Winter Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair Review: Part 2

Good Sales In Antique Furniture And Curiosities

Some good sales were made for traditional oak, country and mahogany furniture, such as a good pair of simulated rosewood Regency bergère chairs, c1820 with a ticket price in excess of £xxxxx. Also selling well at the Fair were large, useful items such as tables, cabinets and commodes, and upholstery, in the main simply decorated or painted. Pale colours, silver accents and unfussy chic was the order of the day. Items on a grand scale continue to be in demand, such as huge mirrors, and rustic or industrial type pieces were popular. Dealers with small pairs of chairs and side tables practically sold out, particularly in C20th design.

Antique French Chair & Sofa Company

Customers were as conscious of pricing as they have been in the past 18 months, but many dealers commented that the clientele were “focused and intent” on finding that special something. John Barkes, specialist in Russian C20th art, said “I sold some interesting, academic works to new buyers, including customers who were buying a picture for the first time ever!” 

David Juran, organiser of the Fair, was delighted with the attendance and strength of sales in many quarters. “To achieve this level of business, and to continue attracting new customers is our aim, and I am pleased we seem to be doing the right things. We realise it was a trying time for many dealers in the run up to the Fair, what with the adverse weather conditions, but our exhibitors pulled out all the stops to get here and put on a fabulous show.” Re-bookings for the April event were strong, with 80% of stands already filled.

Dealers in small or very affordable ‘treats’ faired well, as new visitors were keen to take home a purchase. Exhibitors Church End reported a charming story which unfolded on their stand late on Sunday: “A man and his girlfriend looked at the most expensive diamond ring on our stand. ‘Do you like it?’ said he. ‘Very much’, said she. ‘Will you marry me?’ said he. ‘Yes’, said she…” “First time I’ve witnessed that,” said the dealer!

The chinoiserie Foyer was admired both by visitors and exhibitors and made sales, such as a Georgian lacquered cabinet, a suite of chairs and sofa, a Georgian chinoiserie lacquered mirror, a painted trunk, and a C20th lacquered coffee table.