ANTIQUE CHIC
By Kim Devore/Entertainment Writer
The Barker Hanger was the place to be as they kicked off the annual Los Angeles Antiques Show with a glitzy, glorious and grand opening night preview. The hanger was transformed into a fragrant, flower-filled atrium complete with 10-foot hedges, vine-covered gazebos and twinkling star lights. Well-heeled guests sailed into the tented garden to the soothing sounds of a string quartet. They sipped champagne and savored platters of antipasto while eyeing an endless array of incredible antiques.
No matter how trendy or traditional your taste, if it’s art you’re after, you’ll find it here. Anything and everything was up for grabs from some of the world’s most respected dealers-Biedermeier to Neoclassical, Empire to Regence, Art Nouveau to Art Deco, Gothic to Tribal. The selection came from every corner of the globe. There were serious native spears from West Africa, Victorian needlepoint from England, bronze sculpture from France, wooden screens from Japan, Persian rugs, estate jewelry, gouache watercolors, Jensen silver, impressionist oils, dreamy seascapes, fruitwood marquetry, elaborate corkscrews, 18th century canes, fin de sicle posters.
Although there were all kinds of imports to admire, “Drew Carey’s” Diedrich Bader and his wife, Dulcy Roberts, are Americana all the way. They are major fans of Malcolm Malcolm Magruder who hails from Millwood, Virginia. If you are in the market for fabulous finds from the U.S. of A, this classically clad antiquarian is the country’s go-to guy.
“He’s the reason why we’re here,” Dulcy declared while fawning over a glass portrait of George Washington. “He has the best of everything.” Diedrich shares his wife’s enthusiasm, saying, “He’s our favorite, and wait ’till you see his federalist stuff.” With that, the two were quick to whip out their latest acquisition-a 1790s iron fire plaque. “Everything has a story,” Dulcy explained. “With this, you actually had to sign up with a private fire company. If your house was on fire, they were the only ones who would respond.”
This annual event comes courtesy of the Women’s Guild of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. For the past 46 years, the guild has raised more than $15 million to benefit everything from breast cancer treatment to hospice care. The overflow crowd, together with honorary chairs Judy Briskin and Tony Danza, helped the group get a whopping $750,000 from this event alone.
With one last look, Dulcy and Diedrich sauntered off with their own little piece of American history, still marveling at Mister Magruder’s amazing collection and wondering what delights he’ll have in store in 2004.