“Maine is such a rare, magical place,” effuses Rita Konig. “Summer, with its pristine light and foggy mornings, is especially wonderful.” The British designer’s love affair with the New England gem began more than a decade ago while working on a project there with architect Gil Schafer, who spends his own summers near Mount Desert Island with his wife, designer Courtnay Daniels; now, Konig and Schafer are reuniting at this year’s Downeast Antiques & Art Show, which takes place from August 14–16 at the George Stevens Academy in Blue Hill. “We love the variety of dealers, the mix of high and low, and we are always able to find things for ourselves and for our clients,” says Schafer.
Architect Gil Schafer will co-chair the show with his wife, designer Courtnay Daniels.
The show’s honorary chair, Rita Konig.
Francesco LagneseAmong the schedule’s highlights is a conversation between Konig and Schafer. “Rita and I plan to share a bit of our transatlantic backstories and how British and American design influence each of us,” says Schafer. “We’ll show the project that brought us together 15 years ago and do a deep dive into a just-completed project here in the States to show how our process works and its outcome.” Afterward, be sure to join the pair for a book signing along with FREDERIC editor in chief Dara Caponigro, who will be signing copies of her new book, Glorious Gardens.
Planning your own visit to the Downeast Show? We asked Schafer, Daniels, and Konig to share some of their favorite dealers and other can’t-miss spots in the area.
Gil & Courtnay’s Top Antiques Dealers
Pumpkin Patch Antiques and Dennis Raleigh Antiques
Searsport, ME
“Pumpkin Patch is a great Maine resource for both of us. We make a pilgrimage to their shop each summer, so we’re delighted to see them at the show this year.”
Heller Washam Antiques
Portland, ME
“Wonderful ceramics and other Americana.”
Withington & Company
Cape Neddick, ME
“Longtime friends who have beautiful smalls as well as large-scale garden antiques.”
Andrew Spindler
Essex, MA
“A great old friend and always reliable to have something quirky, American, and utterly delightful.”
John Hunt Marshall
Florence, MA
“John has been a great resource for finding things for clients—like a fabulous large-scale sailboat diorama I purchased a couple years ago.”
Oliver Garland
Falmouth, MA
“Oliver has the most refined, eclectic eye—always a treasure to be found in his booth.”
Jeffrey Henkel
Pennington, NJ
“Jeffrey has a great eye and mixes the antique with the modern so well.”
Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge
Downingtown, PA
“Both of us have gotten into big trouble in Earl Vandekar’s booths over the years, endlessly adding to our ridiculous collection of porcelain. We now have to build more cupboards!”
Sheridan Loyd Antiques
St. Joseph, MO
“One of Courtnay’s favorite sources for American baskets.”
More Local Favorites
“Ronald Harte Antiques on Deer Isle never disappoints, nor does the whimsical and beautifully crafted ropework of Tim Whitten’s Marlinespike Chandlery in Stonington on Deer Isle,” say Schafer and Daniels. They also recommend the Jonathan Fisher House, a “charming and inspiring period house museum in Blue Hill” And don’t miss the WoodenBoat School in nearby Brooklin for “great classes in all things marine.’
Hand-knotted ropes and more from Marlinespike Chandlery in Stonington, on Deer Isle, Maine.
Marlinespike Chandlery/Instagram
The 1814 Federal-style Jonathan Fisher House in Blue Hill is worth a visit.
Courtesy of Jonathan Fisher House“Devta Doolan Studio on Deer Isle has beautiful glasses by Kenny Pieper that I’ve started buying for myself and clients,” says Konig. “They also have beautiful jewelry and ceramics.”
Need to refuel after a long day of antiquing? “The Brooklin Inn is a great place to stay or just have a delicious meal,” says Schafer. “For an elegant dinner, we like Arborvine, and for a tasty roadside lobster roll, head to The Fish Net.”
The Brooklin Inn offers chic rooms and farm-to-table dining.
Courtesy of the Brooklin Inn
