Washington Winter Show 2018

This page is Sponsored by Sara Davis and JoAnn Zuercher In Memory of Elizabeth Powell 2018 chair letter the washington Winter Show R eturning to Venice in 1295 following his epic twenty-four year journey to the East, Marco Polo touched off an enduring fascination with the mystery, whimsy, and extravagance of le style chinois. Writing in the Travels about the Kublai Khan’s palace at Chandu, he recounted: There is at this place a very fine marble Palace, the rooms of which are gilt and painted with figures of men and beasts and birds, and with a variety of trees and flowers, all executed with such exquisite art that you regard them with delight and astonishment… [Another palace has] gilt and lacquered columns, on each of which is a dragon all gilt, the tail of which is attached to the column whist the head supports the architrave. (Dams and Zega, 2008) More than seven hundred years later, chinoiserie still charms. As Dawn Jacobsen notes, “Chinoiserie continues to flourish... a leitmotif in the design of everyday objects... We drink tea from a blue-and-white china cup, choose peonies and plum-blossom to flower our curtains, or conceal the television behind a lacquered screen...” I warmly welcome you to the tenth annual Washington Winter Show, which explores and celebrates both the fabled history of le style chinois and its continued relevance and inspiration across all design fields today. The scholarship of Grant Quertermous of Tudor Place, the lecture by design connoisseur Charlotte Moss, and the unparalleled watercolors and art historical perspective of Bernd Dams and Andrew Zega dynamically illustrate the show’s theme. I am thankful that my very dear friend Elizabeth chose Chinoiserie, and cherish her own enduring legacy. Chairing the 2018 Washington Winter Show has been a delightful journey, filled with devoted volunteers, generous sponsors, talented artisans, and exceptional historians. This show benefits three outstanding charities: THEARC, The Bishop John T. Walker School, and The Founder’s Board of St. John’s Community Services. Each is an invaluable asset to the community. It is an honor to support to their distinguished missions. I welcome our Honorary Diplomatic Chair, the Honorable Joseph Hockey, Ambassador of Australia to the United States. And I am delighted and endlessly grateful to Charlotte Moss for serving as Honorary Chair. Thank you to Grant Quertermous for sharing his expertise, vision, and originality as curator of the loan exhibit. Thanks also to Andrew Zega and Bernd Dams, for their marked kindness during a visit to their Parisian atelier, for their fascinating article, and for gracious permission to use their luminous watercolors. A tenth anniversary is quite a milestone. We are infinitely grateful for the continued patronage of our Presenting Sponsor, PNC Bank, whose commitment to clients is exemplary. We are appreciative of the enduring sponsorship. The Washington Winter Show Board of Directors devoted their time and resources to bring The Charm of Chinoiserie to fruition. This vital collaboration and support is a remarkable gift to the show. Our overwhelming gratitude goes to each of our distinguished volunteers, who bring vigor, joy, and creativity to their roles. And, of course, thanks to Jonathan G. Willen & Associates Inc. for truly creating the magic of the Washington Winter Show! For their support and generosity, we are indebted to so many: • The Katzen Arts Center at American University for allowing us to present the beauty of art and antiques in Washington. • The exhibitors, with their keen eyes for detail and beauty, for their participation this year. •  House Beautiful Editor-in-Chief Sophie Dow Donelson and stylish designers Alexa Hampton and Markham Roberts for speaking at the Saturday Design Panel. • Stock maven David Gardner of the Motley Fool for his Eight Thoughts on investing, business, and life. • DeGournay for graciously lending us four exquisite hand-painted panels to adorn our walls and inspire our talented floral team. • Caspari, Inc., for the lovely Chinese-themed cocktail napkins and hand towels. • Author and star floral designer Laura Dowling and Ginny Wydler of Lilac and Page for their stunning arrangements. • Lisa Carey and Matthew Hirschmann of Lucid Creative Partners for their constant and continued creative support for our print materials and website. Sweet Dupuy Chair, 2018 Washington Winter Show 11