Eclectic collector Walter Johnson was a well-known contributor to the flavor of Cincinnati. Visitors to Trivets Antiques, his antiques and collectibles store downtown were entertained and amazed by the large selection — French furniture to life-size celebrity cardboard cutouts.

IF YOU GO

What: Estate sale of Walter Johnson, who owned Trivets Antiques and Boutique.     When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. today and Sunday ; 9:30 a.m. preview each day.     Where: Business Club of Montgomery, 7777 Sycamore St. (follow the signs).     Admission: Free     Information: 271-4100; www.stuartholman.com

        “To me, he was the greatest guy who ever lived,” says Fred Morling, a longtime friend of Mr. Johnson, who died in 1999. “He had an uncanny knack of always knowing what was coming next” in terms of stocking the public's next “big thing.”

        Mr. Johnson's vast collection from the Race Street store goes up for auction this weekend.

        “This auction gives a glimpse into the life of a very unique person,” says auctioneer Stuart Holman. It will be important for its magnitude and variety.

        The auction breaks down into two categories: Today's sale will offer memorabilia, collectibles, household items and hundreds of eclectic pieces. Sunday's session will feature elegant glass (including several candelabra), artwork, 19th-century antiques, paintings and fine porcelain.
       

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