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Charleston International Antiques Show Features Diversity

photo courtesy of Historic Charleston Foundation

More than 30 of the world's pre-eminent antiques dealers will participate in the first Charleston International Antiques Show, March 19-21, 2004. With a concentration on period furnishings and decorative pieces, the show will offer a diverse range of antiques, including vintage jewelry, quilts, garden furniture, textiles, ceramics, silver and porcelain.

Patrons attending the opening night Preview Party on Thursday, March 18, will have the opportunity to view and purchase exceptional antiques before the show opens to the general public.

Tickets for the Preview Party, which will include a show catalog, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in a festive setting, are $150 and or can be ordered by calling (843) 722-3405 or order online below.

The show will take place on High Battery at the Foundation's headquarters, the Capt. James Missroon House at 40 East Bay St., and will kick off the 57th Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens. Proceeds will support the preservation efforts of Historic Charleston Foundation.

"This is a rare opportunity to view and purchase some of the finest American, European and Asian antiques ever offered in this region," said Kitty Robinson, Executive Director of Historic Charleston Foundation.

Exhibitors include Michael Flanigan, owner of M. Flanigan American Antiques and an appraiser who has appeared on the "Antiques Roadshow" since its inception; Philip Suval, Inc., one of the oldest firms in the United States, specializing in Chinese and Chinese trade porcelain, as well as British and American ceramics; and Stella Rubin, quilt dealer and collector and author of "Treasure or Not? How to Compare and Value American Quilts."

Keeling Wainwright Associates, Inc. will manage the show. The firm has a prestigious roster of credits, including three of the top antiques events in the United States: the Philadelphia Antiques Show, the Ellis Antiques Show in Boston, and the American Antiques Show in New York.

Special events at the Charleston show include expert guided tours of the show and a Young Collectors' Soirée.

In addition, three luncheon lectures will highlight the weekend's program. On Friday, March 19, Jonathan Poston, Dircetor of Museums and Preservation Initiatives at Historic Charleston Foundation, will speak on "The Nathaniel Russell House: Recent Restoration and New Furnishing Acquisitions." On Saturday, March 20, Thomas Savage, Director of Sotheby's Institute of Art, will speak on "The Ones That Got Away: Charleston Decorative Arts in Collections Outside Charleston." On Sunday, March 21, Carrie Barratt, Curator of American Painting and Sculpture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will speak on "Charlestonians, Savvy Patrons of the Arts." Tickets are $45 per person to each luncheon lecture.

"Whether buying or browsing, guests will enjoy an eminent exhibition featuring some of the top dealers in the world. They may be furnishing a historic house or simply looking for that single piece to set off a contemporary room," Robinson said.

In addition to the stunning selection of antiques and fine art, attendees will enjoy a gourmet cafe, a full-service bar, and a gift shop. Daily admission is $15 and includes the show catalog.

For more information about the show, or to reserve tickets to the Preview Party, yong collectors' soirée, educational lecture series, call 843-722-3405 or order online below.




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