The Philadelphia Antiques & Art Show Debuts a New Name and Expanded Offerings
- Harris & Co. Black Hawk weathervane. Copper, copper tubing, zinc, W. 25.25 inches, H. 20.5 inches, D. 4 inches, Offered by Jeffrey Tillou Antiques.
After a one-year hiatus, The Philadelphia Antiques Show is back with a few new tricks up its sleeve. Now known as the Philadelphia Antiques & Art Show, the seminal event’s new name reflects an increased focus on fine art. Diana Bittel, who is managing this year’s show alongside Karen and Ralph DiSaia, says, “We’ve renamed the show to reflect our shift towards art and the increased number of art dealers. We thought that it was something that the younger generation of collectors would be interested in.” Another significant change at this year’s show will be the inclusion of contemporary art—a facet that is becoming increasingly prevalent at antiques shows. While dealers must limit their contemporary art offerings to twenty-five-percent of their booth, Bittel says, “It’s a big step.”
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Previously held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, this year’s show will take place in a stunning structured tent on the Marine Parade Grounds at the Philadelphia Navy Yard—a 1,200-acre dynamic urban development that includes hotels, retail spaces, and restaurants. Numerous amenities will be available to attendees, including free parking, transportation to and from town, and an on-site cafe.
Co-chaired by Anne Hamilton and Nancy Kneeland, both of whom were involved with the 2014 Philadelphia Antiques Show (Kneeland served as the Chair, while Hamilton co-chaired the Preview Party), this year’s Philadelphia Antiques & Art Show will welcome fifty-eight dealers—the most the show has had since 2011—offering furniture, folk art, and decorative and fine art from antiquity to today. Bittel says, “Quite a few dealers who left the show have come back, which is a huge vote of confidence for us.”
- Francis Augustus Silva Seabright from Galilee, New Jersey. Oil on canvas, 42 x 21.25 inches. Offered by Arader Galleries.
Among the myriad must-see dealers are H.L. Chalfant American Fine Art & Antiques, Avery Galleries, Mark & Marjorie Allen, Kelly Kinzle, Lillian Nassau, LLC, and Bernard & S. Dean Levy. Highlights include a portrait by Charles Peale Polk that exemplifies the folk artist’s distinct style and a highly desirable Black Hawk weathervane by Harris & Co., both offered by Jeffrey Tillou Antiques; a Hudson River School painting by Francis Augustus Silva offered by Arader Galleries; an Aesthetic Movement water pitcher adorned with lilies and hibiscus by Dominick & Haff offered by Spencer Marks, Ltd; a stunning mahogany Neoclassical sofa offered by Charles Clark; a large, painted nineteenth-century standing desk offered by M. Finkel & Daughter; a lush still life reverse painting on glass offered by Steven S. Powers; and a set of twelve whimsical Piero Fornasetti plates decorated with various sea creatures offered by Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge.
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This year’s Philadelphia Antiques & Art Show also boasts an impressive roster of events. The loan exhibition, Secret Treasures, explores the passion of collecting as seen through dealers and their personal collections. Each exhibitor will present one item from his or her personal holdings accompanied by a vignette describing the background story of how it was acquired and why it resonates personally. Bittel says, “It's a fascinating exhibit and the stories are just wonderful. The exhibit shows an openness with the dealers and I think that will really strike a chord with collectors.”
- An interior by Cullman & Kravis.
Additional events include a conversation between the celebrated New York-based interior designer Ellie Cullman of Cullman & Kravis, and Stacey Bewkes, who helms the acclaimed art and design blog Quintessence, on Friday, April 15, at 1PM. Cullman and Bewkes, both of whom are accomplished collectors, will discuss living with antiques. At 5PM on Friday, Johanna McBrien, Editor-in-Chief of InCollect.com and Antiques and Fine Art magazine will moderate a panel discussion exploring the importance of objects and the passions behind collecting. Panelists include dealers Bruce Coleman Perkins of Flather & Perkins, Richard Rossello of Avery Galleries, and James Kilvington as well as collectors Dr. Robert Booth, Joan Johnson, and John Smiroldo, founder of InCollect.com and Antiques and Fine Art magazine. The ADA Award of Merit Dinner honoring renowned Philadelphia-based collectors, scholars and philanthropists Joan and Victor Johnson will take place at 8PM on Friday. Joan has been an associate chair of the Philadelphia Antiques Show since 1976 and is a long-time member of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she co-chairs the American Arts Committee.
- Still life with fruits and flowers. Reverse painting on glass. Offered by Steven S. Powers Works of Art & Americana.
The 54th Philadelphia Antiques & Art Show will kick off with a Preview Party on Thursday, April 14, and will remain open to the public through Sunday, April 17. Fore more information, click HERE.
For a sneak peek of some of the wonderful items that will available, click HERE.
