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What better recycling effort can you imagine than collecting antiques? In 2008, this environmentally sound hobby will be made easier than ever at the 37th annual Madison Historical Society Antiques Fair. Educational and entertaining booth chats will be offered at no extra charge on Saturday, August 23, 2008. Right in their own booths at the Fair, five highly knowledgeable dealers promise to provide information and advice that will foster new appreciation for old treasures and help buyers discern a good investment. Each antique tells the unique story of its maker and its place and time of origin, and every antique is guaranteed to add personality to its next home. Collecting antiques is a highly personal process, involving a good eye and a thirst for knowledge of things past. Our speakers will help buyers make educated choices.
Each fifteen-minute booth chat will be offered once. The series of five chats occur on the half hour from 10:00 a.m. until noon.
The schedule is as follows:
10:00 a.m. Lew Scranton, Killingworth, CT. “The Qualities of Antiques”
Scranton, who celebrates 40 years in the business with deep family roots in Guilford, CT, specializes in top-quality early New England furniture and accessories, including iron work, silhouettes, redware, chalkware, and baskets, just to name a few. His booth chat will highlight the good, better and best of three slipware plates from Norwalk, CT. His knowledge is boundless and enthusiasm infectious.
10:30 a.m. Paul and Karen Wendhiser, Ellington, CT. “A New Twist”
Specialists in eighteenth- through twentieth-century American furniture, accessories, garden art, and folk art, the Wendhisers will offer an open forum to visitors. They want to know what is on YOUR mind. What do YOU want to see from an antiques dealer? What are YOU looking for these days? Do you want more education about antiques, decorating ideas, or tips to help you determine the value of the antique versus the collectible? Giving advice on how and where to purchase the best you can afford, the Wendhisers hope to answer all your questions and educate themselves on how best to serve your needs.
11:00 a.m. George C. Neumann, N. Attleboro, MA. “Arms of American Revolutionary War Soldiers”
Noted authority and author of books on early American antiques, including militaria, furniture, decorative accessories, and utilitarian items, Neumann owns probably the most extensive private collection of Revolutionary weaponry in existence. In business since 1959, he sold his first collection of military items to Valley Forge, which conveys the life of a Revolutionary soldier in battle and in camp. He has lectured at West Point and the Smithsonian Institution and is an experienced re-enactor.
11:30 a.m. Susan and James Vatell, Fine Art Ltd., Greenwich, CT. “Jewelry of the Victorian Period”
In the fine art and jewelry business for nearly twenty years, the Vatells will share stories of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, sentimental lovers of fine jewelry and originators of the engagement ring as we know it today. They offer for sale many one-of-a-kind antique pieces, including pendants, cufflinks, rings, and earrings, as well as high-quality and charming paintings by noted artists. The collector is guaranteed to learn more about these investment-quality collectible (and extremely wearable!) antiques.
12:00 p.m. Ann Marsh, Danbury, CT. “Containers for Home and Garden”
A specialist in McCoy and Shawnee pottery, as well as wire, wood, and metal containers, Marsh will bring to life her versatile collection of pottery and garden and home containers, relating their history and continued uses in today’s homes, both contemporary and antique. Marsh exhibits frequently in New York, Brimfield, and Farmington, and her knowledge is unsurpassed.
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