Changes to Cedar Fairmount Special Improvement District

Gwynby Anitique & Gifts, A Cleveland Heights Treasure!

Times are changing……banks are going out of business, stocks are falling, and many small businesses are struggling, closing or reinventing themselves.    Yet Gwynby Antiques and Gifts continue to keep its course:  “To offer the public authentic 18^th and 19^th century French, American, and English antique furniture, and unique gift items.”

As owner Eleanor Wilkins says, “There is always a demand for quality products and customer service.  We offer both; and an assurance our antiques are authentic, and gifts of the finest quality.”  “Antiques do not lose their value and are more desirable then ever as an investment!”

Eleanor Wilkins came to this country from England with a love and vast knowledge of antique furniture, jewelry and porcelains.  Her parents were collectors of superior English antiques.  They taught her the characteristics and qualifications to look for, as well as what made items unique and valuable.  Eleanor‘s thirst for more knowledge of antiques and art led her to take courses at Sotheby of England and the university. She came to this country in the 60’s, after marrying Del Wilkins and continued her interest in art and antiques

In September 12^th, 1970, she, her husband, Del, and friend, James Sauers decided to open an antique shop.  Gwynby Antiques and Gifts were born.  The partners chose Fairmount Boulevard because of its proximity to the prosperous families in Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, and Shaker Heights; and the combinations of shops in the area.  (Best & Company, Carla Sachi, Tiger Lily, Reflections Interiors, Russo’s Grocery, and Nighttown.)  The store’s location is at Cedar and Fairmount Boulevard at 2482 Fairmount and the  gift area is in the Fairmount Mezzanine at 2450 Fairmount Boulevard on the second level of the Heights Medical Building.

As you enter the street level store you are astonished with the 18^th and 19^th Century French, American, and English furniture, as well as fine porcelains such as Spode, Derby, and Worchester.  You will see Staffordshire Toby Dogs and a rare pair of Staffordshire cats.  You’ll discover superior English, American, and French dining room sets, buffets, and armoires.  You will also discern a selection of elegant English, French, and Russian Sterling Silver tableware, tea servers, and trays.

The shop’s national and international reputation draws collectors and those wishing to sell antiques to Gwynby.  Eleanor says “It is more difficult to find genuine antique furniture and silver today”.  Her reputation as a qualified appraiser has led her to many great sources for her store.  The most sought after articles are tables and chairs.  Customers may not want a house filled with antiques furniture, but purchase an antique, to add interest to a room.  Gwynby is coveted as a source by local and national decorators for their clients.

Gwynby Antiques and Gifts sell and ship to customers all over the world. Patrons know the store by its fine reputation and ads placed in Antique Collectors magazines.  Eleanor and partner James Sauers are invited to prominent antique shows to showcase their inventory.  Their favorite shows are the yearly Chicago International Show on the Pier, Three Arts Club in Chicago, Cincinnati Antique Show, Western Reserve Antique Show, and the Grosse Point Antique Show.  The most expensive item Gwynby Antiques has sold is a period Queen Anne Walnut Desk for $35,000.00

The store has always had gift items.  The expansion to the mezzanine of the Heights Center Building added a plethora of items.  You will find a line of unique greeting cards by Patience Brewster, as well as Patience’s figurines, Cedar Fairmount note cards, Caspari napkins and Department 56 items, fairy figurines, bark candy, and linen cocktail napkins. You will notice distinctive gift items:  beautiful crystal vases, unusual paten leather handbags, exquisite estate jewelry, Hummel figurines and plates, Royal Dalton collectors plates and figurines,  china tea cups, children’s antique doll beds, custom made,  hand painted, children’s table and chairs, children’s antique books and antique dolls, fine costume jewelry and so much more.  There are always unique items for upcoming holidays and seasons such as, bunny plates, baskets, and eggs for Easter, lucky clovers, leprechauns for St. Patrick’s Day, heart-shaped candy dishes and boxes for Valentines Day, tree ornaments, Advent calendars, Christmas Crackers for Christmas,  and Hanukah gifts,

If a customer has a request, Eleanor Wilkins will use her resources to find the special item needed.  In our challenging economy, Eleanor’s expertise, as an appraiser is being constantly sought.  She reserves Wednesdays to travel to appraise treasured items.     As Gwynby Antiques approach its 40^th anniversary Eleanor and her partners continue to stay the course, because of their love of people and the friends made with both buyers and sellers.

In 2009, you’ll want to visit this Cleveland Heights treasure.  You don’t have to be in search of an expensive antique or gift   to enjoy Gwynby Antiques and Gifts. It’s the place to find unusual moderately priced treasures.  See for yourself!

Gwynby Antiques
2482 and 2450 Fairmount Boulevard
Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
Phone:  216 229-2526
Hours:  Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10 am – 5 pm.
Or by appointment
Wednesdays Closed for Appraisals.

The Cedar Hill Walking Club

Meet fellow walkers Monday through Friday at Starbucks.  Anyone who shows up walk from 6-7:15am, M-F, departing from and returning to Starbucks at Cedar and Fairmount.  Tawny Ratner, Cedar Fairmount resident has organized the group.