My booth at the Chicago Merchandise Mart Fall Antiques Show, September 29, 2010

The first time I was to exhibit at the Chicago Merchandise Mart Antiques Show, I was concerned. I was familiar with Chicago unions so I was ready for the worst. Much to my surprise, the union was not my enemy, but my friend. Whenever I needed to have something done, I didn’t have to look far to find a carpenter, porter, electrician, painter or whomever. Everything that needed to get done, got done. It’s such a pleasant alternative to many other shows where setting up can be much more difficult.

Wellesley House, Ltd. of Lake Forest, IL is exhibiting at the show

The show is almost all set up and it’s beautiful. I’m always surprised by the quality. It looks great and it’s elegant. The quality and diversity of the exhibitors is special. Many shows are struggling to attract both enough exhibitors and high quality exhibitors. This fall, the Mart had extra difficulty because the Avenue Show in NYC changed their date from December to the same week as the Mart. As a result, several of the Mart’s exhibitors opted to exhibit in NY, rather than Chicago. The show is a little smaller than last year, but still the best quality. Attendees will not be disappointed.

Another of the show's exhibitors

Make the time to visit the show and you will be pleased. The show is open Friday, October 1, 11 am–7 pm; Saturday, October 2, 11 am–7 pm; Sunday, October 3, 11 am–6 pm; and Monday, October 4, 11 am–3 pm. I’m looking forward to seeing my old friends and making new ones. The weather in Chicago in early October is great, the city is vibrant, and the restaurants are superb. Introduce yourself to me and let me know what you’d like to buy, sell or trade.

I’ll post results for the show on Tuesday, as the show ends on Monday.

If you like my blog, please let your friends know by sending them a link. Then check out my new Daum, Gallé and R. Lalique acquisitions. I’ve listed them all on my website. Here’s the link chasenantiques.com.