A Quest for Antiques

Issue: 2020/09 – September

Every year Cherie and Bill Tibbetts make the trip “Across the Pond” to Europe to hunt for antique treasures for their shop in Cashiers.  

In 2020 they had planned to add stops in Southern France with the goal of finding additional sources of French antique furniture and accessories. 

At the time, they had no idea that Covid-19 would be a consideration! 

When they left the United States for France in mid-February, there was talk about the virus, but only in Southeast Asia. 

They traveled across southern France and checked out fairs in Beziers and Avignon, finding several good sources. 

The virus began to rear its ugly head in Italy and was moving into France, so they decided to fly from Marseille to London before the borders were closed.

Upon arriving at London’s Heathrow Airport, no one seemed to be concerned, so they picked up their rental van and began their “normal” UK shopping route. They found some amazing English stone garden pieces in Sussex and continued onto Devon and Cornwall. 

However, the discussion of the Virus intensified with each passing day. Luckily, they were able to shop at some of their favorite retail shops and antique centers throughout the Cotswolds. Burford, Chipping Norton, Tetbury, and Broadway are just a few of their favorite towns.  

But the mood changed quickly when the Prime Minister gave the order for all “non-essential” shops and restaurants to close immediately. 

Only stores selling food and packaged alcoholic beverages were permitted to stay open and citizens were only “allowed” one hour of outside exercise each day. 

The couple had their last meal out at The Swan Inn & Pub in Broadway. Built in the 1500’s, it is a must see if you’re in the town. 

On Friday, Bill and Cherie accelerated their buying & visited three towns in one day. By Monday everything was closed.

As they began to head north, they felt like fugitives even though they were not breaking any laws. Bill and Cherie were very fortunate that their long-term furniture dealers agreed to meet them at warehouses and homes by appointment. They successfully connected with their Best dealers and were able to fill a 40-foot. container. 

However, it was a real challenge for their packer/shipper to collect all purchases due to restrictions placed on “non-essential” truck travel. Eventually, he persevered with the help of their dealers.  

Cherie and Bill were happy to catch a plane home on March 30 from a very empty Heathrow Airport! The plane to Atlanta may have had a total of 50 passengers!  

All said and done, they are extremely happy with the wonderful buys coming to Cashiers on their container! It’s filled with furniture, art, accessories and lots of garden stone and decorative items. The container arrived at the Cashiers warehouse June 1 with over 800 items! 

Vivianne Metzger Antiques is located at 31 Canoe Point off Valley Road in Cashiers. For 23 years  they have specialized in 18th and 19th Century European Antiques. 

The shop and warehouse are open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. They can be reached at (828) 743-0642, or for an appointment contact Cherie at (828) 577-3087.