By John Walker
Special to Inside
Richard Weisz, owner of Antique Resources, has a lot hanging over his head. Over 1,000 exquisite antique chandeliers and 500 pairs of sconces suspended from the ceiling and walls of his impressive antique row showroom comprise what Weisz believes is the largest antique chandelier collection in the world. In styles ranging from Art Nouveau to Victorian, chandeliers made of bronze, Venetian glass, Baccarat crystal, rare rock crystal, wrought iron, alabaster and more cast a collective glow throughout two floors of the 18,000 square foot showroom at 1741 W. Belmont Ave.
In addition to chandeliers, the store contains an extensive collection of fine antique furniture, museum-quality oil paintings, clocks and accessories from Europe and South America, dating as far back as the early 1600s.
Because Weisz caters to the serious trade, offering high-end antique collections at wholesale prices, Antique Resources has remained a well-kept secret among the interior design community and Chicagoans in-the-know. Now, with a vast inventory and more containers arriving monthly, he is eager to let the community of serious collectors in on this Chicago treasure.
Weisz' penchant for collecting started with a stamp collection at age nine. He went on to earn his degree in art history and architecture and soon developed a thriving antique business in Woodstock, IL. His burgeoning collections and love of antiques prompted him to return to his native Chicago where, in 1987, he established a well-respected niche in the antiques district.
Without realizing it, many in the Chicago community have seen antique chandeliers, artwork and furniture from Weisz' collections featured in such films as "The Babe," "Hoodlums" and "The Untouchables." A frequent advisor to movie makers and theatre companies, Weisz includes celebrities, rock stars, governors and political figures among the list of those who rely on his expertise.
While many celebrities, wealthy suburbanites, Chicago politicians and philanthropists accent their homes with selections from Antique Resources, the clientele includes people of all ages, from stockbrokers to City of Chicago policemen (buying up clocks like crazy!) to a housekeeper who saved for years to buy several beautiful items.
Weisz wants the antiques he has thoughtfully researched and purchased to have a good home. He gets to know his customers. Many appreciate his kindness and his no-frills, low-key approach as much as his uncanny recitation of facts and figures pertaining to each prized French chandelier, English secretary, Louis XV writing table, corner chair or oil painting. And, while shopping and navigating the showroom can be daunting, Weisz and his knowledgeable staff help ease the selection process; clients are encouraged to remain focused on specific items and to narrow their attention to a few possible choices.
Weisz realizes his store is not everyone's choice antique source. "Occasionally shoppers are insecure; they equate my lower prices with a lack of authenticity," Weisz said. "People look here and then go to a trendier shop where they pay double for the identical item." Weisz finds this hard to understand. "I love my clients," he said. "They're interesting, curious, trusting and not insecure! Many of them could, and do, shop all over the world, then come back to buy from me."
Whether furnishing an entire home or splurging on a valuable accent piece, Richard Weisz' clients have seen the light.
Antique Resources is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Free parking is available. For more information, call (773) 871-4242 or visit antiqueresourcesinc.com.
|
