The 2017 Washington Winter Show opened last night to welcome a capacity crowd, thanks in part to an unusually balmy January evening, for the ticketed preview party at The Katzen Arts Center. Over the years, the week-end long event has raised millions of dollars for local charities and has fostered an extended community of antique enthusiasts, design lovers and history buffs at all levels of collecting.
This year’s Winter Show theme, “The Art of Style,” celebrates the timeless elegance and sophistication of good design. True artistry is behind the best of fashion and interiors as well as antiques and art, and “The Art of Style” recognizes the mastery of creativity and skill by great designers, craftsmen and artists.
Mastery was on display at G. Sergeant Antiques where a Pair of Game Tables made from striped maple with American secondary woods wowed potential collectors. The elegant lines, beautiful craftsmanship and perfect color choice of moss green felt would mix well with the palette and modern touches favored in today’s interiors (shown above).
Local dealer Christopher H. Jones had an interesting corner cupboard, thought to be made in Delaware. His research on the all-over repeating angular design led him to narrow down the origin to an area from New Jersey to Delaware. The design was quite unusual and created an aura of attitude that was commanding of attention.
Awareness of the tabletop is gaining strength, and it was nice to see a broad array of porcelain and pottery. Dubey’s Art & Antiques displayed a wonderful selection of Chinese Export Porcelain. One piece in particular, a rare example from c. 1760 had J. Pierpoint Morgan Provenance.
Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge had a handsome Pair of Paris Porcelain Green and Gilt Hunting Vases, c. 1825 that seamlessly blended with his extensive collection of Vintage Fornasetti plates. Every year, Vandekar displays humor and whimsy alongside more traditional and serious pieces, and the result is always engaging for collectors.
For those who were lucky enough to make it up to the third floor, the reward was a stunning display of flags from Jeff R. Bridgman. Bridgman’s knowledge of his subject is impressive.
Best in show, however, goes to James M. Kilvington Inc. The George II Games Table from the collection of Malcolm Forbes was an eye catcher. In impeccable condition, the table had a fabulous needlepoint top with playing cards and flowers, together with great proportion and carving, not to mention it was fairly priced.
So let the games begin – collecting has never been more exciting, and there has never been a greater time to begin a collection or add to one than today. The level of knowledge among those exhibiting at the Washington Winter Show is a tremendous resource, so be sure to visit the 2017 winter show before it ends on January 15, 2017.
The Washington Winter Show 2017
Hours:
Friday: 11 am – 7 pm
Saturday: 11 am – 8 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 5pm
Location:
The Katzen Arts Center
American University
4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20016
