Chris Jepson: On the Avenue

“I collect antiques. Why? Because they are beautiful.” – Broderick Crawford

The more you travel, the more you appreciate just how lovely Central Florida is — Winter Park in particular. The numerous neighborhoods, many of which surround lakes, are architectural eye candy. The museums (including the Morse, Polasek, Cornell, Mennello, Maitland and OMA) are jewels, honoring creativity and beauty. And Park Avenue — what a sweet, sweet street. A tip of the hat to the town fathers (and mothers) who had/have enough historical sense to protect that which warrants preservation (the Park in particular).

I am more of a north end of Park Avenue guy. I invariably drop in at Timothy’s Gallery anytime I am on the Avenue. They always have objet d’art by the case full. Great staff, too, to help in your selections (and free gift wrapping while you wait). Great, affordable, artistic jewelry. High praise. Do give’m a look/see.

Another delightful North Park Avenue shop is Antiques on the Avenue (505 N. Park Ave.), right across the street from St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. I’ve been dropping in on this gem since it opened in 2005. I’ve come to know and like the owner, Hardy Hudson.

About a year ago, I walked in and saw a print (No. 12 of a 22 run edition) of a 1973 Maury Hurt creation commemorating that year’s Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival. It has the bold, innovative look of the 1968 Beatles movie “Yellow Submarine.” I offered Mr. Hudson what I was willing to pay and Hardy said, “Oh, it’s worth much more than that.”

I countered with, “Well, if you don’t get your price point, remember me.” I visit his establishment with some regularity, and during one visit noticed it was gone. He said he took the print to his warehouse and I reiterated my original offer as I did nearly every time I saw him.

Hardy Hudson was involved with the first antique mall in Central Florida. It was located for 25 years at the intersection of Howell Branch and Lake Howell. He’s been buying and selling antiques for 33 years. He ended up in Orlando as many of us do, for reasons of employment. He worked for Mattel Toys. It was Hudson’s parents who first introduced him to antiques, and he distinctly remembers going to Webster, Fla., in 1978 and buying a few objects for his home. As “they” say, one thing led to another. Two years later he was all in … for antiques.

It’s all about beauty for Hardy Hudson, and rarity. These two qualities motivate his buying. He loves Majolica and American Art Pottery. It’s the colors and the patterns. His store offers a wide range of objects. I’ve purchased, among other things, a stunning antique nine-candle floor standing candelabra and an Asian-themed, black-enamel room divider. Last week while lunching outside the adjoining restaurant to his store, I saw Hardy and laughingly asked, “Where’s my art?”

A few moments later he strolled back and said OK, “It’s yours.”

Life is many things, and beauty is an integral part of it all. Make Antiques on the Avenue one of your regular destinations. Tell Hardy, Jepson sent-cha. He has beautiful art for sale.

Jepson is a 27-year resident of Central Florida. He’s fiscally conservative, socially liberal, likes art and embraces diversity of opinion. Reach him at [email protected]