By AML Publisher
Photos courtesy of the Chester County Historical Society
The 28th Annual Chester County Antiques Show features 18th and 19th Century American and Continental furniture, rugs, paintings, porcelain, glass, silver, jewelry, needlework and other decorative arts.
The 28th annual Chester County Antiques Show, benefiting the Chester County Historical Society (CCHS), is returning for its second year to the historic Westtown School near West Chester, PA the weekend of March 19 to 21, 2010. This year’s Honorary Show Chairs are Leonard A. King, President of the Devon Horse Show and his wife, Pat. In support of the Equestrian Traditions of Chester County theme, rarely seen trophies from the Devon Horse Show, including the Wanamaker trophy, will be showcased. Memorabilia from private collections in the Chester County equestrian community will complete this remarkable History of Champions loan exhibit. Kristine C. Lisi, one of the co-chairs of this year’s show and chair for the dealer’s luncheon, has been involved in the Chester County Antiques Show for three years. Lisi said that CCHS is excited to be partnering with the Devon Horse Show. “I think it’s a great marriage. And, anyone who is in the horse world knows and appreciate that Chester County is at the center of that culture. It’s a perfect fit.”
Described by Maine Antiques Digest as ‘the best venue for an antiques show in the Delaware Valley,’ Westtown School’s spacious new field house allows ample room for 59 dealers from eleven states to display their beautiful collections of antiques for purchase. With the winning combination of PECO as the renewed Presenting Sponsor, the 2010 Antiques Show is sure to be another winner. There is a Preview Party on Friday, March 19, to get an early viewing of this special loan exhibit and the wonderful array of beautiful antiques, as well as meeting the honorary show chairs, CCHS Board of Trustees, and fellow supporters.
The show’s preview party on Friday, March 19th is a perfect opportunity for the public to get a first look at the exciting collections.
Josh Barker, CCHS’s Special Events Coordinator, explained the meaning behind this year’s equestrian theme. “Every year we base our theme on a current exhibit at the historical society. Since we currently have an exhibit on Barbaro, a very famous horse who hails from Chester County, we felt that the equestrian theme would fit very well with our audience. And, Chester County has such a strong equestrian culture and tradition. The collections should be very exciting, the dealers have all been encouraged to showcase their best equestrian collections-from antique weathervanes to oil paintings, furniture and more,” enthused Barker.
The preview party on March 19th, which will be catered by Carlinos Market, is an exciting opportunity for the public to get a first peek at the fantastic antiques the show has to offer and peruse the aisles and meet with the dealers. On Saturday, there will be two free lectures regarding caring for furniture at 1pm and caring for artwork is at 3pm. In addition, there is a guided show tour available at the beginning of the day on Saturday and Sunday so shoppers can learn about each vendor and their exciting collections at the show. “On Sunday, we will have expert appraisers on hand which is really exciting. From 11-1pm on Sunday with paid admission, it is $5 for each item appraised which is a fantastic deal. If you sought out a local appraiser or auction house, it would be considerably more expensive,” explained Barker. Local experts from the Philadelphia area will be available for the appraisals.
Whether you are interested in purchasing or simply exploring a truly outstanding collection of antiques, the 2010 Chester County Antique Show is a must-see. The show runs all weekend from 10am – 7pm on Saturday and from 11am – 5pm on Sunday. General admission is only $15 and $12 for CCHS members. The money raised from the antiques show goes to the educational programming at CCHS.
The theme for this year’s show is Equestrian Traditions of Chester County. Rarely seen trophies from the Devon Horse Show will be on display.
The 28th Annual Chester County Antiques Show
When: Friday March 19th through Sunday March 21st
Show Hours: Saturday March 20th 10am to 7pm; Sunday March 21st 11am to 5pm
Where: The Westtown School
Website: ChesterCoHistorical.org
AroundMainLine.com: AroundMainLine.com is a proud signature sponsor of this year’s show.
Free Lectures: On Saturday, March 20th attendees can enjoy two free show lectures: ‘Caring for furniture’ at 1pm & ‘Caring for artwork’ at 3pm.
Expert Appraisals: On Sunday, March 21st from 11a.m. to 1p.m. with paid admission and $5 per item appraised.
Cost: $15.00 General Admission (Includes Show Catalog & Free Parking)
Preview Party: Friday, March 19th 6-9pm $130 admission, 5pm early admission $200
2010 Theme: Equestrian Traditions of Chester County
Why: The annual benefit for the Chester County Historical Society
For more information on the show or the Preview Party, please contact the Chester County Historical Society at 610-692-4800 or visit their website at ChesterCoHistorical.org.
CCHS is a not-for-profit educational institution whose mission is to promote an understanding of the history of Chester County and southeastern Pennsylvania by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting that history and its relationship to the region, and nation beyond, to audiences of all ages and interests.
