Inspired By Nature: Carved, Stitched, Painted, Crafted

A Benefit For Chester County Historical Society

WEST CHESTER, Penn. — Each year, Chester County Historical Society holds the Chester County Antiques Show to benefit the society’s educational programs. This year’s 26th annual show, “Inspired by Nature; Carved, Stitched, Painted, Crafted,” will be March 1–2 at the QVC Studio Park, 1200 Wilson Drive. The show has several new dealers in categories that have been under-represented in the past. It is the aim of the committee to pursue quality and diversity, while creating a balanced show for all tastes.

Collette Donovan from Merrimac, Mass., will be joining us for the first time. Donovan is well known for her fine selection of early textile offerings, including bed coverings and hooked, shirred and yarn sewn rugs. She also handles country American furniture, carefully selected in old and original surfaces.

A new category will be added by Jonathan Looper of Phoenixville, Penn.; he is known for his extremely early English and European furniture and decorative arts dating from the Fifteenth through the early Eighteenth Century.

Chuck White of Warwick, N.Y., will be showing his select American folk art and high country period furniture, which will expand this category in a show that has traditionally been known for more formal furniture.

Wayne and Phyllis Hilt from Haddam Neck, Conn., will be bringing an exceptional selection of Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century American and English pewter, American coverlets, baskets and hearth wares.

Ron and Joyce Bassin of A Bird in Hand Antiques in Florham Park, N.J., will be returning with a mix of period furniture both formal and painted, stoneware, decoys and folk art. James Galley from Lederach, Penn., known for his large inventory of fine early Chinese porcelain, returns after a long absence. Also returning is well-known folk art dealer Gregg Kramer of Robesonia, Penn.

Through the years the Friday night preview has become a heavily attended gala event enjoyed by both serious collectors and Chester County Historical Society supporters alike. Delicious and creative food provided by Jimmy Duffy & Sons Catering, music and an early opportunity to buy the treasures offered make this a night not to be missed. Tickets for the preview party are $130; tickets for early admission at 5 pm are $200. A $2,000 shopping spree will be raffled off on preview night, with three tickets for $25. 

Show hours are Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm, and Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm, with a free guided tour at show opening on both days, hosted by former show chair and collector Susan Hudson. On Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm, there will be verbal insurance appraisals given, with a $5 fee per item in addition to show admission.  For additional information visit www.ChesterCoHistorical.org or call 610-692-4800.