It showcases about 500 dealers from 35 American states, Canada, England, France, Germany, Italy, South America and Asia and certainly achieves business since it boasts a more than 85 per cent rebooking rate, quite a feat for a fair of this size.
With hotel rooms in the city booked up months ahead, the fair also attracts many thousands of visitors; not only collectors but also a strong contingent of trade, since this event has established a reputation as a fair where dealers can shop. Baltimore also has a large number of antiques shops.
The fair has developed a winning format and is to an extent three fairs in one, although all are held in one large hall in the Conference Center located at the Inner Harbor, on the corner of Pratt and Charles Street.
The core of proceedings is The Antiques Show where some 400 dealers offer the entire gamut of stock, while The Gallery hosts 40 dealers with fine art and some choice pieces of furniture, and finally The Antiquarian Book Fair features 60 specialists.
But it is not just the books section that attracts specialist dealers.
Baltimore has a long-established silver-making tradition, so it is appropriate that with 60 dealers many consider this the country’s top fair for silver buyers.
Around 70 ceramics dealers are in attendance and 30 Asian specialists exhibit.
The fair is organised by Frank Farenbloom for Maryland-based Sha-Dor Shows and admission is $10.
Bound for Baltimore
INDISPUTABLY Maryland’s top antique event, and arguably one of America’s top antiques attractions, the 22nd annual Baltimore Summer Antiques Fair runs from August 23 to 25.
