The Palm Beach Winter Antiques Show this year moved to the third weekend in January where it will remain for the 2008 show. The January 18–21 event had silver as the theme, as this year was the 25th anniversary of the show.
The show opened with The Silver Vault, Woodstock, Ill., taking first position with a wonderful display of fine antique silver items, many of which found new homes before the weekend was up. Reception tables were decked in silver and accented with orchids. The best of the show itself was the sterling in many booths. Buyers enjoyed the change that allowed dealers in fine paintings to extend the dates to the mid-Twentieth Century. Paintings did well and that included all areas from prints to posters to fine paintings.
According to Zita Waters Bell, the show’s producer, the opening preview was sluggish in attendance although there were some real buyers on the floor. The downward trend in social attendance has prompted Bell to announce a change in the format for next year’s preview, which will focus more on collectors and buyers.
American Eagle, Harrison Township, Mich., had a great show once again, but the dealers said they still had some furniture left, unlike last year, when, at the end of the show, their plants were all sitting on the floor. This year paintings and accessories sold more than large pieces of furniture.
Some of the newcomers found a customer base that they expect to develop. One of the dealers was Axe Antiques, Denver, N.C., specializing in weapons from both the Revolutionary and the Civil Wars. Nula Tanhauser of Philadelphia added a new dimension with antique handbags. There were crowds of women clustered around Nula’s booth most of the day.
Another happy favorite was The Linen Merchant, from Walnut Creek, Calif., bringing the finest in antique linens. The Chestnut Gallery of Spartanburg, S.C., was set up and happy to be showing again.
New to the show this year was Essex Antiquarian, Essex, Mass., and Hamshere Gallery from London, who were both delighted with their reception and sales.
With just over 50 dealers, the variety of items available also included jewelry, porcelains, collections of decorative antiques and objects d’art.
For information 561-483-4047, 561-832-7038 or www.zitawatersbell.com.
