If the success of The Newport Show is at all telling, the decorative arts and antique market is experiencing an upswing in collector interest. During this year’s late-July event, the show raised a record-breaking $375,000 for the Newport Historical Society and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newport County, and more than 500 guests attended the Gala Preview party on opening night, where they got a sneak peek at the 40-plus exhibitor booths.
Becca Bertrand and Patrick Dolat were among a new set of younger collectors at the 2023 Newport Show.
“It was great to be back home at St. George’s School,” says show co-founder and chair, Anne Hamilton. “We were thrilled with record-breaking turnout for both the gala and the weekend. Most importantly, it was the best year of support to date, benefitting two important Newport non-profits.”
According to fellow show co-founder and show manager Diana Bittel, collectors seemed to be most interested in decorative items, especially paintings, garden antiques and jewelry; while furniture did not do as well this year.
Hamilton also noted that garden items, paintings, prints, decorative arts and nautical art was popular. In line with a recent article in The New York Times, touting millennials as the new collectors of antiques and Americana, Hamilton was thrilled to see a much younger crowd than ever before. “They actually bought art, paintings and some smaller things to mix in with their collections,” says Hamilton, adding that dark wooden furniture was not a huge seller among that demographic. “But many of the younger group expressed how they loved it and that they would be back.” Hamilton adds that perhaps removing the word “antiques” from the show name helped bring in younger buyers. “I also think that this resurgence is due to the appeal of mixing it up—showing old and new work side by side.”
Show co-founder and chair Anne Hamilton (left) with John Peixinho and Meg Braff at the widely attended Gala Preview party.
Throughout the weekend, The Newport Show attracted approximately 1,000 visitors. To date, proceeds from event sponsorships and ticket sales have raised over $3 million to support the Newport Historical Society, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County.
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