The exhibitor list in this prestigious show contains a lot high-end dealers such as Whitley Collection who specializes Royal Doulton will be there. Tomorrow there will be a panel discussion about Designing with Antiques in the Modern World.

AVENUE-Wendy Antiques & Art at The Armory
Thursday, December 4th and run until Sunday, December 7th, 2008.

The Park Avenue Armory
643 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10021
Admission: $20

The Pier Antique Show, continuing through today in Manhattan, was one of the most enjoyable shows I have attended in some time. There I found a wide variety of merchandise, and knowledgeable dealers. One of the nicest things is when you come away from a show with new knowledge or new interest. I had valuable conversations about antique ceramic tiles, Wedgewood and Royal Doulton in the 1876 Philadelphia Exposition. What I didn't see was much 19th Century American furniture. Talking with one local dealer about this, he said "brown furniture is out," and he couldn't bring it to shows anyway, because it's too heavy. One piece I did see was a 19th Century Classical sofa, with circa 1970s black plastic upholstery. "I can't believe they did that to it," I said to the dealer. She seemed somewhat defensive, so I added, "I bet it wouldn't have sold otherwise though." She responded with "probably not."

Here is the information about Pier Antiques Show on Nov 15-16, 2008.

And wear a good pair of shoe since there are 500 exhibitors.

From my few words to dealers, it seemed that things weren't so great in terms of sales last weekend at the Gramercy Antiques Show. One dealer had been coming for more than ten years, but this was probably the worst. This informal survey was confirmed by the fact that I was there twice, probably for some four hours and didn't notice anyone leaving with anything.

If you read Maine Antiques Digest, you might notice some bargains going through auction. One example in the most recent issue is a Philadelphia Chippendale Chair, estimated at three times its selling price. A Belter table, one that would hve brought $20,000 or more a few years back, went for $8,000.

That the mid-market isn't good isn't news. Now it seems even the high-end isn't so hot. Take for example the recent news from Sotheby's.

Have antiques just fallen out of favor? Perhaps for now. I do think low to mid-range buyers are squeezed in places like New York by housing costs. The trendy glass condo look has encouraged shopping at Ikea rather than a flea market or antique shop. At the mid to high end, especially in terms of American antiques, there's just not a good feeling about the country and its heritage right now, and aside from the economy, that's not helping. But as JP Morgan noted long ago about markets, whether they be finance or antiques, they will fluctuate.

The Gramercy Antiques Show provided my first experience at a New York show. The show provided a lot more eclecticism than I am used to. I'm not sure if this is a recent trend in New York, or if it's always been more diverse in its merchandise. While shows in the Mid-Atlantic Region have been trending to a wider mix of styles, booths with no distinct period or style seemed to outnumber those with a narrower focus. I do suspect that those who decorate a period home with period furnishings, or even decorate exclusively in a specific period are lessening. Ten years ago, I know the shows in the Mid-Atlantic would have far more early-American and classical booths than they do today, and I suspect they started dissapearing from New York shows before then.

The other phenomena is the diverse population at a New York show. While still largely and older white crowd, there was more diversity than would be in an Ohio show. More, because of the diverse nature of the city, New Yorkers are exposed to a variety of cultures and their decorative arts and are more likely to collect a diverse range of objects. I should mention there are more European dealers in New York than would be at a Mid-Atlantic show, although they focus on decorative arts more than furniture.

The economy of course is a bit of a bear right now, and Helaine Fendelman, Hearst Publishing Columnist, Estate Advisor, Author & Collector spoke to that effect during her tour/talk. Fendelman quoted the recent New York Times Editorial by Warren Buffet saying "Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful." She also referenced the newfound green nature of an antique, and encouraged consumption during the downturn in the hopes that a parian here, a budda there would jumpstart the economy.

I didn't leave with anything, but I did enjoy pondering a number of items at the show and just might be there again tomorrow.

This weekend, don't miss "Antiques - A Silver Lining in The Storm" Sat., Oct. 25 @ 2p.m. at the Gramercy Antiques Show. A show walk-through and talk on the financial benefits of buying antiques in uncertain times with Helaine Fendelman, Hearst Publishing Columnist, Estate Advisor, Author & Collector. Helaine will point out collecting trends and good values that can be found right at the show. http://preview.tinyurl.com/5pfjev

Also, maybe times aren't so tough yet in Chicago, the second annual Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fall Fair reported it brought more than 100 dealers and thousands of visitors to The Merchandise Mart, Chicago from Oct. 3 – 6, 2008. Its success once again designated the show as one of the premier antiques fairs in the country.

“Both participation and attendance of the Antiques Fair was very strong,” said Joan Ulrich, senior vice president of Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. “Even in this turbulent economy, many of the dealers had a great show, which shows the value and allure of high-quality antiques.” The Fall Antiques Fair began with a Preview Party on Oct. 2, benefiting the Lincoln Park Zoo. “People from throughout the community attended and everyone showed their over whelming support for the zoo and the Antiques Fair.” said Marty Peterson, 2008 Merchandise Mart Preview Party event chair.