Fork and Pencil, a new antiques/consignment shop at the corner of Court and Warren Streets in Cobble Hill, had a very successful opening weekend, with many items bearing “SOLD” stickers by Sunday.
The store, which took over space previously occupied by Brooklyn Artisans Gallery, has an unusual mission. After costs, proceeds go to worthy causes including the Open Space Institute, New York state’s largest land conservation organization, and Rooftop Films, an independent film-production cooperative, as well as our neighborhood PTAs, Greenmarkets, and local arts organizations.
It all sounds very pie-in-the-sky, but proprietor Alex Grabcheski, who has a day job in the financial services industry, and his wife, Tally Blumberg, seem committed to their utopian concept.
They have a background in the antiques business (they had a store in Chatham, N.Y. for a while), and someone has a very fine eye. The merchandise is top quality and attractively displayed. Prices range from $150 for a wire chandelier of recent vintage to $850 for a 19th century landscape oil painting, $1,375 for a huge Staffordshire bowl with a Chinese pattern (which sold quickly), and $2,800 for an 1880s Italian settee covered in Brussels tapestry.
There’s also a colorful section at the back with new children’s toys.
The store is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 to 7. To inquire about consigning, call 718 488 8855.
casaCARA 
Hmmm..I don’t remember seeing those grapes when I was in the store. Me thinks Caramia styled the place!
nope — the grapes were definitely there. i remember them well.