A record-breaking number of attendees and sales was reported at the annual return of the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show. The show, which featured over 180 world-renowned dealers, saw a significant increase in attendance and sales, exceeding all expectations for the year. The show, which ran from February 17-21 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, was a huge success, with many dealers reporting strong sales and a well-received show overall. Scott Diament, President and CEO of The Palm Beach Show Group, noted that the show is a significant cultural event that has been brought to Palm Beach County for nine consecutive years. He stated that the show is a great way to see how art and antiques work in real lifestyles, adding new features to the show to incorporate design into the lives of attendees. The show’s charity sponsor, the Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF), worked closely with the show management to add these new features. A champagne reception was held on Friday’s Preview Evening to showcase a special room with five vignettes designed by nationally-acclaimed AD 100 interior designers. The reception was a huge success, with attendees delighted to see how art and antiques from the show could be incorporated into their daily lives. Audrey Gruss, founder of HDRF, noted that the show is about creativity and beauty, and that it’s wonderful to see how it can enhance your life. Dealers reported strong sales throughout the show, with many old clients and new clients alike meeting to discuss potential purchases. The show’s dynamic lecture series also drew a large crowd, with Miller Gaffney speaking on Passions, Collecting Art & Antiques. Some notable sales highlights from the show include:
• The Englishman Fine Art & Antiques sold an important contemporary piece of a Venetian Scene for just under $150,000
• Gavin Spanierman sold an important John Edward Costigan painting called The Bathers, circa 1962
• Onessimo Fine Art sold a unique piece, Two Almond Trees, Azur Sky by Bruno Zupan
• Lion Heart Autographs sold a typed letter of President Gerald Ford, a photo of Charles Lindbergh in front of the Spirit of St. Louis from 1927, a typed letter from Jackie Kennedy Onassis, and a book signed by Charles de Gaulle
• Rehs Galleries sold two Antoine Blanchard 1960s paintings, one Sally Swataland contemporary painting, and one Ben Bauer painting, 27Below
The show also featured a wide range of art and antique dealers, including Haynes Fine Art, Percy’s Silver, Valerio Antiques, and Sallea Anitques. Many other dealers also sold notable pieces, including Michael Goedhuis Gallery, which sold a Liu Dan, contemporary Chinese ink painting for $250,000. Additional comments from exhibitors include:
“It felt like the largest crowd ever for an opening night,” said Charles Puckett of Charles Edwin Puckett
Paul Vandekar of Earle Vandekar of Knightsbridge sold a very important fine Chinese Export Famille Rose shaped tureen, cover and stand, circa 1750. They also sold a Victorian bamboo table, first period Worcester Blue Scale broth bowls and covers, circa 1770, and a Beverley Morris 1855 painting. Nick Boston from Nick & Martine Boston Antiques noted that the evening was packed and filled with interesting people. Tim Stevenson of Carlson & Stevenson Antiques sold a few pieces opening night, including an 1821 watercolor painting. Tom Veilleux of Tom Veilleux Gallery said, “It’s not just about what you sell, but who you meet and the connections you make. I love this show, and that’s why we keep coming back.”
Debbie Wilson of Vendome Inc. said, “Good sales, fantastic interest, great crowds. It’s been a beautiful show.”
Doug Hill of French Country UK said, “Great quality dealers and exhibitors here at the show. We are very happy with the number of people who attended. We have had lots of old and new clients come to see us.”
David Brooker of David Brooker Fine Art said, “We are very happy with the number of people who attended. We have had lots of old and new clients come to see us.”
Danny Arbusman from Jewels by Viggi said, “We are pleased with the sales. We have sold quite a bit of emerald cut diamond wedding bands.”
David Rosenberg, President of Rosenberg Diamonds, said, “By far the best show ever with the quality attendance in our booth. Show seems to be up 30% higher than it was last year. Our sales have been in the seven figures.”
The Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show will be held next year from February 15-19, 2013, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. For more information, please contact Chrissy Lambert, director of public relations, at 561.822.5440 or chrissy@palmbeachshow.com, or visit www.palmbeachshow.com.