About the owner, Edith Gilson

“For me, the appeal of Swedish furniture is in the grace and elegance of the forms, combined with the unexpected warmth of the painted finishes.  I truly love the lightness of spirit that I find in Swedish pieces.” -- Edith Gilson, Owner of Cupboards & Roses Swedish Antiques

Edith Gilson opened Cupboards & Roses Swedish Antiques in 1989 in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts.  In designing her beautiful shop, Edith took inspiration from her own home, a wonderful mill house, which she transformed into a distinctive, elegant residence.  As a result, her shop also has a spaciousness and graceful serenity that immediately captivates – and relaxes – all who visit.  “When people come into my shop,” Edith says, “I hope they feel welcome and surrounded by beautiful things.”

Her life’s journey began with a childhood spent in the mountains of Bavaria, where her love of painted furniture got its start.  In her teenage years, Edith hitchhiked throughout Scandinavia and this is where her “visual education” really took root, which would serve her so well in future years.  As a young woman, she came to New York City and began a career in marketing research, rising to the top as a Senior Vice President for Strategic Planning at the J. Walter Thompson Advertising Company.

As a respected businessperson, Edith was featured in The New York Times Advertising Section and in major trade publications here and abroad.  Along the way, Edith managed to find time to publish her book, Unnecessary Choices, an “in-depth study of American women at the top of the corporate ladder.”

Following a desire to “lead a simpler life,”   Edith’s journey continued as she left New York City behind to relocate to the Berkshires, a haven of music, art, theater and cultural sophistication – and full of great restaurants serving healthy, local food.  Energized by this creative environment, Edith combined her considerable business skills, her encyclopedic knowledge of Scandinavian antiques and her flawless eye for impeccable design – and created Cupboards & Roses Swedish Antiques.   

Today, Edith’s business serves a worldwide client base.  So much for the simple life!

After over 20 years in the antiques business, Edith still has the passion of the collector.  What’s more, she still gets excited when she discovers the perfect piece of Swedish furniture in form, color and decoration to buy for the store – destined to find its way to a well-contented homeowner.