wright tour
Some people who love old things are fans of the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. And they had better be able to plan ahead.
Believe it or not, organizers say it is time to buy tickets to the Wright Plus housewalk on May 17.
Tickets are $75 for members of the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, $90 for nonmembers.
Visit www.wrightplus.org. Telephone sales start in January.
-- Deborah Donovan