The Luxury of Time

For many years, my buying trips to Europe have followed a familiar pattern: arrive, work relentlessly, purchase what I can, and return home. There is always another dealer to visit, another warehouse to explore, another appointment waiting just around the corner. The days are full, and the schedule rarely allows for much else.

This spring, I decided to do something different.

What began as a buying trip evolved into something more, a rare opportunity to remain in Spain for nearly five weeks, allowing time not only to source antiques and objects for future shipments, but also to reconnect with the places, people, and experiences that continually shape my perspective as a dealer and collector.

The extended stay reminded me that some of the most valuable discoveries happen when we allow ourselves enough time to wander.

Throughout the trip, I immersed myself in Spain's extraordinary cultural heritage, visiting seven museums across the country. Among the highlights was the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, whose intimate collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the artist's formative years and creative evolution. In Madrid, I spent several days revisiting some of the world's finest collections, including the Prado Museum, The Reina  Sofia, The Thyssen-Bornmisza, and Lázaro Goldiano. Where the works of Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco continue to inspire generations of artists, designers, and collectors alike. Together they offered a sweeping view of Spanish and European, from Old Master paintings and decorative arts to the bold innovations of modernism.

Museums have always been important to me, not simply because of the objects they contain, but because they remind us how creativity and craftsmanship endure across centuries. A beautifully painted canvas, a carved piece of furniture, or a fragment of architecture all carry the fingerprints of those who came before us. As someone who spends much of his life searching for objects with history and character, I find these places endlessly inspiring.

While museums provide one lens through which to understand a culture, I have always found that some of the most memorable experiences happen behind the scenes

One such visit took me to the studio of a dear friend who has dedicated her career to reclaiming architectural tiles from historic Spanish buildings. Her collection includes remarkable examples rescued from structures in Barcelona, including works associated with some of Antoni Gaudí's most celebrated projects. Walking through her studio felt like wandering through fragments of architectural history, each tile carrying traces of craftsmanship, artistry, and place. It was a reminder that preservation often begins with a single person who recognizes value where others might see only age or obsolescence.

Of course, no journey through Spain would be complete without spending time in Rioja. Between appointments and acquisitions, I found time to visit several wineries, enjoying both the landscapes and the traditions that have shaped the region for centuries. Like antiques, great wine reflects patience, stewardship, and the passage of time. Neither can be rushed, and both are enriched by the stories they carry.

One of the greatest gifts of this trip was the opportunity to spend several days in Menorca. I have long been drawn to places where history remains part of everyday life, and Menorca possesses that quality in abundance. I spent my days exploring historic towns, wandering along harbors, enjoying long meals overlooking the water, and discovering some of the island's remote beaches.

What struck me most was the island's quiet authenticity. There is a gentleness to Menorca that feels increasingly rare, a place where historic buildings remain woven into daily life and where beauty often reveals itself slowly. A weathered stone façade, a fishing boat returning to harbor at dusk, the changing light across the water, or a simple meal shared with friends can be every bit as memorable as a grand monument.

The trip was not without its professional purpose. I purchased a number of exceptional pieces that will be arriving in an upcoming shipment, and I look forward to sharing them as they become available. As always, the hunt remains one of the great pleasures of my work.

Yet what I will remember most about this journey may not be any single object I acquired.

Instead, it will be the luxury of time itself.

Time to revisit museums without rushing. Time to sit with old friends over long lunches and evening conversations. Time to explore unfamiliar streets and discover unexpected corners. Time to observe the details that often reveal the true character of a place.

As collectors, designers, and travelers, we are often focused on what we bring home. This trip reminded me that some of the most meaningful acquisitions are less tangible: renewed inspiration, deeper friendships, and a greater appreciation for the cultures that continue to influence the work we do.

From the museums of Madrid and Barcelona to the vineyards of Rioja, from a tile studio preserving fragments of Spain's architectural heritage to the harbors and historic streets of Menorca, each experience offered a reminder that collecting begins with curiosity.

The objects I purchased will eventually arrive and find new homes. The memories, conversations, and inspiration gathered along the way will remain with me much longer.

Sometimes the longer road proves to be the most rewarding one.

During this journey I spent time exploring Rioja’s wine country, visiting museums throughout Spain, and discovering the quiet beauty of Menorca. In my next few posts I will share these as well as other experiences for my followers who would like to follow along in greater detail.