The eighth annual Nantucket Show, formerly the Nantucket Summer Antiques Show, enjoyed a successful run at the Boys and Girls Club of Nantucket in early August. The event kicked off with a VIP preview party that benefitted the Nantucket Historical Association and drew more than 1,200 attendees over the course of the weekend who came to browse the booths of 31 hand-picked fine art and antique dealers from the United States, Europe and England.
England-based William Cook Antiques brought three rare chairs in mint condition from the coronation of King George VI, the coronation of his daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, and one from Prince Charles’ investiture as the Prince of Wales.
Highlights included an extremely rare early 19th-century map of Nantucket that still had its original scroll bars, courtesy of Arader Galleries; and three chairs from the coronation of King George VI, the coronation of his daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, and one from Prince Charles’ investiture as the Prince of Wales brought to the show by William Cook Antiques.
A summer tradition on Nantucket for over 30 years and produced by the Antiques Council for the last eight, the event attracts a wide audience of both summer and year-round residents and vacationers.
“A number of our dealers had strong shows selling to both new and returning clients, many of whom bring their friends and houseguests to do the same,” says Kaye Gregg, director of shows for the Antiques Council and owner of Chicago-based Finnegan Gallery.
David Brooker of David Brooker Fine Art noted the 2023 Nantucket Show was his most successful to date.
Gregg said furniture continues to sell and decorative accessories and paintings were particularly strong. “Decorative items from all periods did well,” says Gregg, as did folk art and Nantucket-related items. Although the council doesn’t track exact demographics, it was noted that there were many younger buyers in attendance this year. “We’ve noticed an increasing interest in incorporating antiques into most any décor as opposed to sticking with a specific genre,” says Gregg. “There is clearly a focus on both individuality and sustainability. We have always maintained that mixing any and all periods and genres is a great way to create an inviting and interesting environment.”
Plans are already in motion for the 2024 show. Visit www.nantucketsummerantiquesshow.com or call (330) 606-8226 for more information.
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