Fredericksburg Virginia--Big Flea

I love blue and white but I left this baby behind

Well, that was really annoying.

I had other titles in mind for this post but they all involved swear words.

I wonder if some dealers are mean to Eddie Ross?

So here is what happened. I was a little excited and began snapping pictures of things like this.

Some of the booths had such pretty things. 

Then, over my shoulder the witch from The Wizard of Oz croaked, "Whyyyyyy are you taking pictures?" Oops. I should have asked first.

I explained that I write a design blog and that it often includes art and antiques. I went on to say that I intended to go home and write a post hopefully steering people to the Big Flea.

She rolled her eyes and said  I made her nervous.

Do I look like a thug? Are you nervous when you read my blog?

Onward I went trying to remember to ask permission.

One sweet elderly lady let me take photos of her Quimper that was shockingly expensive.

Next I found a booth with a wide array of porcelain.

The owner grudgingly gave me permission to photograph.

Whatever.

 There were tons of jewelry dealers.

 There was the old book and new cheese dealer. Weird.

One dealer would not let me take any pictures. She had a few nice chinoiserie pieces and some mid-century glass that I wanted to photograph.

Its a freakin' plate, lady!

Is it Amish or something?!!!

WTF?

I bet this doesn't happen to Eddie Ross.

A very big scary man gave me the third degree when I asked if I could take pictures.

Basically it just pissed me off and made me not want to buy anything.

As I was leaving I heard a dealer saying what a great day it has been for him and that he had a booth at Chantilly (DC Big Flea) every year.

So I asked him what was up with the camera hostility.

He said it was nuts. He couldn't understand that mentality. He said some people fear that you will sell their items on eBay. Number 1, its free advertising and and number 2, you would still have to pay said dealer for an item if you tried to sell it online. 

This is the father and son team, Kevin and Dick Timme.

We shared a laugh when Dad told me on the QT that most people in the antiques business just got out of prison. He was hilarious.

They were the exception to the rule at the Fredericksburg Big Flea--super friendly.

They are based out of Killingsworth, CT and their booth was fairly priced and emptying quickly.

Maybe I'll go back tomorrow and scout out bargains.

If you go, leave your camera at home.