Tag Archives: winterthur

The Delaware Antiques Show, first in collectors’ hearts

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In Delaware, folks have an affinity for old things. After all, it’s the First State, the oldest of the 13 original colonies.
So it’s no surprise the Delaware Antiques Show is one of the nation’s premier venues for antiques, featuringIMG_0854 60 meticulously vetted dealers. The annual event, celebrating its 55th year, benefits Winterthur, the museum and country estate that is home to Henry Francis du Pont’s exceptional collection of American furniture and decorative arts.
At the show, you will find such treasures as chiming tall-case clocks with six-figure price tags, maritime paintings, vintage jewelry, rare firearms and delicate stemware that has miraculously survived centuries of wining and dining. My personal favorite: 18th century highboys crafted from tiger maple. For my money, it’s the world’s most exquisite wood.

The preview party gives supporters a chance to buy before the show opens to the public. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for the locals to dress up, connect with friends, enjoy abundant fine food and drink and people watch. Here I am with David Wunsch, director of the Delaware Geological Survey, who deals with some of the earth’s oldest elements.

The first year I attended, I rubbed elbows with Leigh Keno of the Keno twins on the PBS show Antiques Roadshow. We were both putting together mini roast beef sandwiches. He asked me to please pass the horseradish. I did. A cherished Delaware Antiques Show moment.

Make your own moment. The show runs through Nov. 11 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.

Carriagers carry on at Point-to-Point

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The parade of carriages at Point-to-Point at Winterthur is always a spectacular sight, with glossy teams of horses pulling lovely carriages with elegant drivers and passengers.

unnamed-6The late George A. “Frolic” Weymouth of Chadds Ford led the parade for years. On Sunday, May 7, John Frazier Hunt of Spring City will lead more than two dozen regal, horse-drawn antique carriages through Winterthur’s 39th Annual Point-to-Point racecourse, continuing the grand procession in honor of his longtime friend.
p allen smith 4Celebrities, including Martha Stewart, often come along for the ride. This year, expect Gloria Austin, international carriaging champion, and P. Allen Smith, national tastemaker and new Winterthur Board of Trustees member. I met Allen a few years ago during a visit to Little Rock, Arkansas, and have been a guest at his fabulous farm, where he raises heirloom livestock, breeds that date back to colonial America. He is a frequent visitor to Winterthur and will be a valued trustee. He also is a really nice guy, a true southern gentleman.

Despite a nippy forecast, Point-to-Point is expected to draw more than 15,000 spectators to the 1,000-acre former country estate of Henry Francis du Pont. The Brandywine Valley’s most stylish spring sporting event, Point-to-Point features a day of professional thoroughbred steeplechase racing, lots of entertainment and glamorous tailgating, in addition to the magnificent horse-drawn carriages.

Hunt will hold the ribbons–that’s carriage-speak for reins–to his grand 1895 Park Drag originally built in London by Henry S. Whitlock for the Gilby gin family. The parade starts at Weymouth’s former home at Big Bend and proceeds along the traditional, winding route to Winterthur. Frolic initiated the parade on a whim 39 years ago, inviting a few friends to ride with him. The crowd enjoyed the spectacle so much that he returned with a few more friends every year for 37 years.

thBut what to wear? Women tend to don something feminine and floaty with wide-brimmed hats for the steeplechase. This year, with temperatures expected in the 50s, I wish I had sensible-but-chic tweeds like the ones the ladies donned at Downton Abbey for a shooting party. (What a treat is was to see the clothes up close and personal at Winterthur’s fabulous Downtown Abbey costume exhibit!)

There’s still time to secure tickets. The show goes on, rain or shine.

 

Winterthur goes on winter break

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Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library is taking a winter nap, closing Monday, Jan. 4, and reopening to the public on Tuesday, March 1.

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The next big exhibit will debut on March 26.  Made in the Americas: The New World Discovers Asia, currently on view at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, explores both the global reach of Asian goods beginning in the 16th century and the profound influence of Asia on the arts of the colonial Americas. The exhibit got rave reviews in the Wall Street Journal and features 85 showstoppers, including exquisite silverwork, textiles, furniture, ceramics, and paintings.

Expect a show outdoors starring spring blooms, including bright white snowdrops, yellow adonis and aconite blossoms on Winterthur’s March Bank, while lavender Crocus tomasinianus, known as Tommies, and blue glory-of-the-snow blanket the East Terrace lawn.

While the museum will be buttoned up tight, Winterthur members still will have access to the grounds and garden for hikes and strolls. The Winterthur Library will continue to provide service to scholars and researchers.