Keep reading to find out about all the talks, daily demos and workshops to add to your diaries.
Please note a ticket to the fair is required to access these events.
Talks, Workshops & Demonstrations:
Tues 7th May:
Opening Day – Panel Talks hosted by Busola Evans
2:30pm – How To Use Antiques In Interior Design
Vintage and reclamation pieces have never been so popular but how do you incorporate them into a modern-day scheme? Our expert panel share their insight
featured guests: Edward Bulmer (Edward Bulmer Natural Paint); Amy Eld (Rock the Heirloom); Sara Morel (Salvo)
4pm – Why We Invest In Craft
featured guests: Candic Lau (The Creative Dimension Trust); Jade Ilke (Craftworks Show); Maddie Ainsworth (Cox London).
Weds 8th May:
Appliqué Design Demo with Natasha Hulse
Come to take a closer look at Hulse’s work combining traditional art techniques with a modern approach to appliqué design. Natasha creates three-dimensional, fabric artworks that are then upholstered onto walls and pieces of furniture. Each piece is considered to be a one-of-a-kind heirloom. Everything is made to order in the UK.
2-4pm – Franklin & Hare – Upholstery Demo
Join Franklin & Hare for an up-close demonstration of their traditional upholstery skills. Ask questions about the re-upholstery process, materials and services.
Thurs 9th May:
4pm – How an Artist and Dealer Collaborate with Harald Altmaier X Vagabond
In conversation with Fine Art Photographer Harald Altmaier and Antiques Dealer Joe Chaffer (Vagabond). Come along to see Harald’s works up close, find out about the creative process and collaboration between artist and dealer to create these extraordinary artworks.
6pm: Lighting Art & Antiques with John Cullen Lighting X DKT Artwork
Discover how to light art sculpture and antiquities with guidance from the experts at John Cullen Lighting and DKT Artwork. Switches and light box supplied by Forbes & Lomax.
Fri 10th May:
The Creative Dimension Trust (TCDT) – Makers Arena Takeover
12 noon – Furniture making with award-winning Emma Leslie
Emma is a trained Furniture Maker. As well as having her own practice as a designer and maker, she runs the New School of Furniture Making, teaching project-based courses from her East London studio.
2pm – The Art of Passementerie with Wendy Cushing
Learn about the fascinating endangered craft of Passementerie – A talk and demonstration on the making of tassels and trimmings from one of the few remaining companies still producing trimmings for interior decorating and historical restoration. Wendy will be showing her restoration work for Windsor Castle and explaining the complexity of reproduing historical textiles. Shahnaz Aslam her assistant and tassel maker of 35 years will demonstrate how to make rosettes, tassels and tiebacks.
4pm – Leatherworking with Candice Lau
Candice has a decade-long practice in leatherwork. From design and development, bespoke commissions, to teaching the art of traditional leather craft.
Sat 11th May:
Elyse Vaudron – Marquetry demonstration
Come along to meet the talented conservator Elyse Vaudron demonstrating her marquetry skills in our makers arena. Specialising in the delicate restoration and conservation of furniture and decorative arts spanning the 16th to the 20th century. Elyse’s expertise includes veneer and boulle marquetry restoration, bronze cleaning, French polishing, waxed finishes, and more. When your fine antiques are in need of restoration, you’ll know who to call!
2pm – Clive Rogers – on making rugs in Turkey
Join Clive Rogers as he delves into the fascinating world of bespoke rugs. Discover the practical aspects of specifying, design development, sampling, and overseeing the meticulous weaving process in Turkey, all hands-on and tailored to meet a client’s exacting requirements.
Sun 12th May:
Phyllis Clair Smith – Decorative Painting/Marbling Demonstration
Meet our resident decorative artist, Phyllis, with restoration experience in museums and churches, excels in replicating or repairing damage to marble, wood, or stone surfaces, whether genuine or painted. As a fine and decorative artist, she possesses a deep understanding of materials, crafting unique works such as verre églomisé, painted screens, bas relief panels, and more. She is a QEST scholar of marbling and wood graining, trained under master painter Pierre Beaudry in London.
The Rug & Carpet Studio – To Restore or Conserve Rugs?
The Rug & Carpet Studio will be demonstrating and discussing where conservation is more appropriate than full restoration and the difference between the two. The restorers will be demonstrating various restoration techniques, including reweaving, repairing fringes and side cords, together with conservation techniques such as couching and support backings.
For over 20 years, The House Directory has been the keeper of the best little black book of contacts for the decorating business. The essential tool for trade and public alike. Now you’ve found them, they will be your first port of call for sourcing interior designers, dealers, suppliers & services, products & makers. Est. 2001.
Please note you will also need a ticket for The Decorative Fair to access these events.
