Their Own Brass Band

Photo Courtesy of Jackie Splinter

What a nice surprise we got when we first visited our clients Jackie and Craig Splinter in Libertyville and discovered their wonderful collection of 25 brass horns in all shapes and sizes! That brass “band” was a first for us, though many of our clients have unusual collections. We truly enjoy the challenge of working these treasured pieces into a design plan, so we are launching a new, periodic series about our clients’ collections. Here are some highlights from my conversation with Jackie:

SB: Why did you start collecting horns?

JS: We were in Kentucky in the 1980s for a Final Four basketball tournament, saw some horns used as decorative touches and really liked the look, particularly because we have had three generations of saxophone players in our family – my Mom, my brother and two of our kids. We had just moved to Libertyville and were still filling spaces, so we bought some horns from a Lexington antique shop that weekend and the collection was born.

SB: Where did the others come from?

JS:  We found some in Long Grove and antique shops in Missouri. Some were gifts from family and friends over the years. It’s a little addicting, once one starts a collection!

Photo Courtesy of Pinterest.com

SB: Were they easy to find?

JS: At that time brass horns were quite popular as conversation pieces and easy to find. Then brass went out of style and I haven’t seen as many around. Maybe we’ll start a new trend with your post!

SB: We were so excited to work with that collection when you asked us to update your house.

JS: I wasn't sure as we redecorated with you if the horns would fit into our new look.  Voila! Your idea to mount them together on the kitchen wall around the TV was perfect.

SB: Are you still collecting?

JS: I think we are done collecting horns...although I can't promise that if a unique horn crossed my path I wouldn't be tempted!

SB: Maybe this one?!

Photo Courtesy of RobbStewart.com