Two smiling men in colorful patterned shirts stand in a doorway of an art-filled gallery with framed artwork on the walls — Nostalgic on Morris owners Rodney Tucker (L) and Billy Connelley (R) are opening a new antique shop + art gallery downtown. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

A new spot for one-of-a-kind vintage treasures and nostalgic, locally made artwork is opening soon in downtown Birmingham.

Located on historic Morris Avenue, Nostalgic on Morris is a new antique store and art gallery with an eclectic mix of vintage collectibles, mid-century design and work from local artists. Bham Now met with owners Rodney Tucker and Billy Connelley for a sneak peek at the new shop ahead of its soft opening weekend starting Thursday, October 29.

Nostalgic on Morris brings new retail to downtown Birmingham

Vintage shop interior with a brass sputnik chandelier, exposed brick wall, display cabinets of glassware and collectibles, mid-century furniture, and a bar cart in the foreground — Nostalgic on Morris features an eclectic mix of vintage barware, mid-century design, antiques and collectibles. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Located at 2229 Morris Avenue, Suite 104, Nostalgic on Morris is the brainchild of Rodney Tucker and Billy Connelley—downtown residents who have spent years collecting antiques and vintage finds, from American art pottery and barware to Stickley furniture and Arts and Crafts pieces. When a street-facing space opened up on Morris Avenue, the duo leaped at the chance to bring a new retail spot to downtown Birmingham.

“We’ve heard from people downtown that they want more retail and more opportunities for places like this. We’re hoping to continues the trend of good things happening on Morris Avenue and throughout downtown Birmingham.”
Billy Connelley, Nostalgic on Morris

Glass display shelves holding vintage Jim Beam decanters, including donkey and elephant figures in patriotic drum bases labeled Democrat and Republican — A variety of treasures at Nostalgic on Morris. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Vintage brass motion lamp with red bulb illuminating a figure under falling oil droplet strands, hanging near a window — A variety of treasures at Nostalgic on Morris. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

At Nostalgic on Morris, guests can expect an ever-changing collection of vintage glassware, colorful bar accessories, Mid-Century Modern furniture, unique lighting and other conversation pieces.

“Any time we’re on vacation, we hit every antique shop and estate sale we can find. We look for good, classic design, unusual or colorful pieces and signed and limited editions.”
Rodney Tucker, Nostalgic on Morris

Antique shop interior with carved wood furniture, framed paintings, crystal decanters, and a round table set with glassware against an exposed brick wall — Nostalgic on Morris carries carved wooden furniture in styles like Arts and Crafts, Mission, Mid Century Modern and more. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Inside the walls of Nostalgic on Morris, you can find curiosities like:

A distinctive, Brutalist-style metal coffee table designed by California artist Daniel Gluck from the 1960s
A chair signed by Tony Bennett that features the Golden Gate Bridge (“I Left My Heart in San Francisco”, anyone?)
An atomic-style radio and lamp combo
Election-year Jim Beam decanters representing Democrats and Republicans
`Pieces of horsehair-enforced plaster from the Lyric Theatre
A vintage mineral-oil rain lamp (not for sale)

“One of our main rules for Nostalgic on Morris is that we won’t sell anything that we wouldn’t own ourselves. A lot of the shop’s items—for instance, some of the barware–are duplicates of pieces we already owned, but we started seeking out specific pieces when we decided that we were going to open a gallery.”
Rodney Tucker, Nostalgic on Morris

Nostalgic on Morris supports Birmingham’s creative community

Framed vintage sewing pattern art with painted figures and buttons above a wooden cabinet displaying small portraits and sculptures — Work from various local artists is on display at Nostalgic on Morris. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Gallery interior with a glass dining table, chrome chairs, and colorful pastel dishware, surrounded by framed artwork and vintage decor on the walls — Work from various local artists is on display at Nostalgic on Morris. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Part antique store and part art gallery, Nostalgic on Morris partners with local artists to give them a space to exhbit their work.

“I’m not an artist, but I know how to appreciate and enjoy art. Hosting local artists at Nostalgic on Morris is a way we can contribute to the health of Birmingham’s creative community.”
Rodney Tucker, Nostalgic on Morris

The gallery’s opening lineup features six artists, working in mixed media, abstract painting, watercolors and sculptures made from reclaimed materials, whose art envokes nostalgia and retro design.

“For Nostalgic on Morris’ opening, we looked to get artists whose work was nostalgic or gave you a feel of the past. Scott Thigpen has a lot of that ’50s atomic and retro look, while other artists work in mixed media, abstract oils and watercolors. Dan Bynum incorporates old sheet music, wallpaper, invoices and maps into his work. It brings back memories for people, too.”
Rodney Tucker, Nostalgic on Morris

Plan your visit to Nostalgic on Morris

Whether you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind antique, shopping for a unique gift or looking to discover work from local Birmingham artists, Nostalgic on Morris aims to offer a little something unexpected with every visit.

The gallery will begin welcoming its first visitors on Thursday, October 29, kicking off a soft opening weekend with the following hours: