Antique Trader, which celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this year,
has announced that former Antique Week National section Editor Catherine
Saunders-Watson has joined the publication as its new Editor.

“It’s
a thrilling leap forward for Antique Trader and the industry we
serve,” wrote AT Publisher Kevin Isaacson. “Catherine brings
a unique blend of timely news presentation and affection for the antiques
business – exactly the type of partner everyone seeks as they look to advance
their business.”

Her arrival is marked by a refreshed look for
Antique Trader in its May 10, 2006 issue.

“Antique
Trader has been a solid publication for many in the collecting hobby for
five decades. The addition of Catherine Saunders-Watson and her well-informed
enthusiasm for so many different facets of the business, though, should propel
the magazine to the next level of professionalism and acceptance from the
general public,” said John K. Snyder, Jr., President of Diamond
International Galleries.

Scoop talked with Saunders-Watson about
her new position.

Scoop: Why did you think it was time to move to
Antique Trader?
Catherine Saunders-Watson: I was approached by F+W
Publications’ management and recognized that they were sincere about letting me
take the ball and run with it. They were willing to take a chance and let me do
something innovative – to implement some fresh ideas. I was an antique dealer
for years, and I’ve always been a collector, so I understand both sides of the
buying-and-selling equation. What I’m trying to do, now, is offer up an
interesting parcel of information and entertainment on a weekly basis. So far so
good. The input has been very positive – great, really.

Scoop: What
changes should readers look for?
CSW: For starters, the front page and
some of the interior pages have had a facelift. I really like the clean, new
look. It’s amazing what a few small format changes can do to make a newspaper
look more appealing. But more importantly, readers are noticing much-improved
content. I learned from an antique dealer a long time ago that information is
money, so I’m serious about making sure trade-related news is given priority in
the pages I edit. Legislation that would have been very damaging to buyers and
sellers of antiques and collectibles has come very close to passing in several
states, and in each case, it was the antiques press, not the lawmakers
initially, who raised the alarm to prevent these bills from being enacted. If
the collecting hobby needs protecting, the Antique Trader will be there.

Scoop: What special events do you have planned?
CSW: We’ve just
begun a series called the “Retro Road Trip,” in which we are
systematically visiting all 50 states and exploring interesting shops, shows,
auction houses and sites that would appeal to collectors. I’m personally saving
the issues as we go, since they’ll become an invaluable reference library for
antique-hunting on the road. I’ve volunteered to cover Hawaii, by the way, but I
think our Antiques Group publisher, Kevin Isaacson, may have that one stitched
up already.

Scoop: Anything else you’d like to mention?
CSW: I
think the main point I want to get across is that I am not an editor who views
her position as just a job that you turn on at 9 AM. and turn off at 5 PM. To
me, it’s a responsibility. I’ve taken over in the Antique Trader’s 50th
year, and I’ve been entrusted with guiding a publication that will have a marked
effect on the future of collecting. I’m always available to take a call from an
auction house or show manager who needs some coverage, and I want to hear from
collectors. They’re the ones who drive our business – without them, there’s no
business at all. I happen to be very optimistic. I watched the attendance at the
spring Atlantique City increase 35 percent over the October 2005 edition of the
show. Collectors want the fun to come back, and I’ll be a part of that
anytime.