SOMEWHERE BETWEEN THE END of summer and the start of the holidays, New Englanders find time to go antiquing. In addition to the little shops tucked along the roads that wind through leaf-peeping territory are the shows that shrewd antiquers look forward to each fall. The grande dame is the annual Ellis Antiques Show. "It would probably be considered the longest-running fine-antiques show in Boston," says this year's chairwoman, Cecily Colburn. Since it was first staged in 1960, The Ellis, as it is known, has evolved into a major charity fund-raiser, and its gala evening events are staples in the city's social scene. The show and related events raise money for Boston Health Care for the Homeless at Massachusetts General Hospital and for Ellis Memorial, a social-service agency that provides care for families, the disabled, and the elderly in the South End.
Fair Aims
Mark your calendar with these essential antiques, arts, and crafts shows.
This year, The Ellis will be held November 3 through 6 at The Castle at Boston Park Plaza Hotel and Towers. Among the 37 dealers will be specialists in Oriental rugs, Victorian jewelry, Chinese porcelain, fine English and French furniture, folk art, and China-trade maritime paintings.
"We run the gamut of interests," Colburn says. While many pieces cost tens of thousands of dollars, there are other less- expensive items. Prints for framing, for example, can be priced around $25. Even if you're not going to buy, Colburn adds, "it is fun to go and look. It's like a museum, only there's more variety."
In its 10th year, the Greater Boston Antiques Festival, November 19 and 20 in Wilmington, is billed the largest antiques show in the area, with 160 dealers from 11 states.
Show manager Marvin Getman says prices range from less than $50 up to $10,000. "We have a variety of smalls," he says, "like antique sewing notions and doorknobs. And one gentleman comes with Russian religious icons that run $7,000 or more." There will be Chinese and Japanese antiques, fine and folk art, antique quilts and rugs, sterling silver, estate jewelry, and European ceramics.
Beyond Boston, the Eastern States Antiques and Collectibles Show and Sale, October 29 and 30 at Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, is in its 24th year. The annual show features about 185 dealers of china, furniture, kitchenware, dolls, country items, jewelry, and more.
"Our requirement is `Nothing new, and no repros,' " says Martin Fasack, one of the owners of The Maven Co., which runs a number of shows around New England. "This is a well-established, moderate show," which means you may find an affordable treasure or two.
Fall events for arts, crafts, and other items:
DORCHESTER OPEN STUDIOS