by Navy Yard
April 18, 2018
Categories: Events,
The Philadelphia Antiques Show was founded in 1966 to support the work of Penn Medicine, and this year’s association with the Philadelphia Museum of Art marks the beginning of a new era for an historic tradition. Held at the Navy Yard for three days this weekend, Philadelphians and visitors can explore exceptional works of art and design spanning four centuries at the 56th Philadelphia Antiques and Art Show.
Sixty-one of the nation’s most distinguished dealers will showcase some of the finest examples of 17th century through 20th century furniture, paintings, jewelry, crafts, silver, textiles, porcelain, and other works. The dealers, as well as guides and longtime show volunteers, will share stories of the objects through lectures, panel discussions and tours, enhancing the show experience for all guests. Proceeds from the event jointly benefit the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Penn Medicine. New this year, the work of Philadelphia furniture makers and fine and decorative artists, as well as porcelain and silver items, will take center stage in a special loan exhibit, “Philadelphia Collects Philadelphia,” featuring works from the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s collection. The special exhibit promises to offer a stimulating dialogue between historical and contemporary perspectives.
Businesswoman and collector Martha Stewart, along with Kevin Sharkey, co-authors of the book, Martha’s Flowers: A Practical Guide to Growing, Gathering, and Enjoying, will present a guest lecture discussing when to plant, nurture, and cut from your garden. The program, “Martha’s Flowers,” which is a separately-ticketed event, takes place at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 20, and includes show admission. Philadelphia Antiques and Art Show tickets are now on sale for the show, which will be held from Friday, April 20 through Sunday, April 22, at the Navy Yard, with a Preview Party on Thursday, April 19, and an Emerging Collectors’ Night on Saturday, April 21. Three additional lectures share insight into Philadelphia’s antiques and art history, and are included with show admission:
“Collecting Philadelphia: A Legacy of Art”
2:00 p.m., Friday, April 20
Alexandra Kirtley, the Montgomery-Garvan Curator of American Decorative Arts at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Elisabeth Agro, the Museum’s Nancy M. McNeil Curator of American Modern and Contemporary Crafts and Decorative Arts, focus on form, material, and ornament as they discuss collecting the art, antiques, and craft of Philadelphia. Sponsored by Flather & Perkins
“Buying and Selling Philadelphia: The Story of the Legendary 1929 Reifsnyder Sale”
2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 21
Emelie Gevalt, Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Delaware, explores the market forces, personalities, and mystique behind the sale of Howard Reifsnyder’s Philadelphia furniture collection. Presented by the Decorative Arts Trust
“The Pennsylvania Hospital and Its Historic Collection: Living History”
2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 22
Stacey C. Peeples, curator and lead archivist at Pennsylvania Hospital, talks about the hospital’s history, and tours, preservation, and restoration of the collections. Presented by the Decorative Arts Trust
“The Philadelphia Antiques and Art Show has long been regarded as one of the best of its kind in the country, and we are expanding the offerings in 2018 to accommodate new and broadening audiences,” said Anne Hamilton, 2018 Co-Chair. “Our guests can expect to see more 20th century furniture and pottery and contemporary art, as well as many objects exhibited in public for the first time,” she said. “Through the show and the loan exhibit, visitors will experience timeless great design,” said Karen DiSaia, show manager. “Colonial-era pieces will be presented alongside mid-century ones, and you will be able to see the connections between the two,” she said. “We want people to come and enjoy the journey through time that the show offers,” DiSaia added. “As they interact with some of the most informed art and antiques experts in the nation, they can expect it to be engaging, informative and fun.”
ABOUT THE PHILADELPHIA ANTIQUES & ART SHOW
Traditionally presented to raise funds to support Penn Medicine, and now for the Philadelphia Museum of Art as well, the new Show will feature more fine art galleries and offer the opportunity to see a wider spectrum of art represented. A growing list of dealers specialize in a mix of periods and styles, including American, English, Asian and Continental furniture, fine and decorative arts, silver, jewelry, ceramics, prints and Americana.
For a schedule of events or to purchase tickets, visit PhiladelphiaAntiquesandArtShow.com or call 215-763-8100.