Coverage and photos by Douglas Phillips
Celebrating its forty-sixth year on the April 2019 Easter weekend, the Bowmanville Antiques and Folk Art Show has built a reputation of being one of Canada’s premiere collector shows, where many long-term dealers display their unique and authentic antiquities for the discerning collector.
Visiting the booths of the 28 dealers, I was impressed with the offerings. This year the bar was raised to include fine art and “wow” paintings from the Group of Seven and other renowned artists like Manly MacDonald.
The new owners of the show produced a first-class brochure and a special exhibit entitled “From Sea to Shining Sea – Nautical Antiquities of Canada” that celebrated our rich maritime history.
Canada has the longest coastlines in the world, and our freshwater lakes and rivers have also played an important role in the building of this nation. Encompassing the early days of the French fur traders to immigration and the vast number of ships which sailed the Atlantic and the Great Lakes, many of the chests and steam trucks from those journeys could be spotted at the show.
Opening night is always exciting and special at the show. For many collectors, it is the start of the collecting season and has become a tradition for them. This year was no exception and the expectant crowd was not disappointed with the top-notch items available to them. Judging from the many “sold” signs placed on a wide variety of fine items, buyers were pleased with the show’s excellent vetted selection of offerings.
We look forward to the 47th Annual Show in 2020. Details will be available at www.bowmanvilleantiqueshow.ca You can also keep in touch by visiting the show’s Facebook page to learn more.
From Sea to Shining Sea – Nautical Antiquities of Canada, a special exhibit to inform, educate and inspire. Presented and curated by collectors Chris
From Sea to Shining Sea – Nautical Antiquities of Canada, a special exhibit to inform, educate and inspire. Presented and curated by collectors Chris Spick, Steve Acken, and Ben Lennox. Sincere thanks to all collectors who have contributed their time, energyand special pieces in honour of Canada’s nautical history. 
Burpee Desk, c1830 Illustrated in the Heritage Furnishings of Atlantic Canada – Sampler – by a sailor’s sweetheart, from mid 19th century Smith’s Creek Antiques, C. Benson, Port Hope, ON 905-885-7840 
Noah’s Ark carved and signed by Rene Dandurand. Folk Art Sculptor from Valleyfield, PQ Ark made from a single piece of wood. Chic Shack Antique & Vintage, St. Basile le Grand, PQ 514-865-6645 
Acadian influence cabinet, evident in base with sawtooth and cabriole legs, signed (likely maker) J.B. Bennett, North Mountain, Kings Cty, NS Peter E. Baker Antiques, Elgin, PQ 450-264-6794 
English Oak Scholars Desk dated 1697 George Brown Antiques, Toronto, ON 416-964-9134 
Mohawk beaded collar and belt,Niagara region, western New York, c1890 Jamie McDougall Antiques, Kitchener, ON 519-749-8420 
Painting of “Pirate Junior” by artist J.J. Kenyon, fourth quarter 19th century Marlboro Antiques, North Gower, ON 613-447-4705 
Penny Rug (one of several) using burlap flour mill sacks for backing, made during post war World War I, 1920s and 1930s Authantiques, Hudson, PQ 450-202-0934 
Rooster weather vane, tin mounted on new base from Hastings Co, ON, early to mid 20th century Van Schyndel Lachapelle Antiques, Erinsville, ON 613-379-2467 
Unsigned oil painting of rowboat crew helping a steamer c1890s Ed Haldorsen Antiques, Ottawa, ON 613-799-7060 
Sailors Knot Board, NS c1940. Timber River Farm Country Antiques, Port Elgin, NB 
Seth Thomas Brass Clock Brockville, Ontario. Tree of Life decoration on base, mid 19th century Montague House Antiques, Smith Falls, ON 613-283-5270 
Tramp Art Clock Welland, ON, c1934Commemorating 25 years of King George V’s reign, showing animals of the Empire and the Maple Leaf. The clock won first place at the Canadian National Exhibition Craft Show in 1935. Croydon House Antiques, Enterprise, ON 613-453-1854 
Painting by A.Y. Lawton of ship on Ottawa River rapids on, c1920. Both pieces: Croydon House Antiques, Enterprise, ON 613-453-1854 
Collection of antique Windsor chairs Adrian Tinline Antiques, Bowmanville, ON 905-718-9074