We had our embedded reporter, antiques and fine art industry spokesperson George Evans of Bond & Bowery, give us the scoop on the action at this year's Original Miami Beach Antique Show, which was in late January. Here are some of George's observations:

• This year's show was a solid GOOD for most dealers. Last year's show was worse, and 2010's sales numbers were close to 2008, the best show in recent memory. Nobody was complaining, and everybody even seemed to be grateful and looking forward to continuing economic success throughout the year.
• This show attracts a typically international group of buyers. It isn't a formal show, although some people do dress up. It’s not unlikely that someone in sweats will cut you a check for $20,000 and keep shopping. It's filled with low-key but accomplished people who are driven to collect. George noticed specific groups of people: buyers from Los Angeles, Manhattan and Long Island, DC, Germany, England, Boston, Philadelphia, Palm Beach, Chicago, and even locals from Miami.
• Who were the big spenders this year? Everybody was back in action, and pre-show sales were strong from the dealers on the floor. The designers were back with their lists and buying strong. Collectors were looking for the best of the best and were willing to splurge for the finest pieces. The European trade was present, but not as strong as in past years.
• We sold a lot of lighting and chandeliers, Baccarat Glass, Tiffany Silver, English and Continental Silver, English Furniture, Jansen Tables, Meissen Porcelain, European Paintings, and Chinese Export Porcelain.
• What were the big trends? The best of everything is IN, the pricier the better. Expensive items were an easier sale. Mid-level pieces, collectibles, and "used furniture” is OUT. Your grandmother's mahogany furniture is not desirable this season.
• I sold my most expensive pieces and had multiple sales. I sold a rare pair of Chinese export tureens to a dealer from Philadelphia, 45 miles from my showroom, which I had to bring back up and deliver. I had a funny sale happen: it was a large Ormolu Basket, the client, asked to see it, I brought it out, she asked the price, and then she asked for the best price, she asked if I take credit cards, I said yes, and she said she would take it. I turned around to invoice her, and she ran away! But this is Miami, you must remember, and anything can happen. I wait and wait. After 20 minutes, I put the basket back out for sale. Two hours later she returns and asked if I could do better on the price. I did this time, but I stayed right next to her, took her card, wrapped it up, and we delivered it to her car. Neither one of us said a word about the previous “buy and run" transaction.
• All in all, my gross revenue from the show surpassed last year's; and with the present economy, I spent only a third of what I used to spend on new inventory. Cash is King, and a good selective eye keeps it all profitable for smart dealers in a tough economy.



It's difficult to find a vintage pair of sconces or lights, but when you do, it's a cause to rejoice! George, inspired by Miami's historic Art Deco waterfront district, wanted to show us these beauties . . . .

Design2Share: What do you like about these fixtures, George?

George: These are classic art deco, possibly originally made for a commercial application like a theater, office building, or restaurant. It's special to find a pair and the bonus is that they're beautifully made.

D2S: What's desirable and collectible about these lights?

George: Good art deco lighting is hard to find. Most of it was not made of quality materials - but just look at this pair! These were defiantly created for someone who had a large budget. They're either made of cast brass or bronze and are hand finished.

D2S: Where would you think our readers could decorate with these fixtures in the home?

George: I see these lights in a hallway or a dressing room, or they can balance a small living room and dining room. Put them anywhere where they can “reflect” each other and make a strong decorating statement. They can also be made into wall appliqués/decoration; one can simply remove the wiring (save it for use elsewhere) and add a circular mirror to each of the centers. They would be stunning as wall decorations!

This pair of art deco lights come from Bond and Bowery dealer PCH Modern of Carson, CA. These are early Deco, in my opinion, and I'm judging by the materials used and the use of bare bulbs. Electricity was still young in the early 1930s and there was no concern about exposing the light bulb. As time went on, most lighting designs were made to conceal the actual bulb.