Bay Women's Club antiques show to feature local dealer

Local antique dealer Joseph Davis will be exhibiting at the Bay Village Women's Club Foundation 42nd Annual Antiques Show and Sale for his eighth year. The show will be held at Bay High School, 29230 Wolf Rd., on Saturday, Feb. 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Previously selling from his shop in Lakewood, Davis now sells through shows. While he lives nearby, this is the only show in which he participates in the Cleveland area. Prior to the Bay Village show, he will be one of 3,800 dealers showing in the Scott's Antique Show in Atlanta, Ga.

Patrons of the Antiques Show will find a wide collection of Cowan Pottery for sale by Davis. The Cowan Studio and Showroom were located in Rocky River on Lake Road just east of Linda Street, until the financial difficulties of the Great Depression caused it to close its doors in 1931. Many well-known artists were affiliated with the studio that produced extraordinary pieces which brought international recognition to American Art Pottery. At the time of the studio's great prosperity, it sold through noted stores such as Marshall Field's in Chicago, Wanamaker's in Philadelphia and Halle's in Cleveland.

Mr. Davis remembers his aunt taking him to museums as a boy in Seattle where he lived and he began collecting inexpensive pieces of American Art Pottery. He now deals in a wide variety of antiques including porcelain, china, and American and European silver. He favors Art Nouveau and Art Deco design. Customers can't help but find something they will like and he has regular clients who purchase from him.

Because of the prominence of Cleveland at the time of the Industrial Revolution, and the number of homes of wealthy industrialists, Cleveland is a great source of quality antiques not found in other areas. Davis purchases here and sells out of state to customers who don't have the opportunity to see such items in their vicinity.

Given the current state of the economy, good antiques are much more affordable now with people needing the cash flow. One of the current trends is the industrial look, such as old factory tables and chairs and even items from bowling alleys.

Leonard J. Strnad II of Vivid Diamonds Design and Timepiece Gallery in Bay Village, will again be doing a free appraisal of a piece jewelry for Antiques Show attendees on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. And on Sunday, from 1-3 p.m., there will be a free appraisal of an antique item. Those bringing pieces for appraisal can request a numbered ticket when purchasing their show ticket.

The entrance donation is $6.00 which supports scholarships and civic contributions. The show is wheelchair accessible, but no strollers are allowed. There will be refreshments available. For information, call 440-808-9834.

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Volume 3, Issue 3, Posted 9:38 PM, 01.24.2011