From babs to babe

Conveniently located adjacent to our neighborhood is the Henderson Avenue Antiques District. There, discriminating customers will find interesting merchandise ranging from electric treasures to fine European antiques.

Starting at the Lakewood end and working your way toward home, the first shop encountered is BABS. In her namesake shop, Babs primarily carries collectibles and Americana. Come here to accessorize.

COLLAGE features contemporary designs with works by Knoll, Bertolli, van der Rohe, Pollack and other 20^th century classical artists. Across the street, KENT STONE carries architectural and high-end continental antiques, many of which are on a grand scale.

The jewel in the district’s crown, in its corner location, is BRANT LAIRD ANTIQUES. Brant, with his ever-present and faithful canine companion, Winston, presides over a carefully chosen selection of quality continental and English antiques. A certified gemologist, he also offers an interesting selection of estate jewelry and gems at competitive prices.

Assisting several days a week is Marigold Lamb, one of Dallas’ most revered appraisers. In her dulcet English tones, she’ll give you astute advice about the acquisition of your dreams.

Next door is ROLSTON & BONICK ANTIQUES FOR THE GARDEN, a courtyard shop that, appropriately enough, specializes in antique and reproduction lawn ornamentation. IN GOOD COMPANY carries a mix of primitives and country flavor antiques.

Though not an antique shop, a frequent touch point for neighborhood collectors is ALAMO GLASS. Go there to find genuine old glass pieces for repair needs. Expect knowledgeable help and great service.

NICK BROCK ANTIQUES was described by one of its competitors as being the “quintessential” antique store since it normally contains a fascinating variety of elegant antiques and smalls. Nick recently liquidated, but expect to find a plethora of wonderful things soon.

Attorney and collector Deane Varner mentions three other shops worth visiting. Each primarily carries furniture that “does not have the cobwebs of antiquity,” she says.

“These stores feature quality merchandise in take-home condition – needing no repair, cleaning, gluing or waxing,” Varner says. “Pieces of these shops have been attended to before arriving on the floor.

First is the recently expanded WHIMSEY SHOPPE, which offers a fine array of selected country and provincial antiques and reproductions.

Next is CANTERBURY ANTIQUES, which carries (or has access to via its other locations) some of the finest English antiques in the city.

Last in Varner’s selection, and last before arriving at Central Expressway, is KING’S CROSS ANTIQUES. The proprietor is the charming James Goodman. He carries a lovely selection of 19^th century to Edwardian period pieces, which he personally selects and brings back from England and other ports of call.