What’s Old is New: Los Angeles Antiques Art + Design Show 2012
Author:Lindsey ShookIn the run-up to this year’s 17th annual Los Angeles Antiques Art + Design Show, the organizing committee came face to face with an inconvenient truth—in co-chair Robert Wilson’s words: “LA is not really an antiques city.” So what’s a premier west coast design showcase to do? “The city is all about what’s next,” says Wilson, co-owner of La Cienega 20th century furniture mainstay Downtown. “We made the choice to add contemporary art and 21st century design to reflect the marketplace.”
The five-day show, which runs October 10–14 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica Airport, will highlight offerings spanning contemporary photography to Art Deco sterling silver to Mid-Century Modern chandeliers, from 60-plus international vendors.
Danish Silver of Copenhagen, Five Armed Sterling Silver Candelabra
Benefitting LACMA’s Decorative Arts and Design Council, Wednesday’s opening night gala will honor globally renowned antiquarian Joel Chen, whose gallery JF Chen will mark its debut at the show this year. Chen will be presented with LACMA’s DADC Leadership Award, though he initially balked at the honor. “He didn’t want to peak too soon,” Wilson laughs.
1930s Penny Toss Game, American Garage of Los Angeles
True to its Angeleno roots, the opening night party’s host committee is seriously starry, comprising actors (Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, James Franco and Diane Keaton to name but a few) and a who’s who of California designers including Michael S. Smith, Kelly Wearstler, Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, Rose Tarlow and Ken Fulk.
And for those who love a bit of industry insider pontification (we’re looking at you Franco!), a special Design LA event on Friday will see New York’s king of casual luxe interiors and author of Time and Place, Steven Gambrel, in conversation with1stDibs founder and chairman Michael Bruno.
S.R. Grambrel, No word if he’ll bring the dog.
All things considered, it’s safe to say that this is not your mom and dad’s antiques show. Unless, that is, your mom is LACMA trustee Viveca Paulin-Ferrell and your dad is her husband and art-patron-in-crime, actor Will Ferrell, in which case we’d love to do Thanksgiving at your house.
