Annual East Hampton Antiques Show Is This Weekend

Even those who already have experience coupling history with interior decorating will benefit from learning, shopping and interacting with seasoned antiques collectors at the East Hampton Historical Society’s annual antiques show this weekend.

The art of antiquing is best mastered with time and practice, according to Brian Ferguson, an antiques dealer with more than 45 years of experience and the manager of the East Hampton Antiques Show since its inception 12 years ago. He said that one of the things that brings guests back to the show every year is its consistency, despite the changing trends of the industry driven by the design trade.

“One thing that’s always remained constant is that it’s a highly visual show,” he explained. “One of the best things is that the designers and dealers have such a great eye for showing the items. I’ve seen a lot of people come that are just wowed by certain things, and say that they have to have it.”

The three-day event will feature more than 50 booths curated by designers housed in tents across the 2.5-acre property of the restored 17th century farmhouse known as Mulford Farm, located on James Lane in East Hampton.

“The residents there are keenly aware of good art and design, so they’ve always been great supporters of the show,” Mr. Ferguson said of the East Hampton community. Charlotte Moss, David Netto, Marshall Watson and Tom Samet are among the 25 interior designers based in the Hamptons who are involved in the designers committee this year.

Interior designer Scott Sanders is this year’s chairperson of the preview cocktail party on Friday, July 20, which offers patrons an early buying opportunity of the array of antiques, art, jewelry and collectibles. Mr. Sanders operates Scott Sanders LLC, a New York City- and Hamptons-based design firm that celebrates the “New American” style for which the designer is known.

According to Mr. Sanders, the show is all about discovery.

“I’ve been inspired to buy ‘outside of the box,’ and even, sometimes, outside of my own design comfort zone,” the designer said. “Without fail, those pieces have turned into treasures, whether for me or my clients.”

This year’s show focuses on vintage decorative items for the home and garden as well as art. Classic rattan and bamboo furniture, lighting, textiles, architectural elements, American and European country-decorated furniture, garden ornaments, wrought-iron accessories, industrial items, paintings, trade signs, period jewelry, weather vanes and mirrors will be for sale. While items are showcased in themed booths, Mr. Ferguson often finds that the items stand alone beautifully.

“When you find something that’s of very great quality from any time period, it speaks to itself,” he said. “The items don’t need to be displayed by things of the same time or style.”

Many modern pieces are expected to be seen at this year’s show, according to East Hampton Historical Society senior museum coordinator Richard Barons, specifically citing “Modern Nostalgia” as a prominent theme.

One of the greatest reasons people fall in love with antiquing is the sense of community it creates, something that Mr. Ferguson said sets the show apart from similar ones on the East End.

“There’s a real sense of intimacy,” he said. “I think that’s something that people will always want.”

The East Hampton Antiques Show will hold a benefit preview party on Friday, July 20, at Mulford Farm from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Attendees will be able to see and choose in advance from an array of art, antiques, garden furniture, jewelry, collectibles and textiles. Reservations are required. Tickets start at $100. On Saturday, July 22, early buying will be available from 9 to 10 a.m., for $20 per ticket. General admission will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday for $10 per ticket both days. Contact the East Hampton Historical Society at 631-324-6850 or visit easthamptonhistory.org.