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Just as a work of art can pull a room together , the veracious garden antique can transform a landscape painting . Few people know this comfortably than Barbara Israel , who has been dealing in garden antiques since 1985 from her Katonah , New York , attribute , a lush swath of meadows and garden in Westchester County . Her inventory includes more than 200 Lucy Stone , branding iron , terra - cotta , bronze , and Zn physical object , ranging in price from around $ 100 to $ 100,000 . Israel is the author ofAntique Garden Ornament : Two Centuries of American Taste(Harry N. Abrams , Inc. ; 1999 ) , which stay a go - to source on the bailiwick , and of late publishedA Guide to buy Antique Garden Ornament , which neatly delineate the do ’s and don’ts of pull in fine garden wares . In increase to render indispensable counselling on dating pieces , repaint metal furniture , name irreparable damage , and confirm authenticity , Israel touches on selecting the right material for a particular climate .
This span of 19th - one C greyhound is a desired " true pair " because they are not cast from the same mold , says Israel . Photo by : Barbara Israel .
Garden Design : Why did you make up one’s mind to indite this guidebook?Barbara Israel : Frustration . There is such a lack of noesis on the subject area , and a well - inform client is unquestionably our in force client .
Q : How can garden antiques enhance a landscape?A : They add a touch of art to nature . But they can also make a young garden count one-time , or make a lonely garden welcoming .
Q : What is the big fault you see buyers make?A : Misplacement . These are piece that need to be used sparingly , and you involve to verify they work the right way in a circumstance .
Q : Are there any special scarlet signal flag we should know about?A : decidedly . If a cast - iron piece does n’t have a pretty duncical buildup of key it may be a reproduction . Likewise , if there is rusting on the bottom of an urn and it ’s too stridently orangish , the art object may not really be an antique .
Q : Is it difficult to obtain garden antiques in good condition?A : Yes . We often have to restitute piece that have suffered from being outside . Metal ornaments are easier to restore than Lucy Stone one . The enceinte problem with cast Harlan F. Stone is exhibit rebar , which means water has seeped in , and with carved stone , snap that threaten its stability and allow moisture in . - Meredith Mendelsohn
