Even More
By Robert Beck
I don’t think you could put anything else in this store and still have space for a customer. The name More & More does a great job of describing what’s inside. It takes a moment for your senses to calibrate and the visual buzz to subside. You are surrounded by things displayed high on the sides and hanging from the ceiling. Stuff is everywhere. And not just a lot; it’s all different and interesting.
My favorites were the glass birds with plumage tails, suspended just above your head right inside the front door. The remaining overhead is occupied by ornaments, chandeliers, and exotic dangling thingies. I kept finding more favorites.
There is constant chatter between the owner, Steve, and customers. A lot of them are regulars. Some are getting jewelry fixed or made. If the woman from Helsinki can’t find a small blue elephant with wings for her sister’s collection, Steve’s probably got one downstairs, or maybe she just didn’t see it amid the More.
What started as an antiques store decades ago turned over time into a place where somebody can drop in and find a small gift for anyone. Books, linens, plates, hats, gloves, tchotchkes, remakes of old toys, necklaces, bracelets, statues, cards, cookies, candies, dolls, mugs, soap, candles, wood spoons, boxes, and . . . well . . . More. All clean and orderly, but it’s tight.
At Christmas, it’s like Santa’s Workshop Outlet for adult Upper West Siders. You want rare or original ornaments? Right here. Giraffes, dragons, origami birds, traditional balls, hamburgers, moons, Eiffel Towers, and things I have no idea what they are. Plus, figurines, big and small.
My first concern was finding a place to set up. “Where do you want to paint?” Steve asked. I told him I liked a spot in back, but it would block the aisle. “They can walk around the other way,” he said. Steve has a make-it-work attitude, and he didn’t flinch when I unfolded my French easel and threaded the legs into the displays on either side.
The customers had no problem shopping around me. I was just one More thing in a highly unusual environment. The guy painting under the flamingo ornament. Next to the crocheted blue dinosaur with a beret.
A lady stepped up to the register and handed Steve a book on Shakespeare, but her head kept swiveling around the room. “Look at all this,” she said. The next customer in line chuckled, shook her head, and said, “You should have seen it before Christmas.”
“So what do you do now?” the lady asked Steve. “Next week, I take it down,” he said. “Take it down,” she mouthed quietly, looking at the ceiling, trying to imagine. He folded tissue paper around her purchase and taped the ends. “Valentine’s Day,” he said and slid it into a bag.
More & More Antiques is located at 378 Amsterdam Avenue, on the southwest corner of West 78th Street.
Note: Before Robert Beck wrote West Side Canvas, his essays and paintings were featured in Weekend Column. Read Robert Beck’s earlier columns here and here.
See more of Robert Beck’s work and his UWS studio by visiting www.robertbeck.net And let Robert know if you have a connection to an archetypal UWS place or event that would make a good West Side Canvas subject. Thank you!
You can subscribe to WSR’s free email newsletter here.
This place sounds interesting and I would like to know if anyone knows where this is located.
Thank you! Added. (More & More Antiques is located at 378 Amsterdam Ave, on the southwest corner of West 78th Street.)
Fantastic store, wonderful displays and gifts. I especially love the windows that change with the seasons. Worth a trip if you’ve never been there before.
I love More and More. I wouldn’t call myself a regular but I definitely buy gifts there a few times every year, It’s the perfect place to find gifts for someone who doesn’t need anything (and/or when I don’t know exactly what they need). When I saw the name of the store in a headline, I was terrified that I was going to learn that they were closing!
Steve is lovely and knowledgeable about a zillion things and is happy to share what he knows. The antiques are drool-worthy and there are many more modestly priced things that are just as interesting. I bought the best catnip toys EVER from Steve some years back…sadly, he’s not been able to restock…so my feline friends still make do with their raggedy old bags of catpot.
The cards are great; kid stuff is creative; jewelry is wonderful vintage. Honestly, it’s a great spot just to cheer you up…do visit!
I live around the corner and pass by the place constantly yet I’ve never thought to go inside (as antiques are not part of my normal repertoire of interests) … until now. The power of journalism!
Robert Beck’s work never ceases to amaze me!
More and More ,the antique shop , is a nestled nook of pure fun and delight!
It’s like going on a treasure hunt.
It’s these things that make New York City neighborhoods special & charming.
Without them, we would just be a city of steal & concrete.
