A set of objects that appear to be contemporary art sculptures are actually 30 million-year-old sandstone formations called Gogottes, found in France. They can now be found on the Upper East Side, and they are coveted.
"They became collectible by Louis XIV, who actually found them. He was the king in that area, and he used them in Versailles in a fountain,” said Robert Simon, who runs an art gallery on the Upper East Side and is displaying the items in his booth at "The Winter Show."
What You Need To Know
- "The Winter Show" is underway at the former Barney’s flagship store at East 61st Street and Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side
- The show runs through April 10
- It features more than 60 exhibitors with the best in art, antiques and design , and benefits the East Side House Settlement in the Bronx
- The show is typically held at the Park Avenue Armory, but was postponed from January to April, so a temporary venue was found
The show has art, antiques, design and jewelry on display from 62 exhibitors. The 68-year-old tradition benefits the East Side House Settlement, which offers a variety of social services for thousand of families annually in the Bronx and Manhattan.
Traditionally, it is held at the Park Avenue Armory, but because it was postponed from January to April, it’s now inside a building at East 61st Street and Madision Avenue. It may look familiar, because it was the location of the flagship store for Barney's, which closed a few years ago.
"We have spent the past month transforming the building into an art emporium,” said Helen Allen, the show’s executive director.
There are five floors of Tiffany lamps, sculptures, rugs, books and maps. The show is back in person after having to go online last year. Patrick Bavasi, of Hyde Park Antiques near Union Square, says it's an adjustment.
"Not having been in front of real clients for a long period over a steady period, it's not only challenging, it reminds me how much I like doing it, how much I like being in front of the public,” Bavasi said.
James Rolleston, of London, has a family business with his father, Brian, started by his grandmother in 1954. They are exhibiting for the first time at the show, but it's not his first visit there.
"I remember going to the show when I was about 8 or 9, so to exhibit here is fabulous,” Rolleston said.
Those who are not in the market for these types of items — some have hefty price tags — can still visit the show to see some very cool items.
"Of course we like to sell things, but it's really about getting out, showing what we normally have in my gallery, for example, [which] is not on the street level, so people don't usually walk in,” Simon said.
"It's also to just come and discover, and to get a sense [of] understanding what you love, what's important to you and what resonates with you, and it's a learning opportunity,” Allen added.