Hi everyone:
In my blog last month about “the itch” I said I would report on Manchester, 2025 and I shall do so. Travel proved once again to be “interesting.” My flight out of Milwaukee on Southwest for Baltimore was on time but Southwest decided to send it to Texas instead, so I left an hour late. At least I did not have to tear through Baltimore’s airport for my connecting flight as that was late as well.
I passed on the show at Concord, choosing instead to head to David Hillier’s shop, Antiques Associates at West Townend. I heard that Deerfield was slow although I know of at least one dealer who did gangbusters there. And I heard that the show at Concord was not as good as last year, but I cannot confirm that. I do not in any way mean to disparage either of these shows. I am simply reporting what was said to me.
David had wonderful pieces in his shop, probably better furniture than what was shown at the Collectors Fair and the Dealers Show combined. Not a lot of furniture at either which says something about the market. I purchased a high-country maple lowboy from David. I had seen it online and liked it. It was better in person. David and I negotiated a fair price and that made my decision for me. It will be brought to Chipstone near Milwaukee by Scott Cousins next week (fingers crossed). My wife and I cannot wait for it to be in our home – a wonderful piece.
I was in line early for Karen’s show, The Collectors Fair, number 7 on my sticker, I believe. The weather was gorgeous, not the usual heat and humidity that is typical. Asl always, delicious conversation in line (for both shows). The show was a good one. I sent my wife a photo of a cat painting. She passed on it and it sold early. I also sent her several photos of Black dolls from both shows and she passed on all of them. I did not purchase at The Fair. There was a redware plate with “James” in script on it, very affordable and in wonderful condition. But I decided I would continue to emphasize women’s names for my collection. As usual the venue was wonderful, one of the best venues of all the shows each year. People seemed to be buying.
I was in line early for the Dealers Show Thursday morning and the line seemed the usual 700+ people by the time the doors opened. While in line I talked with one dealer about a piece of redware he has with “Hetty” on it (short for the German Henrietta meaning “home ruler”) I believe. There were some wonderful pieces at the Dealers show and I found a very nice small native American basket to add to our collection. The Belknap painting of a woman in David Schorsch’s booth is to die for and I lust after it
Coming home was simply long. Up at 4 am Midwest time, almost 3 hours waiting in line, the show itself and then off to the airport. My flight into Baltimore was on time but I had a 6-hour layover – ouch! My flight into Milwaukee was on time and we were on the ground at 11 pm Midwest time. I was home at 1 am, a 21hour day. I am getting too old for such things.
I hope that the dealers did well. The industry could use a strong few days. My itch for an addition to our collection went away. As usual I found it invaluable to see dealers’ wares and talk with collectors and dealers at length. If you have questions, let me know.
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