PIERRE'S ANTIQUES

Collectibles From Around the World

If you are looking for a shop that carries oneof-a-kind items with fascinating stories, Pierre’s Antiques is the place to visit. Here you will find collectibles that Pierre Saint-Denis has lovingly handpicked from garage sales, flea markets, estate sales, antique shows, and auctions.

Pierre mentions that the shop has been bustling over the last two years, and he limits the number of customers in the small space. He also hired staff member Dave Carlin to assist him. He laughs and says, “It benefits my business to have lineups outside the shop!”

Pierre’s background is as diverse as the items he sells.

Pierre Saint-Denis

@sandrasteierphotography

He was born in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, in the west end of Montreal. His family left Quebec when Pierre was nine and moved to Claremont, California. He became enraptured with collecting stuffed toys and comic books and quickly grew to love garage and rummage sales. He also pursued his love of art, which had begun in Quebec when he took private painting lessons. At school in Claremont, he learnt pottery, painting and jewellery making.

In the late 1960s, Pierre came to Vancouver to undertake a ceramics apprenticeship. Upon completion, he returned to Quebec, where he opened a pottery studio in Val-David, a village in the Laurentians. In 1980 he moved to Vancouver. Pierre explored a variety of professions, from landscaping to scenic painting for commercials and film sets. In the 1990s, he worked at Salmagundi, Gastown’s mecca for collectibles and antiques. His retail experience continued at Circle Craft’s shop on Granville Island, and after six years, he ended up in Kerrisdale. Pierre yearned to return to the world of antiques and discovered that Classics Antiques & Fine Décor was looking for help. Before long, he was promoted to manager and subsequently purchased the shop in 2009 and renamed it Pierre’s Antiques.

Collectibles from around the world can be found in this beautifully curated shop.

Pierre’s expert eyes know what to look for; he is always searching for things he likes and to fulfill items on his clients’ wish lists.

The following list barely scratches the surface of items he carries, including mirrors, linen, high-end Waterford crystal, over 2,000 fine bone cups and saucers, vintage and estate jewellery, historical maps, English Moorcroft and Gouda pottery from Holland, silver tea sets, champagne buckets, framed pictures, engravings, etchings, and wall sconces.

Moser and Saint-Louis crystal, historical maps, and Chinese Cloisonne vases are among the treasures you will find at Pierre’s Antiques.

Coveted artwork currently in store includes limited edition Salvador Dali prints, beautiful Italian oil paintings, and gorgeous engravings of birds by François Nicolas Martinet, who lived during the 18th century. Japanese woodblock prints are one of Pierre’s favourite items from the 19th century.

“Grandmothers like buying Bunnykins figurines and dishes for their grandchildren,” says Pierre. He has noticed an increase in sales of royal family collectibles since Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in September.

During the last two and a half years, Pierre has seen a surge in people purchasing sterling, crystal, and flatware for home entertaining. Classic blue and white striped Cornish ware is also in demand.

Pierre says, “Many young people come in for vintage pieces and engagement rings.” Interestingly, he has also seen an uptick in teenagers shopping for silver chains, lockets, and rings. He notes teens are also interested in his collection of classic and vintage books.

It is not a surprise that Pierre’s Antiques has been awarded Kerrisdale Business Association’s best decorated holiday window eight times and has been runner-up twice. With his eye for the unique, combined with his artistic and retail background, Pierre’s goal is to tell a story through his display work. Ideas come spontaneously to him. He explains, “I draw inspiration from the objects surrounding me.”

Last spring, he created a striking window display that featured historic ship models. He put nine in the window, and six sold immediately to female clients; this was unexpected and fascinated him.

He has transformed Pierre’s Antiques into a boutique and gift shop, with home décor, collectibles and objects that can be used.

In addition to collectibles, Pierre carries gift items, including Belle Provence vegetablebased soaps, natural beeswax candles made in B.C., stationery from Italy, Edwin Jagger handmade shaving accessories and wooden boxes.

The shop receives plenty of positive feedback. Pierre says, “People really like it. They are blown away by the stock and quality.” He laughs, “Customers tell me it doesn’t smell like grandma’s attic.”

Kerrisdale shoppers can be assured of another stunning holiday window in December. Pierre papers the window and puts up a sign to inform people he’s working on a display so they know he hasn’t closed it.

When looking for a gift your recipient will remember, pay a visit to this jewel of a shop. Bonus: a story may accompany it!

Pierre’s Antiques

5685 West Boulevard

Vancouver, BC V6M 3W7

Phone 604-266-9006

Story by Sarah Gordon (Nov 2022)