The Antiques Council, an international association that vets the dealers and objects of its members and shows, returns this March with the annual Charleston Show in the historic South Carolina city.
“Authenticity is extremely important, and we have developed written standards to guide exhibitors,” says Kaye Gregg, Antiques Council director of shows and owner of Chicago’s Finnegan Gallery. “We require that all exhibitors label and guarantee their merchandise in writing on a sales receipt which states the approximate age, origin, condition and restoration, if any, of all pieces that are exhibited. Additionally, we engage an independent appraiser to review the items in the show to help ensure our standards are met.”
John James Audubon (1785-1851), Snowy Heron or White Egret, plate 242. Aquatint engraving with original hand color. Engraved and printed by Robert Havell, London (1827-1838), 37¾ x 247/8 in. Courtesy Arader Galleries, Philadelphia, PA.
19th-century carved wood pilot house eagle, ca. 1840. Wood, 24 x 30 in. Courtesy Thurston Nichols, Bethlehem, PA.
Offerings from 30 internationally-recognized exhibitors include fine traditional and contemporary paintings, works on paper and sculpture; antique and mid-century furniture and accessories; antique and contemporary prints of botanicals and maps, silver, antique rugs and garden antiques. In addition, a wide selection of vintage jewelry and accessories will also be available at the Charleston Show.
“The show presents a range of specialties and an international roster of exhibitors, carefully selected to ensure both variety and quality,” says Gregg. “We work very hard to curate an interesting mix that is not too heavily weighted to any one field.”
The exhibitor booth of Silver Art by D and R, an art dealer specializing in fine French antiques.
2024 show-goers mingle at United Kingdom-based exhibitor William Cook Antiques.
Gregg adds that “at an Antiques Council show, it is not just about what is offered, but the opportunity to interface with dealers who are experts in their fields and passionate about what they offer. Each dealer has a deep knowledge of their specialty and the enthusiasm to share ideas and insights with their customers to guide them to make the right choices.”
Saturday will feature a talk and book signing by internationally-recognized interior designer Timothy Corrigan titled “At Home in France: Inspiration and Style in Town and Country,” as well as a panel discussion on “Living with Antiques” with three notable designers on Friday and, on Sunday, a presentation by Drayton Hall Preservation Trust: “Through the Looking Glass: Decorative Arts Deconstructed.”
The event kicks off with a gala preview party on the evening of March 20, benefiting the Drayton Hall Preservation Trust, and the show opens to the public Friday, March 21, through Sunday, March 23. For details and to purchase tickets visit www.thecharlestonshow.com or call (330) 606-8226. —
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