Tens of thousands of savvy collectors, industry experts and serious buyers flocked to the Palm Beach County Convention Center February 17-21 for the annual return of the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show. The show reached a record number of attendees and sales in the history of the show including selling out the parking lot each day. With the collections of more than 180 world-renowned dealers on display, the show featured a broad spectrum of items available for purchase, including fine art, antique and estate jewelry, furniture, porcelain, Asian art, American and European silver, glass, textiles, sculpture, contemporary art and more, ranging from the antiquities to the 20th century.

“We have exceeded all expectations for this year’s Palm Beach Show with the best attendance and sales in the history of the show, said Scott Diament, President and CEO of The Palm Beach Show Group. “This show is a significant cultural event that has been brought to Palm Beach County for nine consecutive years, and we are pleased to host it every year.”

The Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF), founded by Audrey Gruss was the show’s charity sponsor adding new features to the show incorporating design into real lifestyles of today. A champagne reception was held on Friday’s Preview Evening to showcase a special room with five vignettes designed by nationally-acclaimed AD 100 interior designers; Scott Snyder, Jim Aman & John Meeks, Bruce Bierman, Geoffrey Bradfield and Campion Platt.

“All the supporters I spoke to were delighted to walk through the Hope Designer Showcase. It was a wonderful way for them to see how art and antiques from the show work in today’s real lifestyles.” said Gruss, founder of HDRF. ” “We at HDRF were so pleased to partner with such an exciting, successful event. After all, the show is about creativity and beauty, and it’s wonderful to see how it can enhance your life.”

Sales were strong throughout the show and dealers were once again pleased with the array of serious collectors shopping the show floor.

“We are thrilled with the Palm Beach Show this year, attendance was fantastic, said Greg Kwiat, CEO of Fred Leighton. “We saw many of our old clients and met some news ones.”

Bradbury Ketelhut of The Englishman Fine Art & Antiques said, “Biggest crowd we have seen in years.”

“All of us are looking forward to next year. Both visitors and dealers agree that the show was invigorated and sparkled,” said Gordon Lewis from The Fine Arts Conservancy. “Dealers did well and attendees walked away with some great bargains.”

Gavin Spanierman said, “I love the show, the best it’s been in years.”

“Organization was perfect and we had some great crowds,” said Thierry Bamps of Veronique Bamps.

Debra Onessimo of Onessimo Fine Art said, “Best show ever, we sold 15 important pieces.”

“We were fortunate to meet knowledgeable art lovers, we felt the show management was flawless,” said Deborah Pollack of Edward and Deborah Pollack Fine Art. “We hope to be back next year.”

“We were amazed by the numbers of people that have come out for the show. People were interested in the art and collecting art,” said Chris Beetles of Chris Beetles. “Many expressed interested in coming to London to see our gallery.”

“It was a great turnout at the show,” said Stephen Kalms of Stephen Kalms Antiques. “We are quite content with the business.”

Cavalier Galleries sold an important Simon Levenson painting and a Jim Rennert sculpture titled Point of View. “We always enjoy coming to Palm Beach,” said Ron Cavalier.

“We met a lot of quality buyers and sold some important pieces,” said Steve Kendall of The Kendall Collection.

“Well attended show, opening night was an incredible crowd,” said Jeff Niquette of Eostone. “We met some really great customers.”

“Great gate, customers were knowledgeable and interested,” said Marica Smelkinson of Moylan/Smelkinson. “We had a really great show.”

“We are very pleased with the show, we made some sales to local customers,” said Sandra Cronan of Sandra Cronan.

Also popular among guests was the show’s dynamic lecture series that featured Miller Gaffney speaking on Passions, Collecting Art & Antiques.


Important sales highlights of this year’s show include:

• The Englishman Fine art & Antiques sold an important contemporary piece of a Venetian Scene. Sold just under $150,000

• Gavin Spanierman sold an important John Edward Costigan painting called The Bathers, circa 1962.

• Onessimo Fine Art sold a unique piece, Two Almond Trees, Azur Sky by Bruno Zupan.

