Very few places can transport you away from the everyday and into a world of possibilities and inspiration in a mere 85 steps. Provenance Antiques & Artifacts is one such place.
Emerging into a space illuminated by natural light filtering through glass block, you are greeted with rare treasures and exquisite finds. There is an immediate sense of being welcome in this unique studio, whether you are a longtime collector or venturing into the world of collecting for the first time. That feeling has everything to do with the very gracious people who have brought this labor of love into being: interior designer Ann Marie Gent, who has designed projects all over the world, and art historian and antique authority Lech Kmiec, who brings the world to their Chicago showroom via a vast network of experts in every great collecting spot on the globe. The two are kindred spirits, each growing up with families who nurtured their appreciation for living with antiques, and now they wish to share their experience with others.
Together they’ve gathered a wonderful collection of 18th and 19th century French, Italian, and English antiques, punctuated with iconic mid-century modern, including pieces by C. Jeré, Tommi Parzinger, and Milo Baughman, to name a few.
There is an extraordinary array of chandeliers and other light fixtures. Anyone who is looking to light a home in glorious style should stop here first—spectacular! Mirrors, too, are abundant and amazing.
With Provenance’s team of Chicago’s best craftspeople, Lech and Ann Marie continue to deliver the most challenging restorations, personally designed bespoke furniture, and impeccable upholstery—while always keeping your budget in mind. Ann Marie and Lech have been in their respective professions for more than 25 years and are passionate about delighting their loyal clientele.
New inventory will rotate in frequently, with many new finds debuting at a European Market & Sale, which will take place November 1 to 5. Lech and his international contacts can find anything a designer or homeowner might be seeking. He explains, “Our luck is our customers’ luck.”
The partners encourage everyone who visits, whether during a bi-annual European Market & Sale, or during the week when the studio is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment, to spend some time looking around, appreciating the different styles and learning about the craftsmanship that makes each piece or object special.
Ann Marie and Lech stress that you don’t have to have an understanding of antiques when you first arrive, but should feel comfortable coming in to appreciate and learn. “We want people to enjoy the studio and become Provenance friends,” says Ann Marie.
To that end, they plan to host lectures, future appraisal nights, and welcome charitable organizations to use the space for meetings and fundraisers. They hope that you will find something that speaks to you, and it will be a part of your life and you will become a part of its history. They are proud to offer things at very approachable price points along with investment pieces.
Ann Marie emphasizes that, “introducing one antique piece can be the catalyst to enhance the soul of a room.” Lech and Anne Marie encourage the idea of the one-of-a-kind, something with a story, something, in other words, with Provenance.
Provenance Antiques & Artifacts is located at 18A North Catherine Avenue in LaGrange (two blocks south of Ogden Avenue and three blocks west of LaGrange Road). For more information, call 630-207-0647.
