I will publish a new blog once in a blue moon, which as you know is not very often.
What was my motivation for writing a blog? Well, what is anyone’s motivation? It’s got to be self-serving. I wanted people to know that I was very active in the antiques business and that I was an expert in my field. I wrote about new items for sale, items I’d sold, antiques news, lessons, etc. And it worked.
I remember an incident at an antique show many years ago. I told a client that a lamp I was selling was authentic. So I referred her to another dealer on the floor of the show to verify what I was saying. In fact, he wasn’t knowledgeable enough to verify what I had said. So the client returned to my booth and asked me “How do I know what you’re telling me is correct?” I was put in the position of having to defend my knowledge. There was no good answer. I didn’t have a degree in lamps or art history or anything of the sort. No gray hair at the time. I was right, but I couldn’t prove it.
Fast forward to today. That rarely ever happens anymore. People know that I’m the expert and don’t question my credentials (which I earned from the school of hard knocks and experience). Many auction houses use my services to authenticate and evaluate consignments of glass and lamps. Part of the credit goes to my blog, which people have been reading for the last 12 years.
So why would I stop now (or slow down tremendously)? 1. It takes a lot of time and effort to write. 2. Readership is down considerably to about 1/3 of what it was at the peak. (If readership were stable or going up, I would continue to write.) 3. I don’t get much feedback from my blog. 4. I shot myself in the foot more than once. Let me explain.
I write honestly and sometimes too bluntly. I’ve heard from many readers that that’s one of the reasons they like to read my blog. Some of the blogs I’ve written have been critical of auction houses or dealers. I wrote the blogs from my point of view and didn’t realize in some cases that I was offending or demeaning the subjects of the blog. Some of the subjects of my blogs took great offense, when none was intended. So at this point in my career, my blog is causing me more harm than good. So I may write a blog from time to time, but for the most part, my blog is finished. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading it and maybe learned a thing or two, but for now it’s adios.
No shows until October 20, 2022, when we’ll exhibit at the Baltimore Art, Antique & Jewelry Show. Two weeks later we’ll exhibit at the Antiques + Modernism Show in Winnetka, IL, starting on November 4, 2022.
Let me know what interests you, even if you don’t see it on my website. I’ve got lots of items that I haven’t listed yet and I know how to locate what you desire.
I listed some of the new items on my website and will list more every week. Click Philip Chasen Antiques to take a look. I will make every effort to actively list new items as often as time permits. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.
I have enjoyed your blog. Even though I don’t participate in buying or selling art anymore ,, I like seeing what’s going on in the antique world . About your abilities. You are one of the best dealers I know and you are definitely an expert in your field .
I for one love your blog posts and regret your decision although I entirely understand it. Best to you.
Phil I have always enjoyed your blog and will certainly miss your imparting of knowledge and expertise.
As someone who has loved Tiffany and art nouveau art glass in museums but has only recently reached the point where owning any of these beautiful antiques seemed possible, your blog has been an invaluable resource. Thank you for your insight into both the art and the market. I encourage you to organize some of your old blog content in to “Lessons for Future Connoisseurs ” – I learned so much by reading through your archives. I made my first Galle purchase recently with someone else, but maybe my next purchase will be in your future inventory!
I will really miss your blog….thanks for all these years..
Thanks for your kind words.
Thanks for your kind words and your suggestion. I used to have a section on my website with lessons. I think I’ll take the time to revive it.
Thanks, Jack. Appreciate your kind words.
Thanks, David. It was time.
Hey, Danny. A voice from the past. Thanks. Much appreciated comments. Be well.
I am saddened that you won’t be writing blogs weekly! Although I am no longer a show dealer, I really enjoyed reading about your insights and reporting from the field! I hope you will find that you can restart the writing and still maintain your sanity!
I’ve been following your blogs for a number of years and always looked forward to Monday! Most enjoyable and informative to me were reading your comments regarding lots in auctions such as lamps and art glass. I will miss your comments but understand with readership down it’s likely not as worthwhile an effort. Writing takes time and work. Also, after 12 years it may be an opportunity to pursue other avenues of interest. Will look forward to seeing you in Baltimore! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and offering top flight merchandise as always.
How about a subscription newsletter to share your knowledge and insights?
I am disappointed to learn that you will no longer be posting to your blog. The best dealers are educators at heart and I have learned a lot from reading your blog entries- thank you. Over the years many of us have moved to Facebook to build a community of art nouveau collectors, dealers, and academics and this may partly account for the drop in traffic elsewhere. Please consider joining our group and posting there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/artnouveaudecorativearts/?ref=share
Hi Philip
One of my joys the past 50 or so years has been attending Antique Auctions, junk & antique shows-the antique shows.
The shows dwindled with the onset of the internet (flattening prices, making once “rare” pieces accessible on line).
This is not new news.
I went dormant for a number of years-coming back to buy relatively less beloved glass.
Among my trophies-are 2 I bought from you at shows (rare “Le Chat” bronze cat on hand carved wooden “books”, with cute mouse peeking out.
I’ve never seen one like it before or since (as a glass & bronze artist-I consider it a masterpiece), and the other (Dutch?) boy/Glassblower in bronze with original “multibubble “ shade.
You have the gift of a discerning eye, knowledge, great taste.
Part of me regrets the shut down/market shift from Shows/personal contact-to emotionless internet auctions.
But after conquering a supreme health issue-I realized how fortunate we’ve been to be the Baby Boomer generation.
Thanks for your incite & shared passion!
Lee Harris
Hi Philip, just found your page from a Facebook group. I’ve enjoyed going back through the blog and seeing many Tiffany lamps I’ve never seen before.
I know you probably won’t like to hear this next part, but I think you would do very well if you posted content on TikTok. It’s not just dancing teens anymore.
There are several antique and jewelry dealers that have built up a large following there, and I think it would be a waste of your knowledge and experience to hide it away.
People are moving away from blogs and consuming 1-2 minute videos, which I think your blogs would be perfect for in video form.
Love me or hate me, just trying to help. Would love to see your content in video.