US Antique Shows reported brisk sales, from local and international collectors and dealers alike, at the 50 th Anniversary of The Original Miami Beach Antique Show, which took place February 3-7 th , 2011 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. As the largest indoor antique show in the world, the show has become known for its vast variety of spectacular antiques, international attendees and dealers spanning all regions of the globe. The show, located in Miami Beach for all of its 50 successive years, hosts more than 800 dealers.
As this was the event’s 50th Anniversary celebration, the opening day of the show, February 3 rd , was proclaimed “The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Day” by the city of Miami Beach. Attendees at the show included many international collectors and gallery owners as well as celebrities and local officials, such as Emilio Estefan, Miami Beach Mayor Mattie Bower, and numerous Miami socialites, who had the opportunity to peruse truly one-of-a-kind antique pieces. On display were such rare items as an El Greco painting from The Renaissance era, a Porsche 911 hood signed by Frank Sinatra and Imperial Russian antiques, to name a few. Great sales were reported by a wide array of very happy dealers.
Scott Thomas of Deco2 Mid-Century Furniture commented,” I sold out in 10 minutes the first day of the show. The second day, we brought in 12 pieces and sold seven. I’ve done this show for two years now and last year met one of my best clients here. Of the 3 shows I participate in, this is my best show. I’m thinking of only doing this one.”
Aaron Newman, Owner of Atlanta, GA based Steve Newman Fine Arts stated, “The interest we have received this year has been the strongest we have ever seen. People were looking for and showed extremely high demand for Modern Art. In particular, we received strong interest in our modern sculpture and paintings. Specifically, some of our sales consisted of Lapis Vases by Asprey of London and an abstract granite sculpture by the well known American artist Thea Tewi. We will definitely exhibit at the show next year and have full confidence in the show and its promoters.”
Gus Davis of Camilla Dietz Bergeron in New York city, whose company has been participating at the show for 21 years, told us, “We felt the interest was the strongest it has been in a couple of years. People were looking for bold, strong pieces especially signed pieces. Specifically, we sold an 18 karat yellow gold and mother of pearl orchid necklace by Angela Cummings, an 18 karat yellow gold and diamond Buccellati necklace and an enamel and diamond necklace by Schlumberger. We are extremely pleased.”
Rick Bumgardner of Morning Glory Antiques in Kansas city has been an exhibitor at the show for the past 14 years. “The show has been incredibly well attended this year,” he stated. “There has been a lot of brisk dealer buying. We did well.” In reference to their best piece, a painting by El Greco, a Spanish Renaissance artist , titled “Unknown gentleman by El Greco” and worth an estimated$1 million dollars , he mentioned, “We developed lots of good leads.”
John Atzbach of John Atzbach, who specializes in Imperial Russian antiques and art objects, said,” It was a great show and it went quite well for us. Everything was fantastic as always. We look forward to next year’s show.”
Odetto Lastra of Odelas Antiques commented:”I have been doing this show for 10 years now. This show was very good for me. I deal in Italian glass and I sold quite a few pieces. Specifically, pieces from Japanese artist Yoichi Ohira. I also sold a Pessato Vase by Venini and another one by Renzo Pavanello.
“We were delighted to see that buying appears to be back to pre-recession levels. Bringing the right buyers through the door is our number one goal” remarked Andrea Canady, fair director for US Antique Show’s The Original Miami Beach Antique Show. “And our exhibitors have overwhelmingly reported to us that we were successful in achieving this.”
The silent auction campaign held at The Original Miami Beach Antique Show benefiting the charity, The Make-A-Wish ® Foundation of Southern Florida, was a great success. People bid on items ranging from Miami Heat tickets to paintings, to antiques to wine bottles. More than $16,000 was raised to benefit South Florida children.
The next show on the calendar for US Antique Shows is Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch show . The show is scheduled for June 2-5, 2011 at The Paris Hotel.