How We Choose: The Art of Ruthless Curation
As collectors, we have a simple philosophy: if it doesn’t make us pause, lean in, and say, "Wow," it doesn’t make the cut. Our process is equal parts passion, obsession, and a touch of madness—all in service of bringing you a collection that’s anything but ordinary. Here’s a peek behind the curtain at how we edit, curate, and obsess over every piece we offer.
It Starts with a Love for the Hunt. We’re collectors at heart. There’s a thrill in uncovering a forgotten gem or rediscovering a piece of history that deserves a second life. But let’s be clear: we don’t hoard. Our goal is to share the best of what we find, and that means being choosy—very choosy. We don’t just grab anything old and call it "vintage." We look for stories, for connections, for sets of images that belong together like old friends at a dinner party.
Sets Over Scraps. We have a soft spot for collections that tell a story. Whether it’s the architectural grandeur of Estates and Gardens from the Index of American Design or the playful whimsy of Augustus Jansson’s Queen City Ink Adverts, we aim to present pieces that complement one another. You won’t find random one-offs that feel like they wandered in by accident. Instead, you’ll see carefully assembled groups that feel cohesive, intentional, and just a little bit magical.
Ruthless Editing (It’s a Love Language). If you think curating a collection is glamorous, picture us agonizing over dozens of images and debating which ones deserve a spot. "Does it make the cut?" is a frequent question around here, and the bar is high. It’s not about volume; it’s about focus. We’d rather offer a smaller, sharper selection of work than drown you in mediocrity. Each piece we choose is something we’d proudly hang in our own homes (and often do).
And let’s be clear: we don’t modify the art. If we find notations, tears, folds, or watermarks, we consider those imperfections as proud badges of survival. They tell a story of where these pieces have been and what they’ve endured—proof that they’ve lived a life worth preserving.
Accessible, But With a Twist. Let’s address the elephant in the room: yes, some of these works are accessible elsewhere. The beauty of art of a certain age is that it belongs to everyone. But here’s the thing: not everyone has the patience (or the eye) to sift through endless archives to find the pieces that truly shine. That’s where we come in. We do the digging, the editing, and the curating, bringing you not just what’s available, but what’s exceptional. And we’re always on the hunt for harder-to-find treasures that make our collection stand out.
Because We Love This Work. At the end of the day, we’re not just selling prints; we’re sharing what we love. And we know our little online shop doesn’t feel like a typical online shop. That’s intentional. It’s a magazine first, a space where we can share history, provide context, and prepare you for the inevitable questions you’ll get about the latest addition to your music room or gallery wall. "Where did you find this?" will soon be your favorite question to answer. We pour our hearts into finding, editing, and presenting these pieces because we believe in the power of art to transform spaces and spark conversations. This isn’t just a business; it’s a labor of love. And we hope that when you see our collections, you feel a little of that love, too.
So there you have it: a process fueled by passion, tempered by ruthless editing, and driven by an unwavering belief that great art deserves to be seen & discussed. Now, go find a print that makes you say, "Wow." That will make it all worth it. Cheers.