Before Brimfield: The Art & Legacy of Purposeful Collecting
A Storied History of the Nation’s Oldest Antique Market
In three days time, one of the nation’s largest outdoor antique events will make its return to the western part of the state—for the third and final time this year—signaling an early arrival to the fall season.
Since 1959, the Brimfield Flea Market has attracted more than 200,000 antiquarians and treasure seekers for a week-long celebration of rare finds and tough bargains. What once started as a small gathering of interested dealers has since grown to roughly 6,000 vendors from across the country, whose knowledge and passion are equally as impressive as their collections.
In recent years, market growth has been driven by a renewed interest in vintage goods, further amplified by social media sharing and word-of-mouth promotion. Whether you’re searching purposefully or simply taking in all that the market has to offer, you’ll be sure to leave with a little more than you arrived with.
Show Schedule & Fan-Favorite Fields
Of Brimfield’s roughly 150 acres, there are over 20 independently operated show fields offering a variety of collectors items, trinkets, and uncommon goods.
For Keith Funston, renowned antique dealer and owner of Funston Antiques, the market’s true value isn’t always found within the confines of an itinerary. It can be found while wandering, exploring and being surprised by what you may discover. Being a seasoned Brimfield shopper himself, Funston has found that while the market is home to countless treasures, its inventory can be somewhat unpredictable, making it wise to arrive early at the spots that pique your curiosity most.
“You’re most rewarded when you get to a field that’s just opened, because it’s been the least picked over,” Funston shares.
For a more structured visit, we recommend following Funston’s sample route:
Start with an early arrival to Sturtevant’s Antique Shows on Tuesday morning (opening day), then head over to Dealer’s Choice when it opens at 11:00 a.m. If you’re eager to venture back for a second day, Funston recommends putting Heart-O-the-Mart, Hertan’s, and May’s Antique Market at the top of your list.
Advice from a Seasoned Collector
At Brimfield, those who find their perfect antique are entrusted with the responsibility and honor of properly showcasing it in the home—becoming not just collectors, but preservationists as well.
“You have to do the research before you take care of something,” Funston stresses. Without this knowledge, you risk compromising not only the item’s physical condition, but also its history.
This also speaks to the concept of mindful displays, which Funston has become an expert at creating. The ultimate goal is to showcase these marvels in such a way that catches the eye, while seamlessly tying the home together with the perfect finishing touch. From acrylic and wood to repurposed metal (and/or the occasional juice bottle cap), arranging a found treasure in the most appealing way is half the art of antiquing.
“The true reward at Brimfield is given to the person who will find a poorly displayed item and turn it into a well-displayed thing,” Funston says.
Preserving the Past in Modern Home Design
More than an antique market, Brimfield serves as a tether between the present day and the people and places that came before. By acknowledging the stories wrapped within previously loved pieces, a deeper understanding of their purpose and place in the home is revealed.
Over time, these items become vessels for memories, relationships, and meaningful experiences, giving them a context to exist within—long after their original owners are gone.
And while antique items have become a recent trend in interior design and home decoration, layering vintage finds with modern decor isn’t always an easy feat.
It takes purpose and intention to seamlessly blend old and new into one balanced and cohesive space—one that gently nods to the past while offering a hopeful eye toward the future.
