Wayside Inn Antiques Show shines in second year

Forty-six dealers assembled a fresh and inviting display of art and antiques, particularly strong in Americana and New England paintings, for the second annual Wayside Inn Antiques Show in Sudbury, Mass., from May 13 to 15.

Guy Leblanc, the historic inn's Director of Marketing, cheerfully greeted attendees at the entrance to the 20,000-sq.-ft. tent. On Sunday, a rain storm dampened the end of the show which is a fundraiser for the Wayside Inn, a Massachusetts Historic Landmark.

Overall, said Diana Bittel, an exhibitor and co-manager of the show, "The Wayside did a great job, the tent was gorgeous and kept out most of the rain, and we will continue to grow with every year getting better and better."

Among the highlights, Newson & Berdan Antiques, of Thomasville, Penn., offered a charming circa 1860-1870 sign from the mountains of Pennsylvania, proclaiming: ""Mrs. B B Baker, dry goods, notions, trimmings, bread, cake, pie, conf.".

Paul Vandekar of Earle D. Vandekar brought a pair of large Imari "lighthouse" coffee pots and a delicate set of tulip-form dessert cups by Spode, 1820-1825.

A tavern scene of a man cheated at cards, English, 19th century, stood out in the booth of King-Thomasson.

A grouping of works by Lynn Beach Painters, including C.E.L. Green, and marine paintings such as "Maine Rock" by William P. Burpee, were highlights from Boston's Childs Gallery.

Maine dealers James and Nancy Glazer had an impressive display of American antiques ranging from an early Cape Cod fire screen with a colorful home and garden composition to a shadow box with an American ship, featuring the sun setting and the moon rising.

The Glazer's focused booth of early New England material enticed buyers who picked up an 18th c. Boston needlework, among several other pieces.