Flights of Fancy at the Washington Antiques Show

Since 1955, Thrift Shop Charities has hosted the very popular annual Washington Antiques Show, which is one of the nation’s longest running antique shows.

The show features 44 of the best American and European antique dealers showcasing a wide range of period furnishings and decorative arts, porcelains, ceramics, silver, vintage jewelry, as well as architectural and garden accents.

The online catalog features scholarly articles to illustrate the show’s theme; this year is Flights of Fancy, which includes examples of how birds are used in decorating and ornamental treatments. From classic statues of the majestic bald eagle on President’s desks to images of rare birds subtly woven into tapestries hanging on mansion walls.

The catalog also highlights some of the more unique pieces including fascinating maps and rare manuscripts, Asian art, American and Continental furniture as well as an 1815 table reported used by Charles Dickens when visiting his publishing company.

Washington Antiques Show – American University – Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington DC (map)

Dates and Times – Friday and Saturday, January 8 and 9, 2011, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm,
Sunday, January 10, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Tenleytown-AU – Red line.  Free shuttle service is available from the Metro to the American University campus, just tell the driver to stop at the Katzen Arts Center.

Parking – Free parking is available at the Katzen Arts Center, as well as area street parking.

Image: Antique American Wicker bird, #2, His Excellency George Washington Lieu.t Gen.l of the Armies of the US. Dedicated to Commodore John Barry and the officers of the Navy and Army of North America. Ferrai & Dupin, Baltimore, engraved by John Galland after F. Bartoli, early 19th century. The Society of the Cincinnati, Gift of H. Russell Drowne, Jr., 1958. Courtesy of the WAS.