The upcoming shows in Philadelphia suggest that the antiques show is not yet a relic of the past, and those who are glued to their computer monitors would do well to get out and walk the aisles and take a look at the wide variety of things that can be touched and held before buying. Close at hand on April 10-14 is the 38th annual Philadelphia Antiques Show at the 103rd Engineers Armory. Rufus Foshee, Geoffrey Diner, and Will Channing are not returning. Reasonably priced valet parking is available on Saturday and Sunday. Daily shuttle bus service will run from 30th Street Station to the armory.
Garage parking is available at several lots near the armory.
Other shows will make the April 9-11 weekend in Philadelphia a major buying opportunity on many levels, with more than 200 dealers exhibiting. A group of 70 dealers will set up at the Springside School Antiques Show, Cherokee Street and Willow Grove Avenue in Chestnut Hill, about a 20-minute drive from Center City. Extended to three days, the Center City show will also be a venue for eHammer , the on-line Internet auction company. He and his staff will conduct an on-line auction right there at the show. Giampietro will also offer free auction estimates to any visitor who wishes to bring along an antique.