Mid-century modern design a hot seller at New York’s Pier Show

This article was originally published in Antique Trader
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NEW YORK — Trendy merchandise with a Modern design flair was the hot ticket at The Pier Antiques Show at New York’s Pier 94, held Nov. 19-20, 2011.

Linda Elmore, a Westfield, N.J., dealer of fine 20th-century styles, was virtually sold out as Sunday morning began. She had only a display shelf with a few minor smalls and one piece of furniture.

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Dennis and Dad of Fitzwilliam, N.H., offered transferware and Imari at the Pier.

The show, which is Stella Shows’ signature event, draws customers who seek the latest ideas in home decor, and the 500-exhibit venue was packed with home decorating merchandise, dining room paraphernalia, jewelry and collectibles from better-known designers and makers.

Ed Koren of Bridges Over Time, Newburgh, N.Y., showed a sectional sofa that filled half of his exhibit space and had a $6,500 pricetag. The sofa was made about 60 years ago by Harvey Probber, and Probber’s son came to the show with his father’s notebook to prove the authenticity of the piece.

Jerry and Janice Bonk of Bonkey’s Treasures shop in France and England for most of their collection of early metal objects. At the Pier Show, their sales included a trundle lathe, or polishing tool, in cast iron that weighed much more than one man would lift. It had been refitted with a thick glass top to serve as a tall bar or stand, and it sold at the show.

The Pier Shows are a regular stoop for Stuart Cropper and his wife, who come from Seaford, England, to the states several times each year for a variety of shows. They can offer a collection of early samplers, early wooden boxes for letter writing, tea, jewelry, silver and more.

Longtime exhibitor Paula Cohen, manager of Your Grandma Had It, was pleased with her Pier weekend. She sold more than 40 pieces from her collection, including early ironstone, pottery, kitchenalia and small pinball games she collects and trades. “I have many regulars who come back each time we have this show to see what they can add to their collections,” she said.

Ironstone and pottery were featured by Your Grandma Had It, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Dennis and Dad of Fitzwilliam, N.H., offered a collection of early earthenware. Their inventory was dominated by 18th- and 19th- century English dishes.

Quelle Surprise of Gloucester, Mass., specializes in Steuben Glass, as well as some other makers. Art glass is also a big part of the shop’s inventory for this show, and those pieces sold rather well.

Folk art as home décor is also popular at the Pier. Jeff Hogan offered three male-form mannequins found near his Massapequa, N.Y. home. New York City shop dealers Milne and Milne showcased a collection of old advertising signs. Cottage and Camp offered a large sign ideal for the seller of dogs — so long as their canines were Boston terriers and Pomeranians.

Stuart Cropper traveled from England to exhibit these pieces at The Pier Shows.

Stella management attempts to group exhibitors into areas in the show, but that becomes increasingly more difficult as the 20th-century styles continue to gain importance in this marketplace. The Classical section was showing a great deal of art jewelry and fine jewelry.

Americana and decorative art were overflowing with folk art and many repurposed items, such as Bonkey’s table and Milne’s advertising. There was even Fashion Alley, a portion of the building devoted to vintage fashions.

Upcoming events by Stella Shows include the Pier show March 17-18 and Americana at The Pier Jan. 21-22, 2012 along with an armory show during Americana Week in New York. For all the Stella events, visit www.stellashows.com.