Top Designers Share Their Favorite Treasures from The Winter Show 2024
See what caught they eye of Design Council Co-Chairs Peter Pennoyer, Alexa Hampton, Corey Damen Jenkins, and Ellen Hamilton
Every year, New Yorkers brave the frigid January temperatures to make their way to The Winter Show, now celebrating its 70th anniversary edition at the Park Avenue Armory in Manhattan. From today through January 28, more than 70 fine and decorative arts dealers from around the world fill the historic space with a dazzling array of treasures spanning 5,000 years—all to support East Side House, the nonprofit providing underprivileged Bronx and northern Manhattan residents with educational and career development resources.
This year, photographer Simon Cherry’s new series, “Urban Life in the South Bronx,” is on view at the fair’s entrance and shines a light on some of the community members East Side House supports. Also special this year is a section called “Focus: Americana,” which was curated by Alexandra Kirtley of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, designed by Frederick Fisher & Partners, and spotlights fascinating art and objects from Americana design history.
Below, Galerie asked Design Council Co-Chairs Peter Pennoyer, Alexa Hampton, Corey Damen Jenkins, and Ellen Hamilton to wade through the series of booths and let us know their favorites.
1. Ellen Hamilton
Set of chairs at Robert Young: “At first glance this lovely set of chairs seem quite serious, but a closer look reveals that they are not in fact carved as you might expect but flat as if they punched out of a piece of wood. I find them fascinating and wonder what the maker was thinking when they were made….”
Renaissance ring with Roman horse intaglio at Les Enluminures: “This is just magnificent. Roman intaglio from the 16th century.”
Les Enfants aux Oiseaux pair of sconces at Maison Gerard: “I love cherubs, never met one I did not love. These are just irresistible!”
Lantern of gardener monkeys chandelier by Louis Cane at Maison Gerard: “A lantern cage full of monkeys… sometimes it all gets so serious. I like that the lantern cage is here to remind us to be a bit silly and joyful.”
2. Alexa Hampton
Jardins de Bagatelle at Carolle Thibaut-Pomerantz: “This neoclassical depiction of an English garden scene has French and Chinese influences. It beckons the viewer into its landscape.”
3. Peter Pennoyer
Japanned center table at Clinton Howell: “I love the convex form legs of this table and the japanning is exquisite. The patterns celebrate Chinese painting. It’s a beautiful table, at a glance, that resonates with history.”
Marked Coalbrookdale seat at Barbara Israel Garden Antiques: “An extraordinary, rare garden seat demonstrates the beauty of 19th century cast iron. The chestnut branches, leaves and ribbons make this Horse Chestnut Pattern a perfect centerpiece for a garden.”
3. Corey Damen Jenkins
Pair of George III antique English silver candelabra at S. J. Shrubsole: “A find like these stately candelabras is something I naturally gravitate towards. Their substantial visual weight and their impressive detailing bring surprising versatility to any surface.”
Diana of the Tower at Lillian Nassau LLC: “Accessories like this Diana of the Tower sculpture are not only an homage to the elegance of yesterday’s ancient civilizations (as well as New York City’s own history!), but her beautiful silhouette easily transitions into any modern decor of today.”
Pair of “à la reine” armchairs at Galerie Léage: “This is a real statement-maker for any living room design. I love classic Louis XV or Chippendale style chairs because they reliably anchor a sense of timelessness to my firm’s projects.”