In June, when Frances Felix opened The Rooster’s Nest, a consignment shop on West Napa Street (in part of Artisan Bakery’s former production area), she envisioned it as “a great place for people to buy pretty things not at high prices.” This is especially important now, she said, when times are hard. The shop sells the home furnishings, antiques and collectibles on behalf of consignors – people who want to turn their furniture, vintage costume jewelry and art into cash. The store splits the commission 50-50 with the consignor.
Felix named the shop – a partnership with her daughter, Shelly Kershner, who’s coordinated Bay Area antique shows – after seeing an old pen-and-ink rooster drawn by her English husband, Charles. Dubbed Rory, the rooster became the shop’s symbol after her husband modified the image by putting a crown on it and adding a cart full of furniture, lamps and rugs. “Like all roosters, he protects the nest,” she explained.
With some 900 items, the shop offers a wide range of prices and goods – from a vintage crystal Swarovski brooch, for $25, to an 18th-century Davenport mahogany ship captain’s writing desk with leather top, for $925.
While living in London with her husband, Felix learned the art of restoring porcelain and pottery because, she said, “one of my passions is bringing things back to life.” She helped restore some porcelain pieces and a large leather trunk that belonged to Queen Elizabeth. On her return to the United States in 1991, she established Mill Hill Studio in Mill Valley, where she taught workshops on restoration techniques. Felix also sold antiques at shows in Northern California, but eventually tired of all the packing and hauling. With Sonoma her home since 2005, The Rooster’s Nest is now her stage, she said.
The Rooster’s Nest,
740 W. Napa St.,707.935.6400
roostersnest@att.net
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday – Saturday
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
