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Philadelphia Antiques Show Presents Premier Events

Philadelphia Empire Furniture — Bold, Brash And Beautiful

 

The loan exhibit of the 46th annual Philadelphia Antiques Show, April 14–17 is titled “Philadelphia Empire Furniture — Bold, Brash & Beautiful,” and will showcase Philadelphia furniture inspired by classical architecture, monuments and archeology. Several premier events will elaborate on this theme.

The Girard College Trolley Tour will be Sunday, April 15, 8:45 am to noon. After enjoying a continental breakfast at the Philadelphia Antiques Show and a chartered trolley ride, your tour, conducted by the curators of Girard College and Stenton, will highlight the architecture of the school, as well as the Stephen Girard Collection. Girard was a Philadelphia ship captain, merchant and banker.  Founder’s Hall, located at the college, is considered one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the country. In addition, this exhibit is Philadelphia’s greatest intact single-owner collection from the early national period — 1780 to 1830. Furniture, ceramics, silver, textiles and paintings from Philadelphia, England, Europe and China will be on view. At the time of his death in 1831, Girard was one of the richest men in America. The money he left to create Girard College was one of the largest private charitable donations of its time and an unprecedented act of philanthropy.

 “The Craze for Grecian Taste in America, 1810–1840,” a lecture by Wendy A. Cooper, Lois F. and Henry S. McNeil Senior Curator of Furniture, Winterthur Museum, on Sunday, April 15, 1:30 to 2:30 pm. Spurred by Napoleon’s voracious appetite for adopting the taste and styles of the classical world, wealthy Americans from Maine to Georgia soon followed by acquiring Americanized versions of French and English interpretations of furniture and furnishings inspired by the ancients.  Usually based on the countries of origin of those crafting these artful accoutrements, some were more French, and others more English — but none were less than American.  In this lecture Cooper will explore the various regional expressions and preferences, highlighting major patrons and the glorious objects that adorned their homes from Boston’s Beacon Street to Charleston’s Battery.

The Philadelphia Antiques Show welcomes the daughter of renowned fabric designers Flora and Franco Scalamandré, Adriana Scalamandré Bitter.  Bitter will  share her personal memories of her celebrated family on Monday, April 16, from 11 am to 1 pm. Since 1929, Scalamandré has created magnificent fabrics for the world’s most illustrious clients using stimulating color palettes, exquisite fabrics and vibrant prints. In addition, Scalamandré is a major manufacturer of historical fabrics and textiles, recreating pieces for the White House, San Simeon Castle and Monticello. Scalamandré has a remarkable reputation for its extraordinary level of quality, taste and style.

For nearly a century, Neiman Marcus has stayed focused on serving the unique needs of their market. Today, that commitment has extended to assisting the communities in which they are the premier specialty retailer. Neiman Marcus, King of Prussia, is pleased to partner with the Philadelphia Antiques Show as they present “The Art of Fashion” Spring 2007 Collections on Tuesday, April 17, noon to 1:30 pm.  View the latest trends of the season while models informally showcase the “Must Haves” of the season.

For ticket prices, event packages, registration and additional information, call 215-387-3500 or visit www.philaantiques.com.