LIZ ISAAC

A native of Saint John, New Brunswick, Liz Isaac has been in the antiques business for over three decades.

“My partner and I started a craft and antique business for the summer trade and within two years we both left our full time professions to concentrate on the antique business,” she says. Within a few years she and her partner, Tim, had branched out to include auctions and Tim Isaac Antiques and Auctions was born.

Being in the auction and antiques business in a small centre means that Liz has a good general knowledge of just about everything that passes through her doors, but she has a particular interest in local items.

“Over the years my interest and expertise in formal New Brunswick furniture, especially the cabinetmakers of Saint John has grown considerably,” she says. “19th century New Brunswick art and all silver are other areas of special interest.”

And even though Liz works in a smaller city, she deals with people from all over. “The advent of email, websites and digital cameras has allowed us to reach a much larger client base with greater information than ever before.”

Liz has been an appraiser with the Canadian Antiques Roadshow since 2004.

“The Canadian Antiques Roadshow experience is like a convention. The experts who participate have the opportunity to exchange information, learn from one another and communicate directly. It also enables us to meet wonderful people from all over this country and to see regional items that are particular to certain areas.

The Canadian Antique Roadshow experience was great,” Liz continues. “Canadian people may have their regional differences and idiosyncrasies but they are the friendliest people you can meet. We were welcomed at every venue. Some people were very interested in what their items were worth, some wanted information on the history and background, but some came just to experience the excitement of their own Canadian Roadshow. They loved the excitement and the buzz and were delighted to meet the appraisers. Most didn't mind the line-ups or the waiting...some met friends they hadn't seen in years, some met neighbors they didn't know. They came with boxes, suitcases, little red wagons, strollers (with or without children in them ) baskets....anything that would transport their valuables. The days were long but the excitement kept everyone’s energy up and the time flew by.”

Liz really feels that she is in the business of looking after the items left behind.

“We are only the caretakers of what we collect. It is up to us to make sure they are kept in the best possible condition for the generations to follow. Art, furniture, silver, pottery or whatever the item may be is part of our history. Most have a story to tell. The study associated with antique research is like unraveling a mystery. It makes history fun.

The advice we have given collectors over the years has remained the same whether a person is starting a collection of salt dishes or the finest early Canadian silver. Buy what you like, buy in perfect condition and conduct your business with reputable antique dealers or auction houses.”

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