Charleston welcomes spring with annual Antiques show, house & garden tours  

CHARLESTON, S.C. --- Renowned for three centuries as “a city set in a garden,” Charleston will welcome the return of spring in 2008 with two extraordinary events that allow visitors to experience some of the nation’s most impressive antiques, as well as sneak peeks into the city’s finest historic private houses and gardens.

Organized by Historic Charleston Foundation, the 2008 Charleston International Antiques Show (CIAS) will kick off the first weekend of the foundation’s long renowned 61st Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, which runs March 13 – April 12. Proceeds from both programs support the preservation mission of Historic Charleston Foundation, which was founded in 1947 to protect the architecture, history and culture of Charleston.

Held during the peak of the historic port city’s blooming season, the Festival offers guests the rare opportunity to see inside the private residential interiors and gardens of approximately 150 of America’s most distinctive historic houses in 12 colonial and antebellum neighborhoods.

Now in its fifth year, CIAS has quickly established itself as a premier destination for seasoned collectors as well as those who enjoy seeing and learning about the decorative arts. More than 30 nationally renowned dealers will feature a diverse range of antiques from the late 17th to the early 20th century, including American, Asian and European furniture, silver and porcelain, textiles, ceramics, vintage jewelry and clothing, and garden furniture. Wachovia Bank is the CIAS presenting sponsor.  

“Founded in 1670, Charleston quickly rose to prominence as the colonies’ most significant seaport, importing the finest in 18th and 19th century material culture,” said Kitty Robinson, HCF executive director. “Today the city’s legacy of Continental, European and Asian influences can be found in its alluring architecture, interiors and gardens. Because of this unique heritage, the foundation’s annual antiques show and house tours have attracted the attention of connoisseurs from around the world.”

Both CIAS and the Festival offer a diverse range of entertaining and educational programs throughout their runs, including the CIAS Preview Party and Young Collectors Soiree, luncheon lectures, intimate behind-the-scene tours, a harbor cruise, oyster roasts and plantation visits, period musical concerts in intimate settings, and wine tastings.

Other CIAS sponsors include Orient Express/Charleston Place, Williams Means/ Christie’s Great Estates, Blossom/Cypress/Magnolias restaurants, Nexsen-Pruitt, Synovus, Kiawah Island Real Estate, and Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. A complete calendar of events and ticket prices can be found at www.historiccharleston.org or by calling 843-722-3405.

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