Spanning the weekend of January 12 through 14, the Washington Winter Show returns for another exciting installment of showcasing fine art and antiques, with a theme centered around the joy of collecting. This year’s 69th edition will see more than 40 prominent dealers from the U.S. and Europe, along with “the nation’s top names in design and historic preservation through educational lectures and panel discussions,” share event producers. Jonathan G. Willen, executive director, elaborates, “the [show] was founded in 1955 for the purpose of raising funds for local charities serving the needs of at-risk children and families…During the past 68 years, the Washington Winter Show has provided almost $10 million to its chosen charities and will benefit The Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys, St. John’s Community Services and Building Bridges Across the River in 2024.”
Agnes Millen Richmond (1870-1964), Fairy Tales, 1921. Oil on canvas, 36 x 32 in. Presented by Garvey Rita Art and Antiques.
Willen promises that there’s a “spark of joy” for everyone at this year’s extravaganza, which will set the stage for the 70th anniversary celebration in 2025. “We are most excited that we have several new dealers to showcase along with our loyal returning dealers,” he says. Willen also adds that Marjorie Merriweather Post, the founder of Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, the home of the loan exhibit, collected as she described “for the joy of it” and is the inspiration for the 2024 program.
In addition, Josh Young, an artist, designer and tastemaker based in Washington, D.C., is the artist in residence for the 2024 show. “Inspired by the fusion of Old-World elements married with bold, modern-day techniques, he has been experimenting with an avant-garde approach to classical portraits since 2009,” Willen shares.
Richard Frances Lahey (1893-1978), Eisenhower Day, Washington, June 18, 1945. Oil on Canvas, 26 x 17 in. Presented by Robert M. Quilter Fine Art.
Special programming begins Friday, January 12 with a luncheon and lecture by Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, founder of Woodstock Designs at 10:30 a.m. The Saturday Design Panel Where Beauty Meets Joy will be at 11 a.m.; the Splendor and Surprise: Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens lecture at 4:30; and Jazz Night cocktail hour at 6 p.m. Sunday will feature a lecture with waffles and mimosas: Planting the Seeds of Restoration at 11:30 a.m.
Horace Wolcott Robbins, Jr. (1842-1904), Along the River, 1871. Oil on canvas, 24 x 32 in. with frame. Signed and dated (l.l.): HW Robbins ‘71. Private Collection. Presented by Jeffrey Tillou Antiques.
Attendees can expect to find one-of-a-kind historic works like the colorful figurative painting by Agnes Millen Richmond (1870-1964). The piece titled Fairy Tales, 1921, is offered by Garvey Rita Art and Antiques based in Orleans, Massachusetts. Richmond was known for scenes such as this one—“[images] of both American indoor and outdoor life, in which men, women and children appear at ease in both their dress and their relation to the setting,” relays the Christie’s auction house website.
Other fine examples to watch for include a bustling urban painting by Richard Frances Lahey (1893-1978) titled Eisenhower Day, Washington, June 18, 1945, presented by Robert M. Quilter Fine Arts. Significant landscapes are featured by Jeffrey Tillou Antiques like Horace Wolcott Robbins’ (1842-1904) Along the River, 1871; and Thomas Chambers’ (1808-1869) The Birthplace of Washington, circa 1843-60.
Thomas Chambers (1808-1869), The Birthplace of Washington, ca. 1843-60. Oil on canvas, 27 x 35 in, Presented by Jeffrey Tillou Antiques.
Everything kicks off in elegant fashion on Thursday, January 11 with the VIP Reception from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by the Preview Night Gala running to 10 p.m. Visit the show website for ticket and detailed event information.
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