Setting up for a show in early January is not fun. Loading and unloading a cargo van full of antiques when it is below freezing outside is really, well- bad. Dealers were grouchy, the promoter was preoccupied because someone fell on the ice and was hurt, the exhaust from my van was so thick that I could hardly see the boxes in the back, and my fingers were so cold they were numb. This was supposed to be fun? Note the ice on the drive. Even White's Ferry was closed due to ice on the Potomac.
The lane where we parked our vans--it was behind the athletic fields and we took a shuttle bus back and forth.
But, I loved the size of my space. It was 8 x 20 feet and papered in a nice, but muddy red. I was hoping the red would be clear--fire engine red-like the lipstick my grandmother wore in the 50s.
It took me and my assistant the entire day to set up. The dealer behind me hung his clip-on lights on my side and ripped holes along the edge of my paper. The then sent his wife over to complained that I was driving nails into their side of the wall. When I pointed out that they had ripped my paper, the wife frowned and hurried back to her side. It wasn't starting off well. One thing I have noticed about antique dealers at shows is they are extremely territorial. When you are paying a premium to be in these shows you want to make it count.
The Quilt Corner--is beginning to look better. I need a lot more quilts.
I recently acquired 5 bags of very nice linens. Even though I haven't completed sorting and pricing them, I brought about half in case someone was willing to dig through them. Another dealer, with a big interest in linens, went through much of them and purchased some really wonderful items. She also generously gave me a quick lesson on identifying point de Venice lace, chemical lace and machine-made lace. The show was beginning to look up!
The linen dealer, Snow Leopard, had a pretty booth. Following are some pictures.
She makes the scented pillows from vintage linens.
These art nouveau pillow cases were so pretty.
The dealer across from me, Ben, sells antique tools and other good stuff. He gave me some rock-solid business advice that I intend to follow. I also noticed that his booth, bright yellow with good lighting, drew in the customers like bees to honey. He also had a million things for sale. The more things for sale, the more to chose from, the more you actually sell. Note to self-buy more!
I'm on the left, Ben with his winning booth on the right. Look where the customers are.
The next few photos are of the promoter's booth. I like the clean look and the objects are of real value.
The promoter's husband, waiting for the show to open and the hoardes to arrive. They did.
One of the nicest dealer's around is Judy Brill of Brill's Antiques, Virginia Beach.
She and her sweet husband have beautiful 18th and 19th century furniture. Here is Judy visiting with us during a slow period during the show. Judy usually brings her dogs with her and sits with them in her large van. It was too cold for the dogs this trip so we got to hang out with her more than usual.
Judy Brill visiting with Ben's wife.
The Brills at the Chevy Chase show.
i love these hooked rugs.
An 1850s wrapper. This amazing wrapper has never been remade. It is in its original condition.
A dealer in French decorative arts admires these tinsel paintings. She has never seen any this early and in such great condition. The white ground in the top painting is very uncommon.
The black console is metal!
I did well in Middleburg. Now, to try the Big Flea. A different audience and a much smaller space.
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