Florida Antiques & Gift Expo Featuring Royal Doulton, Moorcroft & Lladro - West Palm Beach Florida

West Palm Beach, FL, December 07, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Art Deco style is back in vogue this year at the West Palm Beach Antiques & Gift Expo from January 30th to February 1st 2009. Royal Doulton, the famous British china company is presenting a new collection of clown figurines inspired by the party-loving pierrots of the 1920s. A prestige artist from Stoke-on-Trent, England will be at the show demonstrating the artistry behind these very collectible Deco style figurines.

The Art Deco architecture of Miami Beach was the inspiration behind the stunning Deco Drive vase by Moorcroft, also a very highly regarded British pottery. The sunrise- patterned windows and abstract detailing of Ocean Drive is fringed with the palm trees and pelicans of this tropical playground. The limited edition of just 50 vases is being launched exclusively at this event by Pascoe and Company of Miami.

For the last 22 years, Florida has hosted one of the country’s most successful antiques and collectibles events and for the 5th year running it is being held at the West Palm Beach Hilton. Initially the annual show was devoted exclusively to Royal Doulton but a few years ago the Moorcroft art pottery became an important feature. This year Lladro has also been invited to participate and a huge following is anticipated given the popularity of these Spanish porcelains in Florida.

Top international dealers come to West Palm Beach each year with the finest examples of ceramic art that they have saved for months to exhibit at the most important event of the collecting year. For Royal Doulton collectors there will be choice examples of Victorian art pottery; rare figurines from the Art Deco era onwards; colorful character and toby jugs, including unique prototypes; Bunnykins and Beatrix potter collectibles: and the Walt Disney Showcase collection.

The Moorcroft pottery will be presenting the latest work from their talented design studio from Stoke-on-Trent, England. Amanda Baker, one of their most skilled artists, will be demonstrating the distinctive art of tube-lining and hand-painting Moorcroft style. Show visitors will be able to try these challenging decorating techniques at the Moorcroft Master-Classes throughout the weekend.

For Lladro’s debut at this event, they will be presenting an exhibition of ‘High Porcelain’, a collection of superb prestige pieces which reflect the highest level of excellence, beauty and technical perfection at Lladro’s command.

Experts from the collecting world will be flying into Florida to give talks about their specialist subjects. Royal Doulton author, Louse Irvine, from London, England will be hosting the seminar program. Stephen Mullins, the curator of the American Toby Jug Museum in Evanston, Illinois will be talking about his new book on Doulton jugs. Ron Aiello, a master craftsman and china restorer from New York will be giving advice on repairing damaged pieces and accepting commissions for restoration.

The social highlight of the weekend is the Collectors Dinner on Saturday night and this year’s theme also pays tribute to the Art Deco era. ‘A Touch of Class’ will be a nostalgic evening of music and entertainment from jazz to swing.

For further information, contact Tom Munro at Pascoe and Company.

###