East Hampton Antiques Show; Old Becomes New Again

As history often repeats itself, so do the styles and value of antiques. Some timeless, some on trend, individual objects and wares come with their own story to tell. Returning for its 12th year, the East Hampton Antiques Show promises to bring together a myriad of antiques and art work on the grounds of the Mulford Farm, a 3.5-acre property circa 1680 maintained by the East Hampton Historical Society. The event, which benefits the nonprofit, is a celebration of history and old becoming new again.

The show focuses on vintage decorative items for home and garden as well as art. From classic to contemporary, traditional to the obscure, booths will display countless styles of objects including classic rattan and bamboo furniture, lighting, textiles, architectural elements, American and European country decorated furniture, Art Deco and Moderne, garden ornaments, wrought-iron accessories, industrial items, paintings, trade signs, period jewelry, weathervanes, and mirrors. East End vendors will include JED Design and Antiques, Hampton Gather, Polaris Gallery, Owen Swift Antiques, and Kitty Clay LLC.

[caption id="attachment_82852" align="alignleft" width="1000"] JED Design and Antiques[/caption]

“The most wonderful thing about this show is to experience the passion that every single vendor has for their particular specialty,” says interior designer and honorary chairperson of the East Hampton Antiques Show Scott Sanders. “It’s infectious, and mixed with their comprehensive knowledge, I’ve been inspired to buy ‘outside of the box’ and even, sometimes, outside of my own design comfort zone. Without fail, those pieces have turned into treasures, whether for me or my clients”.

Based in Manhattan, Sanders has been visiting East Hampton for more than a decade and is a supporter of the East Hampton Historical Society’s mission of collecting, preserving, presenting and interpreting the material, cultural and economic heritage of the town. Fellow designers, collectors, and dealers are expected to be among the patrons shopping the unique wares and art displayed by more than 50 antiques and art dealers.

Modern design often marries new and old, creating a distinctive aesthetic in which antiques complement locally popular styles like the farmhouse trend on the East End. Brian Ferguson, who manages the show and is an antiques dealer himself, sees clients mixing modern with 18th and 19th century furniture, art, and folk art. A single piece as a focal point or a collection of eclectic objects can be incorporated in the indoor and outdoor living spaces to create a strong visual appeal. What draws an individual to a certain antique or piece of art is just as distinct.

[caption id="attachment_82853" align="alignright" width="1000"] Polaris Gallery[/caption]

As a historian, East Hampton Historical Society executive director Marine Vann finds similarities between the appeal of antiques and the inspiration of historical narratives. “When historical stories re-emerge in popularity, style trends can follow,” Vann says, adding the PBS Victoria series has sparked a revived interest in 19th century décor. “There are waves of what is socially pleasing and antiques are routinely presented in new ways by expert designers. They set the stage for what larger consumer populations relate to with regard to style. History and antiquing trends appear to be parallel narratives, with antiquing being the physical manifestation of revisiting the past and making it present.”

Treasures are sure to be found at the East Hampton Antiques Show, which takes place on Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission to the show is $10 for the show. $20 gets visitors early access at 9 a.m. Bostwick’s and Debbie Geppert Events Catering Co. are providing an on-site café, offering light bites to full meals. The Opening Night Preview Cocktail Party will take place on Friday, July 20 at 6 p.m. Tickets begin at $150 per person.