Antiques In East Hampton

Summer has arrived and the busy schedule of season events begins with antique sales, show houses, cocktail parties and charity events. My very favorite East Hampton summer outing is the annual East Hampton Antique Show at the historic Mulford Farm. Set on the bucolic grounds of this beautiful farm, it is fun to meander through the historic property which features a rare restored 17th-Century farmhouse as well as barns that are some of the oldest in eastern Long Island. The vendors set their wares in stylized vignettes and the show draws some of my favorite antique dealers from New England and the Eastern seaboard. Last year I interviewed a few select dealers and learned a little bit more about different antique styles.

The outdoor Kick-Off Preview Cocktail Party rings in the festivities on Friday, July 8^, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on the James Lane farm. The antique show begins Saturday, July 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and continues Sunday, July 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. House Beautiful Editor In Chief Newell Turner will chair the event. In 2002, Turner launched Hamptons Cottages & Gardens magazine, and his career has been moving ahead successfully ever since. It is exciting to have him here in East Hampton and involved in our community with such a fabulous event. [expand]

I had the chance to meet Turner at a unique program sponsored by Kravet fabrics in Manhattan last month called Blogfest. He candidly chatted with our small group of writers and design bloggers about the future of interior design and shelter magazines. Turner has a refreshing collaborative approach to design that makes him instantly likeable, putting him at the forefront of interior design today. I spoke to Turner about the upcoming East Hampton Antique Show and here’s what he had to say:

Q. What do you enjoy about the East Hampton Mulford Farm show?

A. “There’s always an interesting, well-vetted group of dealers showing at Mulford Farm, and then there’s the setting. How do you beat the charm and pleasure of shopping on those grounds? Even if you’re not in the market to buy something or you don’t find something that tempts you – is that even a possibility? – a visit is a great outing. There’s always lots to learn, too.”

Q. What collectible or antique are you hoping to pick up while at the show this year?

A. “I’m looking for decorative accessories that have great patina. I have a new house that was built in the style of an old house, so it’s easy to keep. Now, I’m filling out the rooms with vintage and antique accessories – giving the rooms more character. As for collections, I have a particular passion for levels of all types: carpenter, engineering, maritime, decorating, even new ones. I’ve been on a tangent looking for the give-away levels that hardware stores and other rural businesses used to hand out as advertising. But, I’ve always got an eye out for unique antique levels.”

It looks like the competition this year could be stiff for obtaining a bargain at the Mulford Farm Antique Show. You very possibly may find yourself rubbing elbows with Newell Turner. I recommend arriving bright and early – see you there! [/expand]