Welcome Back, Serendipity!
December 19, 2007 | 
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"It all started 50 years ago in Manitou Springs." That’s how John Eastham began his story about his love affair with art and whimsy. Thanks to John’s conversation with The Record+ we now can share his story with our readers.
His story began 50 years ago in Manitou Springs. That was a time when John Eastham, Colorado College senior majoring in art history, stepped into the role of shopkeeper and collector of unique collectibles. Taking his cue from his father and brother, he apprenticed for two years and settled into his Tejon Street digs for what he thought would be the duration of his collectible experience.
Before setting up shop, however, John’s career took him to Scandinavia in the early 60’s where he promptly fell in love with the beauty of Danish and Swedish crystal. Professor Oiva Toikka was, and still is, his hero. In the late 60’s he discovered Japanese and Folk pottery and again surrounded himself with an array of glass, wood, and stone works that people came to see and take home.
"It’s a joy to unpack these shipments," John said. "My house looks like the store, and my philosophy is really simple. If I don’t sell it, I’ll just take it home!"
Taking his beloved objects home is not an easy task, however. John chooses to change his abode every five years or so. "It is more interesting that way," he told us. The moves inspire him to rearrange his collectibles and never become tired of them.
John describes his present home as "a yellow and white creation" where he feels as if he "is living inside an egg." Surrounded by his things, life becomes a kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, textures, and plain joy, but nothing satisfies him more than sharing his passion for art and whimsy with his customers.
Many of John’s original customers return faithfully each year to search for that special seasonal gift or memento. The greatest fun they have is learning the story behind the gifts. John shares everything he knows about the design, composition, and vintage of just about everything in his shop.
"Whimsical and serious is my mark" he told us. There is "always something for that special person" among the rows of color- and theme- coordinated objets d’art. There are, however, unique creations that stand alone above the crowd.
"I’d like you to meet Donna," John beamed. Donna is John’s special friend and companion at the shop (see photo). She’s a lovely wooden reindeer who serves multiple purposes. Standing reindeer-guard at the door, she boasts candles on her antlers, and is very much a unique conversation piece. "The person who takes Donna home will be lucky indeed," John said. "She is the only reindeer of her kind that I have seen in any herd." She is totally in harmony with the sense of delight and discovery that John has created at The Whickerbill.
John keeps his customers’ shopping comfort in mind when setting up business hours. Allowing for relaxing wake-up time, his shop is open from 11 AM to 6 PM, and he does provide unique wrapping service for those who enjoy an additional touch of elegance without an additional dip into the pocketbook.
"It’s all about customers and good friends," John told us. "It’s what I do with my days, and I am so glad to be in Manitou Springs where it all began."
We are happy that John Eastham has decided to come out of retirement after a short respite. We look forward to meeting his new friends and winsome creatures so that Donna, the reindeer, will be in good company, and we can find that special gift for the people whose friendship we treasure. We may even decide to gift ourselves as well!
742 Manitou Avenue
719-685-1540
- M
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