ABOUT

Madeline Waring

Founder of Altar Antiques


Canadian-Born Antique Enthusiast & Witchcraft Practitioner

🍁 Born in the picturesque landscapes of Canada, I embarked on a captivating journey into the world of antiques and oddities during childhood visits to my uncle's mysterious abode. There, I marvelled at petrified bats, peculiar wet specimens, old medical tools, and the timeless beauty of meticulously crafted antique furniture.

🌍 Life's compass led me to the charming landscapes of Sweden, deepening my fascination with the strange and unusual. Those early encounters left a lasting impression, nurturing an enduring obsession with the mysteries of bygone eras.

🔮 Beyond antiques, my journey meandered through the rugged paths of religion and spirituality. Drawn to the magical realm of witchcraft, I embraced unique practices, weaving a tapestry of spiritual exploration in harmony with the energies of the natural world.

✨ Seated in my kitchen one day, the alchemy of creativity and manifestation converged. Breathing life into my dreams, I sketched mock logos for my budding business. As the ink flowed, so did the currents of my intentions, transforming aspirations into reality.

🌟 Today, at the crossroads of the old and the new, I weave together threads of history, magic, and entrepreneurship. Join me on this enchanting journey as I continue to unearth the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Where do I find my unique antiques and oddities

My journey to discover unique antiques is an adventure that spans various avenues, blending excitement with a genuine passion for uncovering treasures. 

Bidding on Auctions

The exhilarating world of auctions serves as a dynamic marketplace for rare finds. Through online and live auctions, I participate in bidding wars, navigating through digital platforms or being present in the lively atmosphere of auction houses to secure captivating pieces with compelling histories.

Travelling Across Cities in Sweden

Embarking on journeys to different cities in Sweden, each with its distinct character, adds a layer of exploration to my antique hunting. This travel-rich approach allows me to unearth regional gems, tapping into the unique histories and cultural nuances embedded in the antiques I discover.

Creating Adventures

For me, the search for antiques is not merely a transaction but an adventure. I create deliberate journeys that intertwine with the quest for extraordinary pieces. These adventures become stories in themselves, adding depth to each antique in my collection.

Digging Through Estate Sales

Estate sales offer a personal connection to the past. Delving into the belongings of individuals and families, I uncover hidden gems that tell stories of bygone eras.

Trunk Sales and Antiquing

Trunk sales and antiquing are treasure troves for those who seek the unique and unexpected. Roaming through car trunks and antique shops, I sift through an eclectic mix of items, discovering pieces that speak to me through their craftsmanship, design, and historical significance.

Trades and Thrifting

Engaging in trades and thrifting adds an element of serendipity to my antique pursuits. The unpredictability of thrift stores and the art of bartering in trades often lead to wonderful discoveries, turning chance encounters into valuable additions to my collection.

In this multifaceted approach to antique sourcing, I embrace the thrill of the hunt, the joy of exploration, and the satisfaction of unearthing items that carry not just material value but also stories of the past. It's a journey that intertwines history, culture, and the sheer joy of discovery.

How do I curate my antiques and oddities

As a purveyor of antiques and oddities, my expertise and knowledge are derived from a multifaceted approach that combines thorough research, engagement with auction house events, extensive reading, and years of hands-on experience in antiquing and collecting. Here's an overview of how I curate the information for the unique items I sell:

Research

I delve into the background of each antique or oddity to uncover its history and significance. This involves exploring historical records, digging into archives, and consulting scholarly publications. The goal is to unearth details about the item's origin, past owners, and any notable events tied to it.

Auction Houses

Regularly participating in auctions allows me to gauge market dynamics, pricing trends, and the demand for specific items. Observing the bidding process provides valuable insights into how people value different pieces and helps me stay informed about what's happening in the market.

Reading

My library of reference materials, including books, catalogs, and articles, serves as a constant source of information. Reading extensively contributes to a comprehensive understanding of various periods, artistic styles, and cultural influences, enabling accurate identification and assessment.

Networking and Collaboration

Building connections within the antique and collector community is essential. Engaging with fellow enthusiasts, experts, and professionals in the field allows for the exchange of knowledge, insights, and collaborative efforts in understanding and identifying unique items.

Hands-On Experience

Years of actively engaging with antiques and oddities have refined my skills in recognizing authentic pieces, understanding craftsmanship, and evaluating condition. Hands-on experience is crucial in developing an intuitive understanding of the items I handle.

Continuous Learning

The field of antiques is dynamic, with new discoveries and changing market trends. To stay current, I am committed to continuous learning. This involves staying informed about new research, market developments, and any changes in valuation methods to ensure the information I provide is up-to-date and reliable.

By combining these approaches, I aim to offer a carefully curated collection of antiques and oddities. Each item reflects not only its historical significance but also the passion, knowledge, and dedication invested in its curation.