Thanks, Pat
One of my favorite places on the UWS. Let’s support and make sure we still have unique, interesting stores like this!
This is a beautiful painting that really captures the essence of More and More in action! I love it!!!
Thank you Stephanie
I have lived on the UWS for 30 years and stopped to admire the windows for many years. I was out for a wintery birthday walk when I noticed gorgeous pink china dessert plates that I did not know I needed! Yes, I thought, 6 plates for birthday cake! They bring great joy, and universal admiration, every time I use them. My son has even asked that I leave them in my will for him. Thank you Steve!
“I didn’t know I needed!” Excellent. That is the essence of loving art and antiques.
I love your painting!
Thanks, Laura
I don’t know how he did it, but the painting truly captures the mass of objects in the store. And, as always, the painting is beautiful. I live nearby and have been inside many times but seeing the “painted collection” is a gift in and of itself. I don’t know when More and More opened but it seems that it has been at 78th and Amsterdam for many years, one of the few unique stores that has managed to survive. Maybe it’s because of the varied collection, the owner repairs as well as sells jewelry, or that the varied selection attracts a loyal as well as new customer base. Whatever the reason, it’s a real gem as is Mr. Beck’s painting. Many thanks for continuing to share your talent with us.
Thanks, Susan
The painting is beautiful and captures the magical atmosphere of More & More. I live around the corner, have been a regular for years and adore Steve and his staff! Wonderful place to find unique pieces and perfect for gifts for holidays, birthdays or for hostesses/hosts. Or those little “just because” gifts, which are the best kind to give (oneself!) and receive ☺️
Thank you, Laura
Steve’s shop is one of my favorites and this painting is fabulous – it looks exactly like the front of the store from the perspective of a shopper waiting in line to check out. I confess it’s very hard not to “buy and buy more and more,” but, through the years, I have confined myself to a few major purchases, including my last: which was one of the two 1920s Czechoslovakian crystal and bronze alloy peacock lamps he had in the window. I did not have a place for both lamps in my tiny apartment, but he broke up the set for me. At least I got one: and he had it rewired for me, too. It’s gorgeous. I have my eye on something else, but by this time, it might be sold. His fine antiques are not inexpensive, but no fine antiques are. Steve has a magnificent eye and his contemporary gifts are equally marvelous. You can always find something, but for antique lovers, there are very few shops in New York City anymore. I cannot pass More & More without going in and staying a significant length of time to take in the eye candy that is in every nook and cranny of the shop.
Thank you, Sam
This reminds me of a store that I loved years and years ago on Broadway somewhere around the high 70s or 80s. I think it was called LEO’S. And it had all kinds of stuff that was almost overwhelming, but a joy to peruse through. The store had 3 levels and one of them was a year round Xmas shop. I did a lot of browsing and buying there.
Thank you for bringing up Leo’s! I was trying to remember that name as I put the ornaments on our Christmas tree this year. We bought st least one new one there every year, along with other lovely gifts year round. I’m so glad More and More has been thriving for years. It’s also wonderful.
I remember that store! I use to buy Christmas ornaments there in the 80’s!
More & More and Steve are treasures! Going into the store should make anyone happy. There’s beauty and whimsy. There’s plenty of new merchandise as well as antiques.
Steve could probably help arrange a one-of-a-kind wedding registry.
Thanks for the profile. Where is the painting to be seen?
More and more is my favorite UWS store. Steve and every employee I’ve interacted with are fantastic. Top notch customer service. I love going here for gifts (the unique gloves were a hit this year). I’ve also purchased bigger items including 3 stunning 1960s Italian crystal cut semi flush lights. Steve has an incredible eye. Highly recommended a visit.
Love looking and reading your work.
It always leaves me wanting
MORE & MORE!!!
Your biggest Fan!
Steve’s store itself is a work of art and your painting captures it beautifully. More & More has been at the top of my list of favorite places for decades.
This place is a delight. I have lived in the neighborhood for years, but only went in when a friend was visiting and showed interest. So many wonderful items! There are affordable and modern things as well as antiques. I bought some Jean Paul Sartre themed stickers, gorgeous decorate matches, one with a beautiful Victorian woman, one with a snake. I don’t remember what my friend bought, but I couldn’t tear her away. Love this place and highly recommend it if you need a quirky or beautiful gift for someone!