Frank Farmer Loomis
- Lifetime Antiquer & Current College Professor
- Media Personality & Captivating Speaker
- Author & Journalist
What Frank Farmer Loomis brings to his audiences is his life and work–100% antiques. His lifestyle allows him to share a three-dimensional perspective about antiques with everyone. The first perspective is that of being an antiques dealer, since he once had a shop. Secondly, for over twenty years he has been a full-time appraiser, giving him a professional insight into the value of antiques. Finally, he has the perspective of being a lifetime antiquer. Familiarization with these three areas lets him view antiques as a collector, dealer and appraiser
Frank’s speaking style is lively, laced with anecdotes, often humorous and never boring. He believes that he owes his audiences a good time.
Few with a background like Frank’s are as approachable and interesting as he is. From 1975 to 1981, he was a proprietor of an antique shop. In 1979, he began conducting estate “tag sales” and did this until 1984. In 1987, he was an independent consultant to Phillip, Neale & Son of New York City and it was in this year that he began his nine-year employment with the Frank Herschede Company as an appraiser. After 20 years of teaching at the University of Cincinnati he has learned what people want to know about antiques.
Frank Loomis is also an accomplished writer and media personality. His first book, Is It Antique Yet?, is a historical education on antiques, while his second, You Can Afford Antiques!, covers styles with a twist. His next book, OUR MOTHERS' GIRLS: Stories of Forgotten Women of Achievement, about unsung female contributors of the past 150 years, will be out in 2021.
Frank was an antiques columnist for the Cincinnati Enquirer from 1987 to 1995, a columnist for Cincinnati Magazine from 1993 to 1995, and a columnist for the Middleton Journal in 2001. He has also been a frequent contributor to The Antique Review since 1990. In television and radio, Frank Loomis has been a writer for and host of numerous local antiques programs. Nationally, he was an appraiser for the “Antiques Roadshow” on PBS from 1997-1998, and hosted, wrote, and co-produced the PBS series, “Is It Antique Yet?” from 1986-1991.
While all the hoopla these days is about expensive antiques, Frank Loomis proudly admits to being a tight-fisted collector who willingly shares his secrets for getting more antique dash for less cash. When doing an “Antiques Roadshow” type presentation his mission is to hold the spectator’s interest, whether a beginner antiquer or experienced. An entertaining time is guaranteed for all, while each member of the audience learns not only the value of pieces, but also appreciation for style, beauty, and the tranquility that antiques give us.
Frank Loomis has a BA in French from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, as well as an MA in French from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, and has done one year’s work toward his Ph.D. at the University of Cincinnati.
Speech Topics
1. The Ever Evolving Definition Of Antique: Is It Antique Yet?
As perspectives keep changing…here is what is and isn’t
2. Who Was The Greatest First Lady Of The White House?
Unbiased analysis from a retired curator of the White House
3. How Abraham Lincoln Rescued Washington’s Mount Vernon During The Civil War
With help from some friends
4. Who Sets The Trends In Art And Antiques?
Museums, auctions, famous collectors? Why we should care
5. Our Mothers’ Girls: Stories Of Forgotten Women Of Achievement
An in-depth look at the unsung heroes profiled in the 2021 Loomis book of the same name
Comments on Frank Farmer Loomis, Speaker
Frank was fabulous! Thank you so much for recommending him as the best speaker for our group. He was so personable with all the ladies in our Antique Club before the presentation and then he gave a wonderful talk! They all really loved it. I received many compliments after the meeting. They liked the topic too and his friendly manner. They had questions and were really engaged. I would definitely recommend him to any similar group.
Lisa Mulhall, Meeting Planner, Boca Raton (FL) Antique Club
Mr. Loomis spoke at the Livonia Town Hall in March of 2019. We are an audience of 450 and we had positive feedback from all of them. He is an expert in everything antique, yet is realistic enough to convey that the market isn’t what it once was. Since nearly everyone owns a piece or two that they believe is valuable, he explained the reality of loving what you collect for the beauty and memories, not necessarily resale.
Frank’s delivery is very funny, entertaining and engaging! He really knows his topic and shares insights he has spent learning in his wide-ranging career. The audience felt they really knew him by the time he finished.
Sue Nix, President, Livonia Town Hall, Michigan
How much you brightened our rainy day this past Thursday at the Dallas Woman’s Club! I continue to hear rave reviews about your program presentation as you regaled our membership with your stories, so humorous and yet very meaningful as you educated us on the true value of living with beautiful antiques in our lives using the White House as an example. In today’s busy society we have far too few laughs and it was a pleasure to “kick back” and laugh with gusto!
On behalf of our membership, I cannot thank you enough for being so engaging, kind and giving. Few speakers take the time to walk the room and be so hospitable. Please let us keep in touch, I will always remain your fan.
Nancy Duncan, 1st Vice President, Program Chairman, the Dallas (TX) Woman’s Club
As both Ohio President and a national officer in the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, I was co-chairman of our national conference when it was Ohio’s turn to host. We had Dames come from across the United States as well as our national officers and President. When I had to choose a speaker for the big gala night, I was pleased that Frank Loomis graciously made himself available to us. I had heard him speak at Cincinnati Woman’s Club and never forgot how entertaining and informative that talk had been. He did a wonderful job addressing our members and guests at our marquis event and it was a pleasure to work with him. I know I will call him again when I need a speaker for another event.
Carrie VanDerzee, CEO, Covington (OH) Ladies Home & Ohio President, National Society of the Colonial Dames of America
Contact Information
Frank Loomis is available for speeches, seminars and residencies. For specifics, please contact:
Tony Colao
President
MasterMedia Speakers Bureau
14 Laurel Drive
Easthampton, MA 01027
800-453-2887 (USA only)
413-529-1769 (Outside USA)
anthonyccolao@gmail.com
