Meet the Vendor
Welcome to our new series, Meet the Vendor, where we introduce you to individual Hill Antique Market vendors and give you an inside look at the diverse wares they sell. First up is Laurent Torno III, the avid art collector behind booth 25B. Laurent’s eye for catchy prints, distinctive vintage fashion pieces and modern goods have made his booth a customer favorite.
The Hill Antique Market: What kind of work do you carry?
Laurent Torno III: I specialize in curating fine art and folk art. Some selections are from my own collection, and some are pieces scouted for customers. In particular, I focus on selling original American art at affordable prices, often less than the original cost of the work.
THAM: Your booth is so eclectic. Can you talk about the other kind of pieces you sell?
Torno: It’s a mix of quality furnishings, including mid-century modern furniture and lamps, 20th century industrial modernist goods and accessories, unusual vintage clothing and collector-grade vintage vinyl, books and cookbooks at modest prices.
THAM: What is your own collection like?
Torno: My personal collection of art is constantly changing as most everything is for sale. It’s challenging to transition from collector to vendor, but once I make that leap of faith, better quality work joins the ever-changing collection.
THAM: How long have you been collecting and how did you get into it?
Torno: I’ve been collecting for 40 years and selling for more than 10. I learned the antique business from my father, who is a St. Louis architect. I’ve also been inspired by my sister, who owns “Modern Times,” a mid-century modern decorative art store in Chicago, and my brother, who specializes in contract fine art photography.
THAM: What’s your favorite part about collecting?
Torno: I love the perpetual treasure hunt. The research involved in finding great pieces is also immensely satisfying.
THAM: What do you like best about The Hill Antique Market?
Torno: I love The Hill Antique Market for the fabulous contemporary look and our unique, amazing location. This place is not like any other antique mall.
Torno also offers art collections and quality furnishings at Treasure Aisles Antique Mall in Maplewood and on eBay. When he’s not engaged in his vintage businesses, Torno works as a professional photographer and filmmaker. He is supported by his wife, Kimberly, and the couple’s three children and two rescue dogs. To keep up with Torno’s latest finds, follow him on Twitter or Instagram.
All booth images ©2020 Laurent Torno III.