• Lion Heart Autographs sold a typed letter of President Gerald Ford, a photo of Charles Lindbergh in front of the Spirit of St. Louis from 1927, a typed letter from Jackie Kennedy Onassis and a book signed by Charles de Gaulle, a French general and statesman from 1940.

• Rehs Galleries sold two Antoine Blanchard 1960s paintings, one Sally Swataland contemporary painting and one Ben Bauer painting, 27Below.

• Papion Gallery sold a signed Delphin Enjolras painting from 1920, “Femme Assise”.

• Valerio Antiques sold several pieces of art glass, accessories and the cabinet vignette displayed at the Hope Designer Showcase.

• Haynes Fine Art of Broadway sold a Heywood Hardy painting, The Morning Ride, 1843-1933.

• Percy’s Silver sold an important Italian Vase by Guido Fiorentini, circa 1950, solid silver and rhodonite raspberries.

• A large set of Chinese water fish paintings and several pieces of English porcelain were sold at Earle Vandekar of Knightsbridge.

• Tom Veilleux Gallery sold a William Glackens, Bouquet with Poppy, circa 1951.

• An original, hand-painted Guiness Board, pre-war was sold at Wellesley House.

• Mark J. West, the international glass expert, sold 12 pieces Art Deco glass by the renowned Belgian glass house Val Saint Lambert and the whole collection of ginger beer bottles.

• Hyland Granby sold a major American marine painting by James E. Buttersworth titled America’s Cup: Sappho, it was new world record for the artist. Referring to the evening, Alan Granby said, “It was a great evening with a nice energy.”

• Ashley John Gallery sold a Vaclav Vytlacil piece, oil on paper 36 x 24.

• Sallea Anitques sold an important 1800s Tortoise Shell box with interior designed for a sewing kit. They also sold quite a few Chinese Imari porcelain pieces.

• Danish Silver sold an important 1919 vintage silver piece.

• Earle VandeA Fine Large Chinese Export Famille Rose Shaped Tureen, Cover and Stand, Circa 1750.

• With an asking price of $250,000, Michael Goedhuis Gallery sold a Liu Dan, contemporary Chinese ink painting.

• Many others, too numerous to mention.


Additional comments about the show from exhibitors include:

“It felt like the largest crowd ever for an opening night,” said Charles Puckett of Charles Edwin Puckett.

Paul Vandekar of Earle Vandekar of Knightsbridge sold a very important fine Chinese Export Famille Rose shaped tureen, cover and stand- circa 1750. They also sold a Victorian bamboo table, first period Worcester Blue Scale broth bowls and covers- circa 1770, and a Beverley Morris 1855 painting. “The evening was packed and filled with interesting people,” said Vandekar.

“It was a great crowd, they were extremely educated in what they were looking for,” said Nick Boston from Nick & Martine Boston Antiques.

Tim Stevenson of Carlson & Stevenson Antiques sold a few pieces opening night including an 1821 watercolor painting. “It was really nice group of people who came out for the evening,” said Stevenson.

“It’s not just about what you sell but who you meet and the connections you make,” said Tom Veilleux of Tom Veilleux Gallery. “I love this show that is why we keep coming back.”

“Good sales, fantastic interest, great crowds,” said Debbie Wilson of Vendome Inc. “It’s been a beautiful show.” Vendome Inc. sold a unique gold diamond encrusted sheep’s head, art deco diamond jade ear pendants, a Russian egg necklace and a beautiful Lalaounis necklace.

“Great quality dealers and exhibitors here at the show,” said Doug Hill of French Country UK.

“We are very happy with the number of people who attended. We have had lots of old and new clients come to see us,” said David Brooker of David Brooker Fine Art.

Danny Arbusman from Jewels by Viggi said, “We are pleased with the sales. We have sold quite a bit of emerald cut diamond wedding bands.”

“By far the best show ever with the quality attendance in our booth. Show seems to be up 30% higher than it was last year,” said David Rosenberg, President of Rosenberg Diamonds. “Our sales have been in the seven figures.”

Next year’s Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show will be held Presidents’ Day weekend, February 15-19, 2013, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. For more information, please contact Chrissy Lambert, director of public relations, at 561.822.5440 or chrissy@palmbeachshow.com, or visit www.palmbeachshow.com