Candace and Chuck Jordan with a portion of their Harry Potter first edition collection. the photograph was featured in Fine Books and Collections Magazine.  The collection features all signed first editions, several presentation copies, and scripts signed by the entire cast from the first two Harry Potter films.

I hope you enjoyed the profile on Candace on Monday, I did mention that I would be highlighting her amazing collections today….here you go….

“I’m an absolute nut about antiques and have been a collector since age 13 when I bought my first piece at a “collectibles” shop in my hometown of Dupo, Illinois. It was $15 and I paid “on time” as they used to say. I still have it–a beautiful, dark wood carved English cabinet that we use to hold liquor.

Chuck and I have been lucky to travel the world and, of course, everywhere we’ve gone, I’ve made it a point to check out the local antique markets. Our favorite is the Marche aux Puces in Paris where we’ve been fortunate to find some beautiful things. I love pieces that bring back wonderful memories so everything in our house has a story.

Locally, my favorite hunting spots are Leslie Hindman Auctioneers and Olde Chicago Antiques http://www.oldechicago.com. My beloved, late designer/friend Paul Gonzalez and I never tired of previewing auctions or finding new sources. He always gave me great advice on collecting too that I shared in a blog post here.

I also collect antique paperweights and Christmas memorabilia. Chuck says I have so many collections, all he can afford to collect are toothpicks.

As you can tell from the photos, I haven’t met a bare wall I’ve liked nor an empty table I enjoy. I love maximalism and I’m not afraid to admit it.”

Candace’s first antique bought in her little hometown for $75.00 (she paid  for it “on time”)

The 19th-century bronze sculpture, “Fighting Stags” by Clovis Masson sits on top of the cabinet.

The Jordan’s living room, chucked full (no pun intended!!!) of treasures.

A portion of the paperweight collection on a vintage silver serving tray.

Not a space left unadorned!

A close up of the Thomas Boog shell box.  Purchased in Paris along with a candelabra and mirror…Candace is “crazy about shells, thanks to Tony Duquette!’ Whose motto was “More is More”!!!   Nena…My decorating philosophy as well.

A marble statue in front of the shell mirror.

A magnificent antique clock and more shells and coral on a wall in the living room. To the left a peek at some of the Christmas collectibles.

Bedroom with antiques from Paris and New Orleans…wall hangings above the bed are from a Paris flea market, stumpwork piece on left from a New Orleans auction and the needlework piece on the right is from Leslie Hindman Auctioneers http://www.lesliehindman.com all 19th century.  The canopy is 18th century French.  The gilded wooden headboard is from a local antique shop.

The collections continue onto the terrace.

Christmas collectibles are so important to the Jordan’s that Candace becomes one herself!!!

A huge thank you to Candace and Chuck for sharing a glimpse of their amazing collections. All photos from the Jordan’s personal collection.