An archived photo of Rau Antiques back in the day...

It still amazes me that I work for a local company that is approaching its 100th birthday soon.  What’s even more interesting is to meet people who visited the gallery “back in the day,” before there was any such thing as blogging and blackberries were just that, blackberries.

I had a lovely experience last week as I waited on a lady who was in her 90’s. She told me she had been shopping at M.S. Rau for 70 years. She recalled trips she made in the 1920’s and 30’s to New Orleans with two old maid aunts who used to bring her here. They used to buy American Brilliant Cut Glass. She commented on how they used to buy goblets and old fashions for .50 cents a piece.

As time as passed and after the two aunts died, she inherited most of their glass collection and today enjoys a drink out of them many evenings. I’m sure the beverage is as rich as her very old, precious memories. What a treasure; the lady as well as the beautiful glass. I hope one day her collection will be passed on to her family, and one of her children can pass the story on to the next generation of Rau employees.

When people talk about piano history, they usually say that the piano originated around the year 1700 in Florence, Italy.

Florence is the capital city of Tuscany, a central region of Italy, and the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.

Since its inception, the instrument we know today as the piano has had many innovators over the past 300 years who have shaped its functionality, appearance and sound.

There have been many high points during this time in the development of the piano and many innovations. In my opinion, this Weber & Co. piano represents a tremendous high point in the evolution of the piano. It represents two elements brought together to present a command performance in your home. It was the first time that a great piano and a great performer were able to play in your home.

Besides the impeccable sound, this model is one of beauty in that you can watch and listen to it, while a song begins to play but the piano bench is empty. It’s a bit ghostly and mysterious but also tranquil and melodic. It’s truly a spectacle both in sight and sound.

M.S. Rau Antiques has recently expanded our gallery space, opening the new 4,500-square-foot Le Salon just steps away from our main gallery on Royal Street. The addition, which is located at 610 Toulouse Street, boasts two stories of museum-like gallery space, showcasing exceptional fine art and antiques offered by M.S. Rau.

We invite guests and customers to visit Le Salon, where four large rooms exhibit items such as an elaborately-carved bedroom suite owned by Benito Mussolini, a Charles X billards table made by Chevillotte of Orleans, France, an outstanding 24-light Baccarat crystal chandelier, and several tester beds.

Owner Bill Rau is very excited about expanding the business and increasing Rau’s presence in the French Quarter. “The addition of Le Salon allows us the unique opportunity to display some of our finest antiques in a more home-like setting, something we think our customers will really respond to,” says Bill. “We see the Salon as a great step forward in our company’s progress.”

Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Guests can view the exquisite pieces at Le Salon by entering the main gallery, 630 Royal Street.

Le Salon First Floor Gallery

Le Salon Second Floor Gallery

I’m Mary, the sales coordinator at Rau Antiques. I wanted to take 10 minutes out of Bill Rau’s busy schedule (my boss and owner of the gallery)  to get to know him  a little better and for some reason, he agreed. So to see a third generation Rau in a different light, here is our 10 question Q and A session.

1. How long have you been married?

Almost 25 years.

2. Favorite New Orleans Cuisine:

Chargrilled oysters from Acme Oyster house.

3. Best business advice you’ve ever gotten?

Buy the best and only cry once.

4. Favorite word:

I don’t know, but probably an adjective.

5. What do you do to relax?

Get a massage.

6. What do you attribute the Saints Success to this season?

Divine Will.

7. Biggest Pet Peeve?

When my computer fails…

8. Do you have any phobias?

If I did, I wouldn’t share them with you and the world.

9. What are you most proud of?

The team I work with.

10. Favorite piece in the gallery right now?

The Godward Painting. It’s the best painting by one of the best artists. I’d bring it home if I could.

The coolest table ever is our “Monumental Specimen Table”. It speaks to my Italian side.  I love it, from the hand carved oak winged lions on the base, to the two inch thick inlayed marble top with its plethora of Italian marble varieties.  It is a tribute to the maker’s ingenuity, creativity, and master artistry.

The previous owner used it for a conference table for his business, but in my mind’s eye, I can see it as a center table in a large entrance or library or even a great dining table, but most of all, I see it in my house.  If there is anyone out there that is willing to buy this for me, I will graciously accept.

One other thing I would like to mention, but we have to keep in on the QT, if anyone ever asks me if I really did what I am about to tell you, I will deny it.

I am a gardening addict.  One Sunday, I decided to move some plants around; big  plants.  Anyway, I pulled something in my lower back, but also being the slave to duty that I am, I came into the gallery.  Every step was painful, sitting was painful, standing was painful.  As I said earlier, the table is very cool.  I started thinking about the cool marble of my specimen table.  I sneaked into the back gallery where the table now stands, climbed on top, laid down on my back and pressed my lower back into the cool, cool marble. I stayed in that position for 10 minutes or so, praying the entire time that no one would walk in and see me lying on the table.  When I got up, my back felt 100% better!  I bent down and kissed the table then patted it lovingly.

Not only does the Monumental Marble Specimen table speak to my Italian side, it also speaks to my backside.