From November 2 to 6, the Irving Convention Center was transformed into a glowing exhibition of fine art, antiques and jewelry. Guests at the Dallas International Art, Antique & Jewelry Show were impressed at the size, quality and caliber of the show. With approximately 100 international exhibitors and more than 50,000 items for purchase, it was a show that exceeded all expectations.
“The Dallas International Art, Antique & Jewelry Show was the perfect fit for the sophistication and culture of the Dallas metroplex. The combination of top international exhibitors paired with a showcasing of the world’s finest antiques, art and jewelry delivered the quality show that you would expect to succeed in Texas,” stated Scott Diament, chief executive officer and co-owner of the Palm Beach Show Group, the event’s organizer. “We look forward to the show becoming an exciting annual event.”
Barbara Daseke chaired the private preview party on Wednesday evening benefiting The Arts Community Alliance (TACA). A $15,000 check was presented to TACA by Diament and Rob Samuels, owners of the Palm Beach Show Group. Hundreds of prominent collectors, industry experts, serious buyers and an A-list of guests attended a sneak peek of the show and enjoyed a champagne reception.
The show was a virtual treasure trove with collections of fine art, sculpture, furniture, silver, textiles, bronze, jewelry, Americana, rare books, porcelain, ceramics, watches, clocks, Asian art and antiques, carpets, glass and more ranging in date from the antiquities to the Twentieth Century. Many of the items were of museum or exhibition quality including, but not limited to, illuminated manuscripts exhibited by Dr Joern Guenther Rare Books, AG.
While browsing the collections, guests enjoyed the opportunity to speak with exhibitors about items firsthand and also received sound advice on the benefits of investing in this market. “The best investment a person can make, especially in today’s economy, is in hard, tangible assets like antiques, art and jewelry. In challenging economic times, the antiques, art and jewelry markets fare well and maintain their value when compared with traditional forms of investments, such as the stock market and real estate,” explained Samuels. “The added benefit of investing in antiques is that you can enjoy your investment for its beauty while also watching it appreciate in value over time.”
Guests seemed to heed this advice as sales remained constant throughout the show’s four-day run. Silver exhibitor Stephen Kalms of the United Kingdom further commented, “The economy has made its mark on practically every industry, including the antiques market. However, where many businesses are failing, this [antiques] market is remaining steady. People are still purchasing high-end, quality antiques, but they are looking to obtain the absolute best quality to fit within their financial means.”
Among the sale highlights during the show, DB Fine Art owner Dean Borghi sold Louis Ritman’s “Circus Broadside,” circa 1880s, while Carlson & Stevenson sold the “Music Man,” a late Nineteenth Century doll with a wood carved head, leather hands and a body stuffed with straw, which was acquired from a private collection. Carlson & Stevenson also sold a dressmaker’s doll circa early Nineteenth Century, a deaccession from a Texas museum in 1929.
Lion Heart Autographs sold a letter written by General George Patton to his mother. Haynes Fine Art of Broadway sold three paintings, including “La lecture; trios elegantes sur la terrasse” by Delphin Enjolras. Gioia sold a signature turquoise, onyx and diamond bracelet. Earle Vandekar of Knightsbridge sold an 1840 Chinese botanical water color and a 1740 Weinmann botanical engraving. LR Antiques sold a parure set of Victoria amethyst earrings, necklace, bracelet and pin and a French Victorian cabinet.
Sonny Ideker Bookseller had five significant sales, including an architectural book, a three-volume set of literature, a five-volume set of literature and a three volume set of history.
Only Authentic sold three fabulous handbags and four pairs of earrings.
Michael Pashby Antiques sold a museum quality Chinese export gilt and lacquer tripod table with dragon form feet.
French Country Living UK sold a total of eight pieces to one buyer on Friday, including an Italian, early Eighteenth Century early carved wooden statue by the Genovese sculptor Anton Maria Maragliano, along with an early Eighteenth Century French fireplace with original paint, two Italian forged metal consoles from an equestrian center and all of its stone animals, including a large frog.
J.S. Fearnley sold a heart-shaped diamond and sapphire necklace and bracelet, as well as a Buccellati ring. D&D Gallery sold a golf lamp and a whimsical golf orb. Past Era Fine Antique Jewelry sold a circa 1920 Art Deco platinum and diamond bracelet, signed by Tiffany & Co. Battledore sold a rare photograph of Ho Chi Minh visiting with children.
Art Link International sold three Daisy Papp Pop Art boot paintings, a Peter Max painting, “Beauty;” and “Windsor Castle” by Thomas Doughty.
Alexander Gallery sold a large painting by Paul Weber titled “Bridge on the Wissahickon.”
R&A International sold an Italian, custom-made 18K sapphire, ruby and diamond cocktail ring with Tahitian South Sea white and gold baroque pearls, as well as a Sardinian emerald and coral necklace with a coral and diamond clasp and an oxblood coral ring with 2 carat diamonds.
Robert E. Alker Fine Art sold a Robert Wood painting titled “Aurora” and “Indian Village Tx” by Julian Onderdonk.
Marlene Wong sold a Nineteenth Century diamond and jade brooch and an early Nineteenth Century amethyst woven snake bracelet.
Lynda Willauer Antiques sold a shell inlaid signed Clark of London clock with a moon face.
In addition to the shopping, many guests also enjoyed the complimentary educational lectures given by an impressive lineup of industry experts, many of whom were published authors and renowned authorities in their respective fields. Lectures were given by Alan C. Lowe, director, George W. Bush Presidential Library; Miller Gaffney, Miller Gaffney Art Advisory; and Dr Joern Guenther, Dr Joern Guenther Rare Books, AG.
In addition to the Dallas show, the Palm Beach Show Group operates several large, prestigious art, antiques and jewelry shows, including the Baltimore Summer Antiques Show, August 23′6; the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show, February 17′1; and newest gem in the Palm Beach Show Group crown, the Naples Art, Antique & Jewelry Show, scheduled to premier February 9‱3.
For information, www.dallasfallshow.com or 561-822-5440.
