Though raised in Arkansas, the Beard sisters, Laurin and Ansley, have always had a strong connection to New Orleans. Their maternal grandparents were Louisiana natives and their family never missed a Mardi Gras. The connection eventually grew deeper as both studied at Tulane University, Laurin receiving an art history degree and Ansley a law degree from Tulane Law School. They’ve traveled extensively but ultimately found their way back to New Orleans; citing their reason for return like only a local could, “New Orleans gets on ya and it gets in ya.”
Their newly opened collaborative space grew out of Laurin’s longtime work with B.Viz Designs. When it came time to relocate the B.Viz store, she began imagining something new, growing beyond a traditional showroom. Both sisters craved a space where different points of view could coexist and design, art and antiques could all inform one another. Thus, was born their multi purpose shopping destination including; B.Viz Designs, Ann Connelly Fine Art and Sister Ship Antiques all under one roof. Laurin charmingly says, “The store is your entire outfit. The antiques are the dress and the art, pillows are the shoes and the bag.”
For the sisters, the instinct for beauty and form goes back to childhood. “Our parents were always collecting and then we too became collectors, fascinated by beautiful objects,” they said. Ansley nourished this gift studying archaeology, spending time learning in Greece. Laurin earned a master’s degree in decorative arts at Sotheby’s Institute in London; then working for Guy Oliver, on projects like the rehab of The Connaught and renovation of a 50 meter yacht.
The sisters will divide and conquer their time overseeing the collective space, Laurin captaining B.Viz and Ansley, Sister Ship Antiques. However, they both love sourcing new objects for the store. Ansley excitedly adds, “I just purchased a Ford cargo van to travel the country for rare finds!” Admittedly their tastes differ, but they’re in constant conversation, respecting each other’s point of view. They note that while Laurin loves classic lines and “English restraint” Ansley likes things a bit showier.
You’ll see this ongoing dialogue reflected throughout the store. The handmade B.Viz Designs and artwork curated by Ann Connelly are layered among ever-changing antique finds. Sunburst mirrors and Neoclassical chairs will comingle with textiles, silver and ceramics. The pieces will span various artistic disciplines and styles, but the sisters have a singular standard for what makes it through the door; “The common thread is quality,” they say. Only the best objects in their respective time periods will make the cut.
To shop at the new space in person, head to #5419 Magazine Street or go online to www.sistershipantiques.com or @sistershipantiques, Ann Connelly Fine Art and B.Viz Designs.
Sale & Event Picks:
Sept. 26: Mini Tag Sale, Side Haul
Sept. 27 – Oct. 3: Children’s Clothing Exchange at the VFW Harahan, 1133 Hickory Ave, Harahan, CCEX
