Styles That Define Us

The Cincinnati 20th Century Show 2018

For better or worse, one thing that defines me is my love of antiques and collectibles. For forty years I’ve spent time nearly every week looking for and discovering relics of design and creativity that help me in my understanding and appreciation of our world. I have favorite places and events that I frequent consistently that help to fuel my passion. At the top of the list is the 20th Century Cincinnati show and sale that arrives at the Sharonville convention center on February 24th and 25th this year.

Top five reasons why the 20th Century Cincinnati is the coup de grâce for collectors.

The show is visually stimulating and has a wide variety of items from the Modernism era including artwork, furniture, accessories, lighting, jewelry, clothing, glassware and pottery.
There are unique and one-of-a-kind items that I covet and am able add to my collection.
All the dealers are knowledgeable professionals so the amount of quality merchandise is always overwhelming with much of it reasonably priced.
This loose knit, offbeat collection of buyers and sellers are the coolest people on the planet. You have to be there to experience the vibe of the room and to listen to the shared excitement about this era to understand the dynamic.
The show acts as a time machine that takes me back to the era I was born into. The 60’s were a time of rebellion and exploration for our culture. The items produced in that era define the mindset of that time

Details about the show

There are 70 regional and national dealers at the show and they display many 20th century’s signature designers and artists. The term mid-century is used as a catch phrase for a variety of styles. It can encompass Art Deco, Contemporary, Machine Age, Modern and Pop Art era objects, which will be well represented at the show.

Every year the show features an in-depth display of a product or artist from the era. This year’s feature is from the Blenko Glass Company. The company will present the exhibit “American Handcraft in the Modern Age.” The display will include historical artifacts, a display of vintage works, and contemporary creations for sale. Although the company had been creating hand blown glass since 1893, it is the mid-century period examples that have become a staple in the homes of vintage modern collectors.

For the serious collector

An exclusive two-hour Java Preview will kickoff 20th Century Cincinnati activities at 9 a.m. Saturday. Advance tickets are $25 and may be acquired online, by phone, or mail. Preview tickets will also be available at the door Saturday morning for $30. The tickets include early shopping 9 -11 a.m., complimentary coffee/juice bar, and a full-weekend pass.

Show hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Adult admission is $8. Passes are good for both days. The Sharonville Convention Center is located at 11355 Chester Road just off I-75 at the Sharon Road exit (exit #15).

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