THE CHARLESTON SHOW PRESENTS
PREVIEW PARTY EVENING
BENEFITING DRAYTON HALL PRESERVATION TRUST
THURSDAY MARCH 19TH
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FRIDAY, MARCH 20th
12:00 – 1:00 PM
This engaging panel brings together the next generation of rising talent in the design world to explore how classic forms, craftsmanship, and collecting traditions are reinterpreted for today’s interiors. Through candid discussion, they will highlight the importance of mentorship, the exchange of ideas, and the ways in which younger designers are learning from and innovating alongside their experienced counterparts. Whether you are a longtime collector or just beginning to discover the beauty of antiques, this program will offer fresh perspectives on how the past continues to shape the future of design.
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2:30 pm
Beautifully British Interiors: Emma-Sims Hilditch in conversation with Bories & Shearron
Join us for a captivating conversation as AD100 architects Bories & Shearron sit down with Emma Sims-Hilditch to explore the creative inspiration behind her latest book and her storied career in interior design. This unique dialogue will delve into the intersection of architecture and interiors, as Emma shares her design philosophy, the influences that shape her signature style, and the stories behind her most beloved projects. Their dynamic discussion will offer a rare look at the collaborative process of creating timeless, thoughtful homes.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 21st
9:30 AM
In the fall of 2019, over 75 rare pieces of 17th- and 18th-century Delftware were rediscovered in a historic Manhattan townhouse. Decorative arts expert Genevieve Wheeler Brown unveils the history behind this recent finding. Brown explores how these vibrant ceramics both represent a beloved decorative art form and illuminate the powerful, often overlooked roles of women across the centuries.
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12:00 PM
Building on Tradition: The Exploration of a Practice with William Curtis and Russell Windham
Drayton Hall is proud to present the 2026 Preview Party Honorary Chairs, Bill Curtis & Russell Windham. Award-winning architects and authors of the new book Building on Tradition, William Curtis and Russell Windham are known for skillfully blending traditional architectural principles with a keen awareness of modern life. Join the duo as they talk about how they match their projects to their cultural and physical environment—understanding constraints, possibilities, and the local vernacular, whether it’s a windswept retreat on the California coast or a tree-lined enclave in Houston, Texas. The two acclaimed architects discuss the many dynamic stories of their decades long practice and reflect on what it means to build a passion-driven career from the ground up, all the while maintaining a deep and sincere attachment to the pursuit of thoughtful, worthwhile local architecture.
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2:30 PM
Layers of Love – Decorating with Art & Antiques with Suzanne Tucker
Get ready for a masterclass in timeless elegance! This tête-à-tête promises a deep dive into the world of renowned interior designer – and passionate collector – Suzanne Tucker. Christopher Roy, interior designer and fellow enthusiast, will guide an inspiring discussion on decorating with antiques—how to make them sing, sparkle, and feel current in today’s interiors. With her signature mix of elegance, warmth, and a dash of wit, Suzanne will share her approach to creating rooms that are as inviting as they are enduring. Expect reflections on the joy of collecting—that irresistible thrill of the hunt—and how a well-chosen piece can transform not just a room, but one’s entire relationship with beauty and history. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply antique-curious, this conversation promises to spark a passion for living beautifully with the past, in the present. Followed by a book signing of Suzanne Tucker’s Extraordinary Interiors.