Toronto Renovation Stories & Expert Advice

Take-a-boo Emporium

Last Thursday I was running around trying to get in a few last minute errands before I picked up my three kids from school (as usual I got half as much done as I expected). I ended up at Take-a-Boo Emporium on Avenue Road. It looks a bit like one of those stores that's been there forever: old chairs and tables are piled to the ceiling waiting for refinishing, and you think, "if I go in too far, will I make it back?" But you do, and let me tell you, it's worth it -- especially if you're an antiquer! I initially went in because I saw a beautiful chest of drawers outside the shop, but I kept finding all these great things the farther I ventured inside.

Right now Martin and Andrea (the owners) have these really unique Christmas decorations, many of them have stories behind them. For instance, there's an ornament of a spider in a web ($12) from the Czech Republic: legend has it that in the old days people decorated their Christmas trees by putting spiders in them to spin their webs because they were too poor to have any store-bought decorations. There's another of a pea pod, representing fertility, and some gorgeous faberge style eggs. I could go on, but you get the idea.

Martin is an expert on antiques. He takes pieces on consignment, but also restores furniture. He writes a column that appears in The Daily Mirror, as well as it being syndicated across the United States.

But one of the most remarkable things about the shop is the fishtank at the back near Martin's desk. There is a pair of "side-twisted neck turtles" from west Africa (I think that's the right name) -- the only breeding pair in Canada and an endangered species to boot. The Toronto Zoo vets come in to make sure they're healthy and monitor them. Martin plans on donating the pair's eggs to zoos across Canada.

If you're in the neighbourhood (Avenue Road north of Brooke) you should drop by. If you're not in the neighbourhood but want to learn a few things about antiques you can visit Martin's website.

Take-A-Boo Emporium 1927 Avenue Road Toronto, ON M5M 4A2 ph 416-785-4555
email swinton@takeaboo.com website www.takeaboo.com blog: http://takeaboo.wordpress.com/

Posted by Cathy
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