Washington Winter Show 2025

by the craftsmanship, stories, and traditions that we inherit. It is inspired by preservation as conservation. This inherently sustainable commitment unites collectors as stewards of our past and our future. This year’s extraordinary loan exhibit “Preservation Pioneers: Lessons from Seven Historic Houses” is a paean to the seventy years of the Winter Show. Comprising loans from seven historic houses, each of whom provided loan exhibits to past shows, it is an ambitious presentation of preservation, conservation, and interpretation. A sample of these treasures include a three hundred-year-old textile from the George Mason family and a Washington provenance cup and saucer. They are shown alongside Limoge porcelain by a living artist and chairs reproduced painstakingly from historical documents. This was only made possible by the generous efforts and perseverance of Ellen McCallister Clark and Glenn Hennesy. They have our thanks and admiration. Ellen also contributed her scholarship and insight to a feature article for our catalogue on the houses, their objects and provenance. The “Preservation Pioneers” exhibit celebrates this year’s theme and complements the Washington Winter Show’s greatest attribute: our wonderful and eclectic dealers. As always, this year’s show is an Aladdin’s cave of period furniture, fine and decorative art, porcelain and ceramics, metal work, and jewelry. The Winter Show would not be possible without the support and participation of our dealers. In between purchases, we hope you’ll find time to enjoy this year’s exceptional programming. We thank each of our speakers who give their time, knowledge and passion: • Our Friday luncheon with Jennifer Gracie and Zach Shea of Gracie Studio • The Saturday Design Panel featuring Katie Ridder & Peter Pennoyer, moderated by Emma Bazilian • Our Saturday Lecture: “America’s Worldwide Cultural Heritage: Preserving our Diplomatic Treasures” with Tobin Tracey, Marcia Mayo, and Glyn Davies, moderated by Andrea Cochrane Tracey • On Sunday, “A Musical Fete, with Stories, Croissants & Mimosas” featuring Michael Harold & Quinn Peeper • And, Sundaes on Sunday! Treats & Treasures with our Youngest Collectors: “Secret Storage: Discover the Mystery and Meaning of Hidden Compartments in Antique Furniture” We would like to thank theWinter Show board who have provided tremendous support and encouragement throughout the year. We extend our particular thanks to Executive Director Jonathan Willen whose energy and talent is irreplaceable, to Puffin Travers whose generosity and equanimity is so appreciated, and to the dozens of volunteers, committee members, sponsors, and donors who make the show possible. We are extremely grateful to our charity partners, the Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys, St. John’s Community Services, and THEARC whose work continues to be a source of inspiration in our community. The Washington Winter Show is exceedingly fortunate to have the ongoing dedication of individuals and families whose passion and support for the show link directly to its inception in 1955. We extend profound thanks to founding board members Hannah Cox and Helen Curtin for their gracious support and advice. We also thank our esteemed past show chairs Kathy Pendergrast and Puffin Travers whose article on the history of the show can be found in these pages. The 70th year of the Washington Winter Show marks a legacy and an enthusiastic vision for a future that inspires collectors, celebrates and preserves the treasured objects of our history, and grows our philanthropic mission. It has been a great honor and pleasure to serve as this year’s chairs and we hope you will join us in toasting the next 70 years! Thank you for your continued support of the Washington Winter Show, Rachel and Jared Michael 2025 Co-Chairs 7