Charleston Welcomes Spring With

Antiques Show, House & Garden Tours

 

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Renowned for three centuries as “a city set in a garden,” Charleston will welcome the return of spring this year with two extraordinary events that will allow visitors to experience first-hand some of the nation’s most impressive antiques, historic interiors and garden design.

Organized by Historic Charleston Foundation, the 2007 Charleston International Antiques Show (CIAS) will kick off the first weekend of the foundation’s long renowned annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, which runs March 15–April 14 and is now in its 60th year. Proceeds from both programs support the preservation mission of Historic Charleston Foundation, which was founded in 1947 to protect Charleston’s architectural, historical and cultural integrity.

Held during the peak of the historic port city’s blooming season, the festival offers guests the rare opportunity to explore the private residential interiors and gardens of approximately 150 of America’s most distinctive historic houses in 11 colonial and antebellum neighborhoods.

Now in its fourth year, CIAS has quickly established itself as a premier destination for seasoned collectors as well as those who enjoy seeing and learning about the decorative arts.

“This show is the South’s answer to Boston, Philadelphia and New York City,” said Pete Prunkl of the Maine Antiques Digest. More than 30 nationally renowned dealers will return for the 2007 CIAS, featuring a diverse range of antiques from the late Seventeenth to the early Twentieth Century, including American, Asian and European furniture; silver and porcelain; textiles; ceramics; vintage jewelry and clothing; and garden furniture.

 “Founded in 1670, Charleston quickly rose to prominence as the colonies’ most significant seaport, importing the finest in Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century material culture,” said Kitty Robinson, HCF executive director. “Today the city’s legacy of Continental, European and Asian influences can be found in its alluring architecture, interiors and gardens. Because of this unique heritage, the foundation’s annual antiques show and house tours have attracted the attention of connoisseurs from around the world.”

Both CIAS and the festival offer a diverse range of entertaining and educational programs throughout their runs, including the CIAS Preview Party and Young Collectors Soiree, luncheon lectures, intimate behind-the-scene tours, a harbor cruise, oyster roasts and plantation visits, an “Evening with Mozart” concert at the historic Nathaniel Russell House and wine tastings. A complete calendar of events and ticket prices can be found at www.historiccharleston.org or by calling 843-722-3405.