The 34th annual Chattanooga Antiques Show drew fewer visitors — and buyers — than years past, but it was “probably the highest quality show we’ve ever had,” according to Amy Frierson.
Ms. Frierson, director of the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts, said proceeds from the three-day show that ended Sunday support the museum’s educational outreach programs and day-to-day operations.
“There are so many conflicts with vacations and spring breaks for schools this year, and the sorry weather on Saturday kept people away,” she said. “Also, the economy is terrible — shows across the Southeast are seeing the same thing.”
Ed Steckler and Patricia Cobb, specialists in English small items, silver and paintings, said Chattanooga was the end last stop on a 4,000 mile show circuit that has taken them to Texas and Florida before returning to their home in Ann Arbor, Mich.
“Sales have been weak,” Mr. Steckler said.
“Antique markets are always soft during election years — about 30 percent off,” Ms. Cobb said.
Those who did attend this year’s event at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo’s Grand Central Station were treated to a high-end sale that featured respected dealers from across the nation who showed museum-quality pieces, Ms. Frierson said.
Katherine Blair, of Hammond, La., who specializes in English and American silver and English furniture, said that in 30 years of doing shows she could recall none so poorly attended.
‘I’ve been through ups and downs when we still have people invest in antiques,” she said. “People have been lovely this weekend, but we are lacking in buyers.”
That was a common lament.
“Attendance is down this year,” said Connie O’Reilly, a dealer from Northport, Ala. She said this was the first time in three years that she sold nothing at the Chattanooga show.
Among Ms. O’Reilly’s offerings this year was a walnut stag mantlepiece clock carved in Switzerland about 1870. It was a very large piece, with a very large price: $45,000.
Tad Runge, a dealer in oriental and pre-1930s rugs — many priced in the mid-five figures — from Yarmouth, Ma., said this was his first time to visit Chattanooga.
Though attendance “seemed low” and he sold nothing, Mr. Runge said it was a good show. “Last year we had a great year, but the first few months of 2008 have been down,” he said, while repairing a the border of a fine rug. “I’m here to sell, but also to talk to people and educate them.”
Lynda Weaver, whose Memphis-based business Collectanea handles estate and antique jewelry, said she has “learned to roll with the punches” and adjust prices during her 15 years at the Chattanooga Antiques Show.
“I might be in the minority, but it’s been very good for me over the years and this year, too,” Ms. Weaver said.
Over the course of three days, showgoers bought in items ranging from $75 earrings to an Egyptian piece dating from about 1200 B.C., she said.
“There is a general decline in the business,” Ms. Weaver said. “It’s the recession that isn’t a recession that we’ve been in for the past few years. For 50 years I’ve been telling, preaching that in war or famine people flee with their jewelry — if you get in a tight spot you can always sell or barter a piece or two of jewelry.”
While disappointed by attendance, Ms. Frierson was delighted by the show and its outstanding lineup of dealers.
“We’ve just had the most wonderful weekend,” she said. “We hope that we will continue to bring this high quality show to Chattanooga.”
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34th annual Chattanooga Antiques Show
