This feature on Ibon Antiques is the very first installation in my brand new Shop Local Edmonton! monthly partnership.  I spent of few minutes talking to Debra on the same day that  I went in to the store and took these images of the space, and her and some of her staff.

Ibon Antiques has been in business in Edmonton for seven years, but this store located in Old Strathcona at 10423-79 Ave NW is their third location. In fact, this is a brand new space; they opened on February 12.  It’s an amazing 4000 square foot space, featuring an incredibly eclectic mix of antique furniture, dishes, toys, books, hats…. and the list goes on!  So many treasures, everywhere you look!  They also have a website that features a store with some of their items.

This is the dream of local couple Debra and Stefan.  They both were professional symphony musicians (he is the Principal Viola in the EOS and she played the Violin – that’s how they met…. isn’t that romantic?!) and became interested in antiques when learning the history of their instruments.  Debra’s first Violin was a 1700’s Richard Duke purchased in New York.  With each upgraded violin, she learned more about the instruments and what questions to ask.  She was fascinated by the history.

She in now the face of Ibon Antiques and her love of history has spilled over into so many fields.  Just spending an hour in the store, I was amazed by her knowledge of the pieces she carries.  Her passion for the antique world is infectious and impossible to resist.  She loves the neat stories that come in with the articles and she told me that they “are dealing in memories” everyday.  She also professes herself to be “nosy”, so she loves hunting down the history and learning through reading and research.

This is a great space!  Next time you’re down near Whyte Ave, stop in and check it out!  Debra will likely be there (her staff says she never leaves), answering questions with a smile and sharing her love of history!

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redwagon photography is an Edmonton photographer specializing in organic, natural light Family, Newborn, Maternity, Child, and Baby Photography in Edmonton, Alberta and surrounding areas including but not limited to Stony Plain, St. Albert, Leduc, Spruce Grove, Sherwood Park and Barrhead.