I recently attended a mid-century show at the famed Armory building in New York on Lexington Avenue. (For all you fashion fans - that is the place that Marc Jacobs always has his runway shows!) The show was jam-packed with great finds and collectible items from galleries all over the world. To participate in the show, a gallery must be invited. As you can imagine, being in the show brings prestige to any gallery and attendees come from near and far to attend.
In a time of economic uncertainty, it was interesting to see people investing in these pieces. It does make sense - these items are limited and do retain their value. In many cases, increasing from year to year. Considering what is happening on Wall Street these days - these pieces might be a better investment.
While everything you see is for sale - the show is also a great place to get some design inspiration. If you are planning to do any decorating of your own, you can come away with great ideas about color palettes and furniture options in general.
The show is organized byStella Show Managementand is open to the public. There is a charge, but really worth the $20 entry fee. If you are prone to sensory overload, do half the show - get a hand stamp, have lunch - then go back for more!
There were many great finds - but I have to point out three galleries that made me stop in my tracks.
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Featuring decorative arts from the 1920's - 80's gallery owner Joern Lohmann has collected an impressive assortment. Mr. Lohmann is located on Manhattan's Upper East Side and East Hampton, NY - by appointment only. The truth is that so much of the shopping now occurs on-line. With the internet you can make your choices and just - point and click and have the items delivered. Mr. Lohmann has a wonderful website that really showcases his collection. It is refreshing to see a site free of clutter, which makes the items jump off the page! Stand out pieces are the sterling silver items, ceramics, and metal works.
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Sheila Parish has quite a name for her gallery - but if you have ever seen her displays - "All the World" is a fitting moniker. She has just about everything collectible in her collection. Stand outs are her unbelievable collection of costume jewelry - most noticeably the bakelite bangle bracelets! They are hot collectibles of course and I have never seen such an extensive collection. If there is a bracelet lover in your life - you must visit her website!
Gaspare Asaro has assembled a large assortment of deco and mid-century furnishings and collectibles. There are wonderful sofa options for the true collector and again - visiting the website is a must.
J. Lohmann Gallery has also been invited to participate in the prestigeous Park Avenue Armory show-MODERNISM - taking place on November 14th -17th. There is an opening night preview party to benefit the Brooklyn Museum. For more information and tickets to the preview or the show, contact :Brooklyn Museum
This is going to be an excellent show!