Philadelphia Antiques Show 2018

W 146 W The Rosenbach Location: 2008 Delancey Place Admission: $10 adults, $8 seniors Hours: Tuesdays & Fridays, noon-5pm; Wednesdays & Thursdays, noon-8pm; Saturdays & Sundays, noon-6pm www.rosenbach.org 215-732-1600 N estled in a quiet street in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, the Rosenbach contains a bit of some- thing for everyone. It incorporates the best of a house museum, research library, and art gallery while some- how avoiding the pitfalls endemic to each category. Established in 1954, the collec- tion is based on the holdings of the brothers, Philip and Abraham Rosen- bach. Members of an influential Jew- ish family, Abraham was one of the foremost book and manuscript col- lectors of his era, helping to form the collections of prestigious institutions such as the Huntington Library and Folger Shakespeare Library, as well as working for major collectors of the early twentieth century, includ- ing J.P. Morgan and Harry Widener. In an era when most serious collec- tors focused on European literature, Abraham pioneered the collecting of manuscripts and rare editions of American authors, a practice which netted him an extraordinary trove of holdings. Although the Rosenbach is best known for its possession of James Joyce manuscripts, including Ulyss- es , the fine and decorative arts are not neglected. Abraham and Phil- ip had an eye for art and furniture, and their parlor and dining room is graced by the furniture of English designers such as Chippendale and Sheraton, Massachusetts carver Samuel McIntire, and furniture and portraits owned by the Gratz fami- ly, prominent members of Philadel- phia’s Jewish community during the 18 th and early 19 th Centuries. The third floor houses the entire living room of the modernist poet Mar- ianne Moore, as well as an archive of her manuscripts. The museum also contains Abraham Rosenbach’s extraordinary collection of portrait miniatures. In 2013, the Rosenbach merged with of the Philadelphia Free Library System, thereby sharing access to an extraordinarily extensive collection of rare books, prints, pictures, maps, and archival collections. This asso- ciation has particularly benefitted the Rosenbach’s special exhibitions calendar. During the course of the Philadelphia Antiques & Art Show, don’t miss the chance to duck in to Of Two Minds: Creative Couples in Art and History. This small gem of a show introduces visitors some of the greatest artistic and intellectual collaborations by lovers and spous- es throughout history. Some of these were political couples, such as Isa- bella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, whose political partnership straddled two kingdoms. Herbert and Lou Hoover are acknowledged for their brilliant collaboration in the field of mining and engineering, combining their practical educa- tion and historic interest by jointly translating Georgius Agricola’s sem- inal De Re Metallica of 1556, the first time it had been translated by engineers capable of understanding both the historic language and the technical applications. Other part- nerships merge artistic and literary pursuits (such as Catherine and William Blake or Violet Oakley and Edith Emerson), or the applied arts, (like silversmiths Hester and John Bateman, whose decorative egg cru- et was owned by the Rosenbachs). In addition to the workshop’s ac- tive special exhibition program in their gallery and studio space, they also host lectures, workshops, a film series, and other various programs dedicated to different age groups and backgrounds, offering something for everyone. Do not miss out on oppor- tunity to visit this truly remarkable place while in Philadelphia! Science History Institute Location: 315 Chestnut Street Admission: Free Hours: Tue-Sat, 10am-5pm www.sciencehistory.org 215.925.2222 T he name of the Science Histo- ry Institute , located in Phil- adelphia’s historic Old City, belies a phenomenal collection of ob- jects, art, manuscripts, and ephemera pertaining to the history of science. Created in 1982 as the Center for the History of Chemistry by the Ameri- can Chemical Society, the University of Pennsylvania, and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the Institute has continued to grow and broaden its collecting approach and mission. Today, the Institute focuses on the history science and technolo- gy, their impact on society, and the intersections between science and art. With their robust holdings, including the Othmer Library (housing over 6,000 rare books and manuscripts) and extensive collections the orga- nization continues to support the re- search of historians of science. Their comprehensive collection spans from Knowledgeable guides lead visitors through the Rosenbach’s historic house. Photo by Ryan Brandenberg.