Oglebay’s Wilson Lodge will be transformed into an antiques marketplace Friday, April 5, through Sunday, April 7, as Oglebay Institute presents its 65th annual Antiques Show and Sale.
This annual event is the largest and longest-running antiques show in West Virginia and among the oldest shows nationwide. Show manager Peter Chillingworth of Scenery Hill, Pa., gathers more than 50 dealers from 10 states to participate in the show. Guests can browse thousands of items including American, English, primitive and period furniture, American art, folk art, western art, pottery, quilts, jewelry, rugs, baskets, pewter, silver, glass, china, books and endless decorative items for both the period and modern home.
“Peter invites only the most reputable and knowledgeable dealers, and buyers can rest assured they are getting the cream of the crop,” said Christin Byrum, Oglebay Institute director of museums.
The Oglebay Institute show is one of only a handful like it in the region and has maintained its popularity because of its commitment to quality merchandise, a diverse inventory with items for every budget and programs that appeal to both experienced collectors and novice antiques buyers, Byrum explained.
“We pride ourselves on putting together a show that is not only a shopping experience but also a learning experience. Our dealers are eager to share their knowledge with patrons, and we will provide special learning opportunities throughout the weekend.”
Examples include Saturday afternoon Dealer Booth Talks, which are included with the show admission, and a special dealer-guided show tour that takes place Saturday morning before the show opens for those purchasing special patron-level ticket packages.
“Our show really puts you in touch with the dealers. You can shake hands and converse with our experts who are passionate about antiques in general as well as their particular areas of interest. It is nice to be able to get questions answered and learn the history and significance of the items in the show.”
The Antiques Show and Sale is also a social event.
The Friday night cocktail party takes place in Oglebay Institute’s shimmering Glass Museum. Guests are treated to great food and an open bar and get to roam the museums’ 3,000 examples of historic Wheeling glass. Limousines then drive patrons to Wilson Lodge, about a mile away, where they get a first peek at the show during the Dessert Preview Party and enjoy an enticing array of cakes, cookies, pies, candy and a cash bar. Patrons can attend both events or purchase tickets for the Dessert Preview Party only.
Byrum credits the show’s success and longevity to the volunteer Committee of the Museums of Oglebay Institute. Helping with this show is a months-long affair for the committee members who work closely with the show manager as well as supervise all the activities associated with the show- everything from staffing the show to coordinating lectures and tours to overseeing the patron preview events.
Event sponsor Joe R. Pyle of Joe R. Pyle Complete Auction and Realty Service of Mount Morris, Pa., said the Oglebay Institute show is a “must-attend” event for those in the antiques industry and is one of the best shows in the region. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to partner with an event of this caliber. With such a charming venue and quality dealers, this show is an extraordinary experience for antiques enthusiasts,” he said.
Event sponsor Mary Beth Hughes of Hughes Design and Gift Gallery of Wheeling agrees. She said she has attended many of the large metropolitan shows, and the Oglebay Institute show rivals those in quality of merchandise and expertise of dealers. “It is a pleasure to have a part in making this experience available for our community.”
The event opens Friday, April 5, with special patron events. General show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 6 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 7. General show admission is $12.
For more information on the show and to purchase tickets to the preview events, call the Museums of Oglebay Institute at 304-242-7272 or visit www.oionline.com.
