Do you want to go to a glass show? Shows only come around once or twice a year so you’ll want to be prepared to get the most out of each one. Here are 5 tips to make your time most enjoyable. We’ll look at tips 1 and 2 today, follow up with a later post.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Keep an open mind about what you like – and what you don’t like.
- Ask lots of questions.
- Bring cash or your checkbook
- Respect the dealers’ investment in time and cost
#1 Be Comfortable
Tip #1 is pretty easy! Always wear shoes you can walk around in for a few hours. Stop for a rest when you tire and be sure to get a drink of water. Or stop for a cup of coffee, sit down, relax and think about the glass you saw.
I like to find my favorites, then walk around some more, before coming back to purchase. That way I can think a bit and not rush.
#2. Keep an Open Mind About What You Like – and Don’t Like
Let me give a couple examples. I love green glass, and had you asked me what color I’d buy, it would have been green. And etched.
Yet my very first glass show I fell in love with this Frances amber bowl from Central Glass.
Central Frances Amber Bowl
No etch and it’s not green. Something about it spoke to me; the warm amber color, the three small feet, the graceful shape, all added to a piece that has a place of honor in our living room.
The next year I wasn’t intending to buy anything – Dave bought Rose Point to dent our budget – but found an appealing Viking Epic candle holder and footed bowl. Amber again. No etch. This year? Duncan Miller deco #16 bowl – in amber – a Cambridge 3400 tilt pitcher – in amber – and Fostoria 2324 candle holders – in amber.
Duncan Miller Art Deco Line 16 Amber Bowl
Cambridge 3400 Amber Tilt Jug with Crystal Handle
Hmm. There is a trend here!
Amber Glass Bought at NDGA Show July 2016
On the flip side there are several patterns that I thought were boring based on pictures. Dell’s Tulip and Fostoria’s Trojan come to mind as glass that is far more beautiful in person than in photos. Tulip comes in this gorgeous blue with lots of design details like the little raised dots on the base and the graceful shape.
Tulip Blue Depression Glass Oval Bowl John & Dovie Fields
Trojan on Fostoria’s Waterfall stem line or the scroll shaped console bowl is incredible. The etch is far more lively in person and the combination with the Art Deco shapes is perfect.
Fostoria Trojan Topaz Sherbet Waterfall Stem
Fostoria Trojan Etched Topaz Scroll Bowl
The next time you go antiquing or to a show, look for more than just the pattern or piece that you typically collect. You might surprise yourself with your newest favorite!