Antiquing in Buenos Aires, Argentina

frassinetti

From:	frassinetti
Subject:	Antiquing in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Date:	16 Jan 2005 15:07:25 -0600

Antiquing in Buenos Aires
Just an idea .......

Rare and incredible objects, furniture, books, toys, artworks… all
those antiques and collectibles you dream of can be found in Buenos
Aires.
Once upon a time Buenos Aires was a very small port city with very
little population surrounded by one of the world’s most fertile
lands. Not too far away there were several other populations with
very different traditions to the Spaniards who had populated this
portside area. As the city grew and the Porteñan society evolved many
Europeans chose Argentina to be their home. They immigrated with all
their possessions from every corner of the old continent. This flow
from Europe to Argentina first began in mid 19th century, and has
never stopped till now. At the same time, as the world evolved –wars,
economical possibilities, inspiration, were many of the causes that
help other people chose our country as their own.
All of these new immigrants that were coming from Europe (Western and
Eastern), Middle East, Asia and Africa, as well as many other Latin
American countries, brought with them all kinds of objects, from
paintings to mirrors and combs, from decorative items to all kinds of
furniture, and so on.

This brief history of immigration in Argentina might help those that
don’t know our country to understand a bit about the eclectic variety
of items that can be found in this beautiful city that is Buenos Aires
(specially Buenos Aires because it has always been the main gate to
our great and beautiful country). Many of them were brought in
immigration ships, many others were sent to these families from their
homelands, some others were imported, and some other ones were the
result of business among relatives who lived in their homelands and
these new immigrants that were building a life in our Pampas. Those
valuable family objects some times due to hard economic situations,
or may be because there was no one to inherit them, have taken a path
towards flea markets, auctions or antiques shops.

During the last few years there has been a huge turn in our economy,
the peso (local currency) has lost much of its value in relation to
the dollar and the Euro, this situation has impacted in many areas of
our everyday life. On the dark side one of the biggest consequences of
this economic shift has been an intense flow of goods towards all
kinds of markets, in order to keep on with a certain lifestyle.
Therefore many families have found themselves in a situation were
they had to sell many of their family’s goods. On the bright side
this new valuation of the peso has made of Argentina a more appealing
place to visit for foreigners, since its much cheaper than many other
big international metropolis though still shows all its splendor in
its culture, art, fashion and good sense of living.

Our local flea markets, open fairs and antiques shops are open history
books that show this turns in our lives.

Plus, these are excellent places to shop for those items all art
lovers dream of, as well as an excellent opportunity for art dealers
that wish to offer their regular clients high class items at
reasonable prices.

One of the most beautiful open air markets in the city is in the
historical neighborhood of San Telmo, that’s open all day during
Sundays, from very early in the morning to late in the afternoon.
Surrounded by countless antiques shops that open their doors to the
public all week long, this fair is just beautiful, with very good
quality items… Bargaining is always an interesting possibility when
acquiring these type of objects, always a plus to get what you want
at the price you want to.

In the outskirts of the city, the Solano fair is one outstanding
market where if you have a sharp eye for antiques you can find
absolutely amazing treasures. Since this fair is very much for locals
you can find all from old clothes, semi used house goods, and whatever
people had and needed to sell… Its always better to visit this
outskirts out of the tourists path fair with a local, best if you
know what you want but don’t have much time and your Spanish is not
very good.

Back to the city, one excellent flea market is the Dorrego Market, in
the heart of Palermo, very nearby a great restaurants area, this
market has all kinds of items. Its just a matter of walking around
and talking with the local people that are very kind and would gladly
help you in your quest.

On the other end of the city, during the weekends there’s an other
kind of flea market in Peru abajo. Located in the beautiful
residential area of Acasusso you will find this fair has all kinds of
decorative items and furniture, one of its specialties are chandeliers
at very reasonable prices… High class and good prices, one excellent
combo!

These are the most representative fairs and markets in BA. There’s
nothing you can’t get, you name it, they have it… And of course,
these are excellent sights when touring through the city of tango,
‘cause there are many different street shows that weekly chose those
locations to show their art: tango, puppeteers, street theatre, live
music, plus all kinds of local street food to enjoy during your walk,
there’s no way that can go wrong!

Bob Frassinetti, The Buenos Aires Art Dealer.

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