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Maps and Art at Round Top Antique Shows Spring 2015

Posted on by Katia Baizan

Natasha and David have finally set up their 800 square feet booth at Blue Hills at Round Top. It took us 3 days to put it all together and we are proud to say that it looks GREAT! In all there are over 6000 maps, prints and original art works on display. This makes it the largest and most extensive print inventory for sale of all the Round Top venues.

We divided up our very large booth into 3 sections. The first contains antique prints with botanicals, birds, natural history, landscapes and more.

The second section is our favorite as is contains one of the best and grandest selection of original art works on paper in America. Here you will find art work from hundreds of artists from the 18th century to today, all different subjects from fashion, nudes, modern art, folk art, architectural designs, signed etchings and engraving and a multitude of watercolors among other things.

The third section is all about antique maps. Here you will see maps of all parts of the world and of course maps of TEXAS. There are even original maps of the Republic of Texas (1836-1845). They are not reproductions, but true original documents of that period. This is something that is not to be missed!

Here’s a map to get to Blue Hills

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How to Know the Value and the Price for Old Antique Prints

Posted on by Katia Baizan

This article will tell you about about the value and price of antique prints.

You have found an antique print that you like in the attic or at an antique mall, but you wonder how much it is worth or if the price sticker is a fair one? Antiques are all unique in regards to their condition and therefore there are no two that are exactly alike. What you must look for is a reasonable estimation of the price for this particular print. It will take you a bit of time, though we will make it easier for you with these two tips.

We are going to have to assume that you have the real thing in your hands and that the print is not a reproduction. Reproductions are another subject and are usually not worth anything. In this case just follow your gut feeling: does the print look old or is something not right about it?

What you need: time to investigate and access to the internet. We are assuming you have at least access to the internet otherwise you would not be reading this. Time is something we seem to enjoy less and less of in the information age.

Let us start our investigation. Look closely at the print. Here we are looking at condition as this influences the price. We want the print to be complete, with no missing corners, holes or tears. We prefer prints with no water stains, mold, spots (called foxing) and finally the fading of colors, if present. Check the back of the print for repairs – plastic tape (very bad), writing (hopefully in pencil and not a ball point pen) or any notes about the origins of the print.

Write down your observations of what you have found. Your print should be in as good condition as possible to attain the highest price. Condition is an important criteria in the value of old prints. Your benchmark on price with be a print in very good condition.

We should mention that prints in frames are of particular concern as the actual condition of the print is difficult to determine without taking the print out of the frame. This can be tricky and the risk of damage to the print is very high. Taking the print out allows you to find out if it has any writing behind it, any repairs, look at general condition and most importantly see how it was framed. It the worst case the print may have hidden portions missing and could be glued to a board (not good).

Now you will need your second tool: the internet. In this step you will need to find and compare your print with other similar prints on the internet. Try eBay and the multiple e-commerce antique print shops. A Google search is equally good. You must find the same print, from the same edition or year as yours.  Now you can make a comparison between the condition of your print and the one for sale online.

You may not be able to find that exact print, so go for a ball park figure. If you have difficulty identifying your print because it lacks a title or information on it then read our article on Print Identification.

Where is Round Top and the Round Top Antique Shows?

Posted on by Katia Baizan

Round Top is a small town of 77 inhabitants in between Austin and Houston, Texas.  Round Top explodes with excitement twice a year with the largest set of antique shows in North America in the fall and again in the spring.

There are several antique shows taking place around the town of Round Top, the best are south and north of town.

Our favorites antique shows in Round Top, Texas are:
Blue Hills Antique Show
Marburger Farms Antique Show
Big Red Barn Antique Show
The Arbor Antique Show

There are many other antique show venues spread out over miles and often are a mix between collectibles and a glorified garage sale.  If you stick to our choices you will not be disappointed.  Drop by our booth if you would like other suggestions.

Another thing to keep in mind is that each show venue has different hours and opening dates, but most are open during what is called “antique week”.  If you go to our website at MAPSandART.com we have provided you with an updated schedule of the show we participate in: Blue Hills.  All shows are open on the last Thursday, Friday and Saturday listed on our schedule for Round Top, but beware it gets VERY busy then.  Many of our customers come and shop the week before.

Come by our booth in Barn A of Blue Hills to see our amazing collection of original art from Europe, antique prints and old maps.  We have the largest and best collection of its kind.  Everything is original with some old engravings dating back 500 years.  Each piece has a certificate of authenticity and make great gifts for your loved ones and yourself.

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Hope this helps you.  See you soon.

Picnic in Rain Blue Hills at Round Top

Picnic at Blue Hills, Round Top, TX

Posted on by Katia Baizan

I couldn’t resist taking a snapshot of these ladies having a picnic at Blue Hills, Round Top, TX.  There was a short rain shower and out came the umbrellas – so well prepared!  

Remember, if you are planning a trip to the Round Top antique shows always plan for the possibility of rain and wind and heat and sun!  Bring umbrellas, layers of clothing, sunhat and a warm jacket for the Spring show.

MAPSandART is in Barn A at Blue Hills at Round Top, TX.  We always have thousands of antique prints, vintage maps and original artwork ready for you to view.  Come and see us!

New Videos on How we Package your Artwork and How to Frame

Posted on by Katia Baizan

New Barn at Blue Hills at Round Top, TX

Posted on by Katia Baizan

We have heard a rumor that Michael Peters at Blue Hills at Round Top is building again – and the rumors are true – there is a huge new barn being built!  You can check out photos on his website.
This means lots of great new dealers at the show, meaning even more great wonderful and fun antiques and vintage items.  Come and see us this Fall September 22nd to October 5th 2013.

MAPSandART at Blue Hills at Round Top, TX