PARIS SALEROOMS POPULAR

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28748, 20 November 1958, Page 2

PARIS SALEROOMS POPULAR

Dealing In Antiques The Fashion Now that good furniture. pictures and bibelots are considered a better investment thar. stocks and shares, going to sales has become a fashionable occupation in France savs Poppv Richard in “Scotsman.”

The atmosphere of a saleroom is rather like a theatre. Occasionally, there is a “bad” day when things go relatively cheaply. More often, prices soar, since everything has its value today. Usually, it needs no more than a little sharp bidding to galvanise an audience, and create a feeling of suspense. A clever auctioneer knows how to take advantage of a bit o.f excitement In France, auctioneers- are State officials. very shrewd and urbane. Without seeming to force the bidding, they obtain staggering prices. Bidding is rather like gambling Once you start, it iskiiff.cul: to stop. You feel you acquire the object you covet at no matter what cost The spirit of competition comes ; into it too. You can bear t- see a rival get the better r.f you Dealing in antiques—especially as a sideline —has become •pc.pu.PT pursuit in Paris, espen.ally among the middle classes, wh? start by selling the best o.f their own possessions and then loves: the proceeds m fresh stork is an agreeable way of making •living. You only have to pull ',an occasional deal tc be very comfortahle. Sales are very instruct.;-.'e. -r.e.y : tea co you to distinguish gooi .Vu-gs from bah fluctuauons /-0 public taste, essential knowledge 'if you are to make something rut of your purchases. Another acvantage of buying ir. a pub.ir saleroom is that dealings are strictly above-board Ycu are gZtung a penod piece kKSys ‘ 7b.r fr g r -.er-« which fetch the highers', pricers. Fabulous sums are often 7»a.d for is t.o be clever eno.igr. tr barrel for f. s.o.g—on a day -.“ e ~ - Ratrdds Chester ar-d • cores ter streets prone ft.—3u*. t- ... TEA TH S K AIR.PRESS. IN G We welcome back tr Fee tbs. V.rs liL-.es expar. enced ha.rst* 1-st Book your nrw. Call or Telephone fS-SSP