Southfield

Antiques show returns to Southfield Pavilion

By Jennie Miller
C & G Staff Writer

» Click on image to view full size « Photo by Deb Jacques Paul Haig of Rochester, one of the exhibitors at this month’s Antiques Exposition in Southfield, stands in front of a Chinese court dragon robe from 1880. Photo by Deb Jacques Paul Haig of Rochester, one of the exhibitors at this month’s Antiques Exposition in Southfield, stands in front of a Chinese court dragon robe from 1880.

SOUTHFIELD — Chinese ceramics. Rare textiles. Jade jewelry.

Just some of the unique items that will be on display during the Antiques Exposition, which returns to the Southfield Pavilion Feb. 25-27.

This marks the 31st season of the show, featuring merchants from across the country exhibiting and selling their antiques collections.

“It’s been a good resource for antiques in southeastern Michigan, and remains so,” said Michael Butler of Clinton Township, whose mother and father started the expo back in 1980. “At the time there was one major show at the Eight Mile armory, and virtually nothing that would be tailored for a broad audience over on the west side. There was a need for it, and it worked out quite well. We’ve ended up with thousands of happy customers. It’s a good show — (it) represents a broad price range and types of merchandise. It’s a show that’s tailored for all avenues of collecting — for all interests. (And) its location is easily accessible from all areas of (the region).”

Despite the financial crisis that has been sweeping the nation, interest in antiques hasn’t waned, Butler said.

“One good thing about antiques and antiques shows is that in spite of the economic times, individuals recognize the value of investing in antiques,” Butler said, adding that there is a particular passion for the genre that maintains it. “It’s generally speaking a continual appreciation of the product. The draw is the beauty of objects, the quality of the objects, the nostalgia that’s involved, oftentimes for many individuals. Oftentimes antiques will evoke fond memories in people, and it’s people’s relationship to a culture’s past. It gives a broader scope of meaning to so many individuals in their lives. When individuals surround themselves with antiques, they’re able to appreciate their history more. It provides greater depth to an individual.”

Paul Haig is one of those people who feels a certain connection to antiques. The jeweler, owner of Haig Jewelers and Haig Galleries in Rochester, has been fascinated all his life.

“I was a museum nut as a kid,” Haig said, adding that even when he got into the jewelry business and became successful, he never lost his interest in antiques. “I like — as every antique dealer does — I like the hunt. I like to find and discover pieces. … I look for value in every piece; I look for quality. I’m not buying anything I wouldn’t own myself.”

The collection of a wide range of pieces Haig is bringing to the show also ranges in price — from $25 to $100,000.

He’ll be joined by numerous other vendors showing off their wares, including fine American, European and Oriental antiques and decorative art.

The antiques expo runs from 2-8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25; from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26; and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 27. Tickets are $6 with any of the event’s ad listings, or $8 for general admission, which covers all three days of the show. Children 12 and younger get in free. The Southfield Pavilion is located at 26000 Evergreen Road.

For more information about the Antiques Exposition, visit www.antiquesexposition.com.
 

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Jennie Miller at jmiller@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1108.