Philadelphia Antiques Show 2022

94 R EMEMBE RANCES with a variety of interesting articles from collectors and museum curators. Advertisers recognized that participation was worthwhile as ads were seen by a specific, sophisticated audience. Years ago, a dealers’ committee was instituted so that dealers could offer advice and suggestions as to the appropriate exhibitors to include. The show committee agreed it would be helpful and the dealers’ committee has been very active in offering advice. In the past, the advisory committee kept up with the dealers and investigated when new ones came to light who might be suitable. In the early years, there were no written guarantees from the dealers. Potential clients did not bring black lights and flashlights to inspect paintings and furniture when they came to the show. They did not ask to pull out drawers, take off brasses, turn pieces upside down or move out from the walls so they could see the backboards, nor did they stand on chairs to see the tops of high furniture. They trusted the dealers who had passed muster with the selection and advisory committees and did not doubt their expertise. The fact that they were included in this important show said more than enough and basically vouched for their knowledge and integrity. These days buyers are more interested in doing their own research to ensure everything is as advertised. Dealers now write up a full description of a piece including its faults and provenance as customers deserve full disclosure and the right to return an object if it is not as advertised. Today, so much information is available. Collectors are serious and research endlessly. They read antique magazines and they know what things sold for at various auctions. They follow what they love and become experts in their own rights. They trust their dealer friends, but they confirm for themselves. The best dealers are forthright and ethical; if not, they will be exposed by the customer or another dealer. Mistakes can be made but must be acknowledged and corrected immediately. Evolution of shows continues. The Boston Antiques Show no longer exists; Washington includes a variety of different dealers and New York has opened its arms to many international dealers so their once American emphasis has shifted dramatically. Delaware, like Philadelphia, maintains its mission to focus on American material with the assistance of Winterthur. The Philadelphia Show continues its extraordinary reputation for featuring American objects. The Philadelphia Show has maintained many of the unique characteristics that make it distinct and special. The volunteer committee continues to be as dedicated, hardworking and essential for the success of the show as they were from the beginning. While the cast of characters has changed from the daring ladies of the Board of Women Visitors of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania who took a chance on a fresh idea for a fundraiser, to the equally committed Women’s Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in tandem with members of the former Antiques Show committee, the enthusiasm and energy remains. The Park House Guides still provide tours as they have for so many years. While there is no longer a fancy seated preview dinner, there are wonderful cocktails and light fare to enjoy while you move about the show floor. The loan exhibit continues to delight and