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Fairfield County Antique & Design Center opened in Norwalk near the Westport line in December. The 20,000-square-foot space features antiques from local and national dealers, particularly furniture, decorative items and collectibles.
The owner, Weston resident Geoffrey Walsky, says his love of antiques was sparked by his mother as a child, when he was “dragged reluctantly by the hand” as she went shop to shop. Though he disliked the hobby at first, he changed his mind as he grew older.
“I went from begrudgingly being dragged around to enjoying it, and eventually sharing it with my wife,” Walsky said in a radio interview this week. “And now I have the privilege of doing it full time.”
Walsky’s store features collections from more than 100 dealers. Many are based in the tri-state area, but some of the dealers work in Europe as well, he says.
Each week Fairfield County Antique & Design Center will also host an auction featuring special items from the shop’s dealers. Customers can also submit their own items for auction, as long as they are “either antique, vintage or a unique decorative item.”
“It’s a very eclectic mix of merchandise — furniture, accessories, little items jewelry,” Walsky said. “You name it it’s going to be there.”
The first auction took place Wednesday evening, Jan. 8, and future auctions are scheduled for each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
The shop also includes the Leclerc Art Gallery, which will feature artists’ work for sale in six-week installations. Currently the gallery is showing the work of New York-based painter Amy C. Storey.
Walsky said the idea had caught on among other art fans in Fairfield County, and could also host trunk shows and charity events in the future.
“It’s just a great space that’s turned out to be really special,” Walsky said.
Fairfield County Antique & Design Center is at 19 Willard Road, Norwalk. For more information, visit the store’s website.
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