Trends To Explore At The Premier Hamptons Antiques Event

Over 50 antiques and art dealers will converge at Mulford Farm in East Hampton starting Friday, July 20 to present an exquisite array of unique antiques, art, jewelry and collectibles during the East Hampton Antiques Show. This year’s focus will be on vintage decorative items for the home and garden as well as art.

“As a historian, it seems to me that trends in antiquing are similar to how people are inspired by historical narratives. For instance, a once despised and ignored Alexander Hamilton, became all the rage on Broadway as his story and his significance was presented in a new way,” Maria Vann, Executive Director of the East Hampton Historical Society, shared. “When historical stories re-emerge in popularity, style trends can follow.”

As with many things, the trends are often cyclical. “There are waves of what is socially pleasing and antiques are routinely presented in new ways by expert designers. They set the stage for what larger consumer populations relate to with regard to style. For example, as the PBS Victoria series gained popularity, so did Victorian clothing trends…and now we are seeing more 19th century decor becoming popular,” Vann added. “History and antiquing trends appear to be parallel narratives, with antiquing being the physical manifestation of revisiting the past and making it present.”

The Antiques Show’s Designers Committee is comprised of 25 A-list interior designers, including Charlotte Moss, David Netto, Robert Stilin, Marshall Watson, Tom Samet and Nathan Wold.

The Douglas Davis booth at a previous show. (Courtesy Photo)

“Some people are talking about ‘Modern Nostalgia’ as they focus on trends in collecting and interior design for the season. A dealer from Hudson, New York, said that people are looking to blend the industrial with the American Farmhouse look,” reflected Richard Barons, Senior Museum Curator of the East Hampton Historical Society. “Items that conjure-up warm & fuzzy windows into the past are flying out of my gallery.” Posters, art student paintings from the ’60s, plank-seat kitchen chairs, quilts, and folk art birdhouses are among those “homey” items that are incredibly popular at the moment. “It might be time to come home to a room filled with warmth and comfort — a hideaway curated with an international blend ranging from beach to Bauhaus,” Barons added.

At the East Hampton Antiques Show, shoppers can expect to find gems like classic rattan and bamboo furniture, lighting, architectural elements, textiles, American and European country decorated furniture, garden ornaments, industrial items, wrought-iron accessories, trade signs, paintings, period jewelry, mirrors, weathervanes, and more.

“The most wonderful thing about this show is to experience the passion that every single vendor has for their particular specialty,” shared Scott Sanders, Designer and Honorary Chair of the East Hampton Antiques Show. “It’s infectious, and mixed with their comprehensive knowledge, I’ve been inspired to buy “outside of the box” and even, sometimes, outside of my own design comfort zone. Without fail, those pieces have turned into treasures, whether for me or my clients.”

The premier antiques event on Eastern Long Island will launch with a Preview Cocktail Party – with first access to the exciting selection of items – on Friday, July 20 and remain on view through Sunday, July 22.

The Lawerence Farms’ booth at a previous show.(Courtesy Photo)

“The BEST is always desirable. The market is changing – for the past 15 to 20 years Mid-Century Modern was hot,” added Brian Ferguson, Show Manager of the East Hampton Antiques Show, who has been working in the antiques field for 45 years. “Now I see clients mixing modern with the top of the line 18th and 19th century furniture, art and folk art. By curating with restraint and cherry-picking the best from each period, you can create tremendous visual appeal. That’s how you achieve the Wow Factor!”

For those that work up an appetite while wandering around the grounds marveling at the magnificent finds, bites from the on-site café by Bostwick’s & Debbie Geppert Events Catering Co. will be available.

Tickets for the Friday night Opening Night Preview Cocktail Party start at $150 per person and include entrance to the Fair over the weekend. Ticket proceeds from the Preview Cocktail benefit the East Hampton Historical Society. Junior Tickets (ages 40 and under) are $100. The entry fee to the Antiques Show on Saturday and Sunday is $10, with early buying at $20.

The Show will be open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with an early buying hour at 9 a.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mulford Farm is located at 10 James Lane in East Hampton. For more information, call 631-324-6850 or visit www.easthamptonhistory.org.