Attendance at the 52nd annual Original Miami Beach Antique Show increased by 10 per cent, an indication of the growing interest among collectors for heirlooms and designs of yore, the event’s organizer says.
“We are excited to report an increase in attendance and that buying continues to remain strong,” said Dan Darby, U.S. Antiques Shows’ group fair director.
“This year, we added antique seminars to the show schedule and were able to educate hundreds in the antique community with the help of several of the most established professionals in the industry who spoke at the event. We look forward to continuing these traditions as part of our show in the years to come.”
Held Jan. 31 to Feb. 4 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the show attracted nearly 900 antique dealers, showcasing objets d’art, jewellery, and one-of-a-kind pieces to antique enthusiasts, serious collectors, interior designers, and local residents.
According to U.S. Antiques Shows, exhibitors reported that attendees appeared to be more knowledgeable about antiques. It’s a trend organizers are also helping to grow with a series of seminars aimed at providing guidance to collectors. ‘Demystifying Antiques: The Basics of Antique Collecting,’ by Will Seippel, chief executive officer (CEO) and founder of WorthPoint, was one of the most attended presentations.
More than 200 visitors attended WorthPoint’s Appraisal Day, where ‘worthologists’ examined pieces and provided verbal appraisals to a wide range of antique items, including an art deco glass palace platter, a Japanese naval navigational instrument, and a rare collection of Marilyn Monroe photographs that has never been published.
Other show highlights included a charity raffle, which helped raise more than $6000 for Paws 4 You Rescue, a local animal rescue organization.
L.A. Antique Jewelry & Watch Show will be held March 22 to 24 at the Hyatt Regency in Century City, Los Angeles.
