Collections of the best vintage highlight Tower Antique Show.
Whenever Ralph Willard’s Tower Antique Show comes to Fair Park, Texans rejoice. The semi-annual event, held June 3-5 at the Food and Fiber Pavilion, is unrivaled in the quality of
18th, 19 th and early 20 th century Texana and Southwestern pieces available. Ralph Willard is known in antique circles for the caliber of reputable dealers represented, many with offerings usually found exclusively in museums. “Here you can handle and examine real treasures, and purchase them for your own collection,” he states.
Mr. Willard, who has produced the popular Tower Antique Show since 1994, chose Fair Park as a venue because of its inviting nature and wonderful buildings that reflect the glory of yesteryear…much like the items for sale. The show was originally held in Fair Park’s Tower Building, hence the name.
“I can’t think of another market in this area as nice as this one,” says Woody Straub of Antiques & Art, Inc., one of 70 dealers on hand. “The mixture of works of art, antique furniture, jewelry, glass, fabrics and other rarities simply must be seen.”
Take history-making art with you.
Many oils, watercolors and sculptures are by early regionalists who founded impressionist expression in Texas and beyond. According to Mr. Straub, “They may even include winners of the famous Texas Wildflowers Competitive Exhibitions of the 1920’s. Artists were drawn to enter by record-setting cash prizes and responded with some of the era’s most significant pieces.”
Furniture aficionados will find scores of period pieces, from the uncommon Pilgrim Sentry to Hepplewhite, Sheridan and others that reflect classic Art Deco and Art Nouveau. Fabulous fabrics include 18 th century crewelwork, Victorian clothing and weavings. And when it comes to antique glass, Native American artifacts, early musical instruments and fine jewelry in older settings, vintage has rarely been so visible.
If it’s true that Texans are the strongest hunters and collectors of Texas art, then Ralph Willard’s Tower Antique Show holds prizes worth seeking. Let the quest to own a piece of history commence!For more information on the Tower Antique Show, call 214-826-2584.
