ORIGINAL PUBLICATION DATE: FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2010

Antique School Sees New Generation Of Antique Enthusiasts

The Asheford Institute Of Antiques, a professional-level distance-learning program on antiques, collectibles and appraising, recently released some surprising data compiled from its enrollment statistics, that shows an interesting trend beginning to develop in the antiques industry.

According to a published press release, school spokesman Anthony Drew said, “There appears to be a younger generation of individuals beginning to discover antiques and collectibles - and our enrollment is showing that.” Drew went on to say that over the past forty years the school has kept a detailed analysis of age groups and demographics of students, and has noted that when there is a sudden surge in “younger” antique enthusiasts, it often spells good news for the antique market as a whole.

“It’s really about trends and styles,” said Drew. “When the whole stainless steel kitchen motif started to appear in the mid-1990’s, you knew there was going to be an overall trending towards modernÖwell, it’s been about 15 years now, and we’re beginning to see the inklings of a generational shift in taste.” Drew went on to say that younger people are now finding it hip again to head out to garage sales, flea markets and thrift shops in the hope of finding something funky and old. “It may not be Georgian they’re looking for” said Drew, “but they’re starting to collect and decorate again, using items from the past.”

The Director of the school, Charles Green also noted that past analysis of these trends had shown the same demographic tendency. “In the late 1970’s there was another surge in enrollment by younger students” said Green, “Öand by the mid 1980’s we were seeing the advent of the Yuppie generation that was buying everything primitive and pine - the antique business in early Americana and Canadiana was booming!” Green went on to say that, “Trends obviously come and go, but that for now, it appears that we might be seeing the inception of a new trend towards long-term growth in the antique market as a whole.”

For readers seeking more information about the antique and appraisal Course offered by the Asheford Institute of Antiques, they can be contacted at: (877) 444-4508 or visit their Web site at www.asheford.com. You can also write to them at the Asheford Institute of Antiques, 981 Harbor Boulevard, Suite 3, Department 275RZ25 Destin, Florida 32541-2525, or at their Canadian office at 131 Bloor Street West, Suite 200, Department 124RZ25 Toronto, ON M5S 1R8.