Myles Haselhorst, owner of the new gallery/bookstore Ampersand Vintage on Alberta Street, is a smart, affable young guy equally comfortable discussing vintage Mexican pornography posters as he is the cyclical trends he sees taking place in modern design. While showing me around his store on on Tuesday, he motioned toward an ancient looking design magazine encased in trim plastic on the shelf in front of him and explained how trends in design from 50 or 60 years ago are just now resurfacing in some of the advertising campaigns today.
“And I find that really interesting,” he told me.
After six years of working in the antiquarian book trade in Seattle, Myles opened up Ampersand Vintage in Portland in November 2008, hoping to whet the palate of those Portlanders looking for a new source for art and visual inspiration.
Unlike many vintage bookstores, there isn’t a speck of dust in the whole place, and the diverse book titles he sells (mostly on topics relating to art, design, and contemporary fiction) are arranged into individualized categories as distinct as the topics they examine.
Myles told me his main objective was to create a space where people feel comfortable browsing and taking in art. And because his gallery occupies prime real estate for the blitz of art seekers that is Last Thursday, Myles plans on showcasing the work of contemporary artists at least once a month. He already has a schedule posted on his website along with plans for the patio space out back, where he hopes to host outdoor projections and live music during the summer.
As his website explains, Myles is looking to buy everything from vintage photography to paper documents to postcards and even old books. He’s also willing to make house calls if the amount of material to be appraised is too big or fragile to be hauled into the store.
For more information about buying and selling at Ampersand Vintage, as well as upcoming gallery shows and events, hit up the website, or just take a trip over to see Myles in person.
– Matthew Vollono
So whyncha tell us the address?
IT’S MOTHERFUCKING CATURDAY!!! POST SOME MOTHERFUCKING CATS!!!
ALSO, THE NAME GOES ON THE TOP MATTHEW, WHERE IT SAYS “POSTED BY”. I’M STARTING TO THINK ALISON IS HIRING VEGETABLES. PLEASE DO AT LEAST TRY.
It’s a wonder there’s so much vacant space, what with all the vintage magazines and books that need to be sold. Hopefully this is conveniently located next to Maude’s Ye Olde Candle Shoppe!
Got bored, finally read a post by unpaid intern. Helpful hint: I know you might still be in high school, Matthew, but it’s generally acknowledged that bolding the shit out of text in an article is usually a sign of shitty writing. Perhaps you’d improve the quality a touch if you drop the crutches?
A cat: you’re an asshole. Do you have nothing better to do with your life than put others down? Matthew’s post, while not the epitome of brilliance, is informative and reasonably well-written.
Also: it’s generally acknowledged that intense condescension is usually a sign of rampant insecurity.
In short: don’t be hatin’.
Hi, Matthew’s sock-puppet. Nice to meet you.
Huggles,
A cat.
P.S. You have found me (and my rampant insecurity) out. Have at it.
Thank you, Matthew, for alerting us to Ampersand Vintage, and for linking to their website, where it’s easy to find the address (2916 NE Alberta St, for those who couldn’t figure it out). As for the “cats” and “anti-assholes” who use these forums to nitpick and self-preen, I hope you know not to pay attention to their games. There is much of value in your post, especially the info on a local place to sell some of the rare ephemera I’ve collected over six decades. Enticing photos too. I’ll be paying Myles a visit soon. – Susan Jones, Portland
Y’all will prolly see this as a sign of weakness, but I really can’t bring myself to troll an old lady.
Susan, sell your rare ephemera on ebay. You’ll make considerably more money, and your stuff will find a good home. Sorry to knock a local business, but any antiquarian that buys small lots from private living individuals nowadays is just taking advantage of the ignorant.
Thank you, “A cat,” for attempting to help me rather than “trolling” or otherwise attacking or insulting me. If this is because I’m an “old lady,” then age does have its advantages. How odd, though, that you fear your courtesy might be seen as weakness. Look around you in life. Is it really the weak who demonstrate generosity of spirit and nobility in leadership?
I am curious why you think eBay would bring me a better deal than a local vintage art and book dealer. Perhaps because of eBay’s much vaster customer base? If so, you’re probably right.
However, the hassle is an issue. I don’t want to get involved with PayPal, or insuring and shipping valuable one-of-a-kind items, or even the riskiness of the auction format; and (old lady that I am) I’m rather fond of supporting local young people starting out in business.
I do know the value of many (though not all) of my things, so it’s at least worth seeing what Myles would offer for them, and if he recognizes what they are.
Again, “A cat,” thank you for your kind reply, especially since it was for you an act of strength and courage.
– Susan Jones, Portland
No problem, Susan. You seem to be catching on with the back-handed compliments and general snarkiness of blogtown rather quickly 😉
You have good reasons for wanting to go through Myles. My distaste for brokers is really just a personal thing; comparing what antiques dealers pay and are paid for items pisses me off. I grew up in New England with a pair of antiquing parents that know their chosen niche of the market well, and I was dragged to enough auctions, flea markets, antiques malls, and estate sales to know that small dealers are far too frequently taking advantage of the ignorance (i mean that in it’s proper sense, not anything mean) of their clients. I’ve seen a lot of the industry, and there’s enough predatory behavior for me to be wary.
I really think sites like ebay have leveled the field and made antiques a more interesting industry, and just hate it when people don’t understand that they have options other than getting fleeced by a dealer. You seem to know the pros and cons, though, and if the convenience of Myles’ services is worth it for you, then more power to you both.