My first encounter with the keen eye of Stephanie Lynton was via the 2020 virtual IPC Holiday House Tour. Her commitment to a theme — along with her embrace of saturated colors, antiques, curiosities and thematic collections — made her home tour a total feast for the eyes. A bedroom brushed in Hermès orange and inspired by the colors of Tibet features layer upon layer of boldly patterned textiles. A cozy library smartly hides a Murphy bed behind a Berber wall hanging, allowing guests to sleep cocooned by books and cherry-red walls.
Stephanie’s artistic flair and eye for detail make her the perfect person to serve (again) as antique dealer chair for the Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ 2022 Antiques at the Gardens (AATG). Here, Stephanie gives Birmingham Lifestyle a sneak peek into this year’s event—and a glance at a few of the cherished items she has collected from AATG over the years.
What makes Antiques at the Gardens unique in your eyes?
We go above and beyond with hospitality for our dealers and cultivate strong relationships over many years. We have a small, highly curated group of 22 dealers, with the majority of those being repeat dealers. We host a dealer dinner at a private residence. McCorquodale Transfer donates turnkey porter services to our dealers, which is an incredible service—our dealers know they have professionals loading and unloading for their precious cargo. Josephine [McDonough, of McDonough Fine Art], for example, knows I collect stylized snake prints. She scours the world for me and has even hand-colored antique prints for me. Longtime AATG dealer Thomas M. Fortner will likely bring me some obelisks. Our dealers know their local Birmingham collectors and designers!
Tell us about this year’s dealers.
This year, we have four new dealers. We have Piggy Kitchen owner Bill Borman, who has an excellently curated collection of antique French cookware. He was a finalist on the Food Network’s Julia Child Challenge. We are excited about a new art hallway by Well & Wonder, the online artist collective featuring emerging Southern artists. We also have two new fine antique dealers. We have dealers from as far away as Los Angeles and Chicago—and three dealers from Alabama.
How do you shop at AATG?
I will go in with a list for clients. I’m always excited to view the agricultural chic items from Madison James—I can’t even tell you how many big linen pieces I’ve bought from her! And local dealer Barbara Adkins (Black Sheep Antiques) always has unique items. I even snaked a kimono out from Martha Stewart one year! Martha said “I wanted that. Will you sell it to me?” I said, “no — it’s already hanging on my wall!”
AATG always has interesting guest speakers. Who are you most looking forward to?
Designer Ken Fulk—he is crazy talented and a maximalist like me! I’m also excited about floral designer Lewis Miller, creator of the Flower Flash, the New York-based guerrilla-style flower installations utilizing leftover flowers from events. Pro Tip: Look out for Flower Flash-inspired installations blooming out of unusual locations—think trash cans and stop signs—around Birmingham, leading up to AATG!
What else excites you about this year’s event?
We have our first textile sponsor, Sister Parish Design. The gala will feature a grand entrance by Millhouse Howell Landscape Company, and guests will experience a “wow” upholstery moment created by local custom furniture maker and upholsterer Grant Trick.
What would you tell someone who has never attended AATG?
It’s a really great opportunity to get together with your friends and hear speakers talk about beautiful interiors, have cocktails and enjoy a lovely shopping experience in a gorgeous setting. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is an urban oasis. While shopping and eating over the course of four days, you are supporting the gardens and their programs. Whether you are a floral, culinary, architecture or antique person, there is something for everyone.
Antiques at the Gardens
September 29-October 2
To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, and view a list of dealers and speakers, visit
bbgardens.org/antiques-at-the-gardens.
