Bringing the Past into the Present
The Nantucket Historical Association’s 31st annual August Antiques Show, opens Thursday evening, July 31 with a special preview party from 6 to 9 p.m. that gives those attending a first look at the show being held in the Nantucket New School, 15 Nobadeer Farm Road, before the doors officially open. Valet parking will be offered. Tickets are $100 and include admission to all three show days.
The prestigious Antiques Council, dedicated to ensuring the quality of antiques and historical works of art, manages the August Antiques Show. People come from across the country to Nantucket to view American and English furniture, fine art, Oriental rugs, books, maritime antiques, folk art, and Nantucket memorabilia. “The NHA August Antiques Show is now known as one of the best shows on the east coast,” said Show Chair Vicki Livingstone. “Many people come from near and far to see this wonderful event, which would not be possible without the support of all of our Underwriters, fabulous committee, volunteers and staff. These are the people who make this show a reality.”
Starting Friday, August 1 and continuing through Sunday, August 3, the show will be open to the public from 10 a.m. Thirty-nine antiques dealers from Nantucket, the Northeast, and Portugal will attend to show and sell their wares. Said Livingstone enthusiastically: “it’s exciting: we have five new exhibitors and one that is back after a year hiatus. It’s a well-respected show with just beautiful, beautiful things. It’s the best volunteer job I’ve ever had.” Local antique dealers at the show include Alastair Crawford with George Jensen silver, Cunha-St. John Antiques, Forager House Collection, Nina Hellman Marine Antiques, and Sylvia Antiques.
The show also features a Collectors’ Booth, which Livingstone said “is the only non-dealer booth in the show and has had some very notable items.” For weeks, the committee has been accepting donations of attic treasures and decorative accessories of quality and interest. The booth will feature affordably priced antiques and collectibles, making it an ideal stop for novice collectors looking to enhance their interest in and knowledge of antiques. It can also be a great place for experienced collectors to find something unique.
A very special Antiques Show Dinner, hosted by Trianon Seaman Schepps in honor of Shelton Ellis, will be held on Saturday, August 2 at the Oldest House on Sunset Hill.
Tickets to the Dinner and to the Preview Party were still available at press time and can be purchased by calling the NHA at 508-228-1894, ext. 0. The NHA Antiques Show is open to the general public for a $10 admission fee on Friday and Saturday, August 1 and 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, August 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The August Antiques Show is the major fund-raising event for the NHA’s preservation and education programs.
