The last time I exhibited at the Delaware Antiques Show was for its 50th anniversary in 2013. After many years at the San Francisco show, the date of which often conflicted, I am excited and privileged to return for the 61st instance of this auspicious, vetted event. This icon of the antique show circuit benefits the educational programs at Winterthur, the former estate of avid antiques collector and horticulturist, Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969). The show has a heavy focus on American antiques and those produced for the American market, and in these categories now handily maintains the title of the best antique show in the nation.
The show is unique because all items are sold with a written guarantee of the dealers, backed by the Winterthur Museum, which hand-selects the show’s exhibitors. For those unfamiliar with Winterthur, you should know that it was, in some senses, the DuPont answer to the Rockefeller’s Colonial Williamsburg. Winterthur is not a village, however, but a huge country estate with extensive collections, top shelf museum staff, many buildings and elaborate gardens, far and away less commercialized than its Rockefeller counterpart. Many of its academic programs for the study of antiques and conservation are unparalleled. It's collection of early American textiles is the best in the nation, as is its collection of early ceramics, made for the American market.
I encourage you to take the time to tour Winterthur when you visit the show. In addition to its programs and attractions for adults, there is a remarkable children's garden and a room where children can experience an early kitchen and antiques first hand.
Where?
The show is to be held at the Chase Center on the riverfront at 815 Justison Street in downtown Wilmington, which is about 100 miles from New York City and about the same distance from Washington, D.C., just off Interstate 95.
When?
The show opens with a benefit preview party on Thursday evening, Nov. 14th. Prices and times of entry are as follows:
Sponsor: $250 per person, includes admission at 5:00 pm
Patron: $175 per person, 6:00 pm entry
Young Collector: $125 per person, 6:00 pm entry
Regular show hours are Friday & Saturday 11-6 and Sunday 11-5. Regular admission is $25 per person, Children under 12 are free.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
All tickets are valid for admission to all days of the show and to Winterthur during the show dates. All lectures are included with show admission.
For the entirety of my career in the world of antiques I have been inspired by this venerable and auspicious Pennsylvania show. Founded in 1962 and widely recognized as one of the finest in the nation, the event returns this year for the 62st edition, making it the eldest charitable show in America.
Among antiques fairs dedicated to American Antiques specifically, The Philadelphia Antiques Show is, plainly and simply, the best. This is where museum-worthy objects find their way from the best dealers to the homes of top collectors. For this reason I am privileged to be among this strong list of veteran dealers.
The show is located in an elegant tent, erected smack dab in the middle of the courtyard of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, right at the top of the Rocky steps.
The 2024 Philadelphia Antiques Show Preview Party will take place on Thursday, April 24th, from 5pm - 9pm. 5 PM entry is $600/person. 6 PM entry is $300. Young Collectors (under age 40) may enter at 6 PM for a reduced cost of $150. All preview tickets are good for General Admission throughout the show.
2024 Regular Show Hours ($20 admission):
Friday, April 25th: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 26th: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, April 27th: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission Price: $20 ($18 for seniors), $16 for PMA Members, and a guided show tour is available at $25. Call me at (717) 676-0545 if you would like to receive comp tickets for general admission.
Location: The show will be held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, located at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130.
| Jeff R. Bridgman Antiques, Inc • Historic York County, Pennsylvania • Tel. 717-502-1281 or 717-676-0545 • info@jeffbridgman.com All images and Text © Jeff Bridgman 2001 - 2021 |