La Bonne Vivante

Testimonials:

"As an author who actually uses photos in his work I find La Bonne Vivante a valuable source of material."

-- Walter Dean Myers, "Harlem"

"When my wife, Charlene, passed in 2006, Michele Cook gathered photographs of her and produced an outstanding photo-musical retrospective. The professional selection and sequencing of photos and the choice of music told a wonderful story of a great lady. It was shown at the wake and was well received by family and friends."

-- Arthur J. Gregg, Lt. General, US Army, Retired

"La Bonne Vivante is a consistently reliable, efficient and customer-oriented seller of vintage photographs. I love doing business with them -- it's always a satisfying experience. Michele, keep up the good work!"

-- J.L. Marshall

Mrs. Cook,

"It is my pleasure to comment on my past purchases from you through Ebay. I have purchased numerous items on numerous occasions and each transaction was accompanied by swift communication and prompt shipping. Each image I received has been exactly as described. Lastly, you have been very gracious and prompt in answering questions about items for sale. I wish you the very best with your new site."

-- Linzay Kelly, R.Ph.

Houston, TX

"I have purchased a number of African-American related antiques from La Bonne Vivante. Each item was accurately represented in the written description and photographs, and all were very carefully packed. These folks are superb dealers in fine memorabilia. Always very professional. I've never been disappointed."

-- Gregory Hubbard
Sanford, ME

“Michele Ridley-Cook is the Best! La Bonne Vivante, her eBay store, was my absolute favorite. Only superlatives can adequately describe my many interactions with Michele, the service that I received and the beauty of my purchases. Moreover, not only is Michele professional and knowledgeable, she is also a consumer advocate. I was an eBay neophyte and she took me under her wing, patiently " schoolin' " me so that I understood the nuances in vintage photography and got the quality of product that I anticipated. La Bonne Vivante is up and running, Magnifique!!! I am thrilled for Michele, myself and all who will have the good fortune of welcoming these exquisite cultural artifacts.”

--Sandy Nelson
Guilford, CT

"I am a repeat customer of La Bonne Vivante, and have added some wonderful, one-of-a-kind items to my collection. They are friendly, knowledgeable, reasonable, and all around, they are just a pleasure to do business with."

-- Michael O'Neil
Northampton, MA

"A few years ago I began collecting vintage images through online auctions. From the beginning, my favorite seller was La Bonne Vivante. The images are always beautiful, always amazing, and always delivered at the fastest speed possible. I am a multi-media artist incorporating vintage imagery into my art practice and I continually return to La Bonne Vivante because Michele Ridley-Cook has a keen eye for the interesting, the compelling, and the authentic. It truly is “always a pleasure”."
--Sonya A. Lawyer

Artist and Educator
Baltimore, Maryland

News and Events

Schedule of Upcoming Events

26 and 27 September 2008 -- Antiques Extravaganza
Adamstown, Pennsylvania PARTICIPATION CANCELLED
http://www.stoudtsbeer.com/events_extravaganza.html

5 and 6 December 2008 -- Black Memorabilia and Doll Show
Washington DC Convention Center
http://www.johnsonshows.com/

Click here to tell us about events at which you'd like us to exhibit!

La Bonne Vivante at the Washington DC Black Memorabilia and Doll Show -- 7 and 8 December 2007

Michèle-Louise with an illustrated, vintage copy of Harriet Beecher Stowe?s Uncle Tom's Cabin-in German

Checking the inventory

Michèle-Louise, and husband, Earl, show original, African American photographs, circa early 1900s

Michèle-Louise exchanges repartee with an interesting customer