Antiques in the Heart of Aiken
A commemorative book.

In 2009, the 10th annual award-winning Antiques in the Heart of Aiken Show and Sale was commemorated with a specially commissioned, one-of-a-kind book under the title Antiques in the Heart of Aiken.  The book also serves as a significant fundraiser for the non-profit Aiken Center for the Arts.

The antiques event itself draws dealers and collectors from across the country, offering unique, high-quality items in such fields of interest as Estate Jewelry, Linens and Textiles, Ceramics, Silver, Crystal, Furniture, Fine Art, and Novelties.  Thus, the commemorative book takes its lead from the event, and devotes a chapter to each of these specialty areas. 

Intriguingly – but not surprisingly to anyone who knows Aiken history – the town and surrounding county have at least one compelling story to tell featuring each category of antiques.  There’s the Hope diamond belonging to Evalyn Walsh McLean, an Aiken Winter Colony regular; and Dave the Slave, who made incredibly significant pottery in the area; William Gregg and the Graniteville Mills; horseman Pete Bostwick, who brought home the silver over and over again; Mrs. Iselin and her famous gardens.  These and many other fascinating stories begin each chapter of this warm and charming book. 

Written with a bit of wit as well as a gathering of wisdom by local Aiken writer, Marti Healy, and photographed with a decidedly artistic touch by local photographer, Shelly Marshall Schmidt, the book reminds readers of the enjoyment and memories created by this very special and unique event that is hosted by an equally unique and special community. 

At 96 pages, with nearly 100 full-color photographs, Antiques in the Heart of Aiken is a book to grace coffee tables and libraries everywhere -- as well as the perfect gift for every antique-lover or Aiken history buff.

The fact that all proceeds benefit the Aiken Center for the Arts is the icing on this perfectly scrumptious cake.



Reviews

“I believe one of the most important things about this book is that it helps the reader understand and appreciate the importance of antiquities in life.  Knowledge is the greatest thing we can possess.  And this book provides a great deal of information about, as well as an appreciation for, a wide expanse of antiquities.  And it’s so beautifully presented.”
~ Hemrick N. (Hink) Salley, Jr. - Private Collector, Salley, South Carolina

“Antiques in the Heart of Aiken not only commemorates the event by the same name -- which we were looking for -- but it is a breathtaking coffee table book readers can appreciate on a number of different levels.  I personally love the individual stories that humanize the areas of antiques covered in the book – and the tidbits of real knowledge and information found there, balanced with the little-known bits of trivia.  It’s great fun!”
~ Kristin Brown - Executive Director, Aiken Center for the Arts - Aiken, South Carolina