LIVING AND BREATHING ANTIQUES
Where it all started
The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair (known as The Decorative Fair) is a family-owned event that launched in 1985 to specifically unite the antiques and interior design trades. We hold three events each year: a Winter Fair in late January, a Spring Fair in mid-May and an Autumn Fair during the busy ‘design season’ in late September/early October.
OUR HISTORY
The Fair’s founder, antiques dealer Patricia Harvey, saw a need in the market for a friendly and relaxed event where interior design buyers could find everything they needed for their clients – a broad range of antiques with design in mind, presented in an inspiring room-set type format, and in a setting less formal than traditional antiques fairs. The Decorative Fair was the first to incorporate post-war design specialists and now has a dateline of 1979. The Fair’s home since 1997 has been Battersea Park; it was the first event to set up the now well-known marquee venue.
THE TEAM
The Fair is run by a small, dedicated team with many decades of antiques and events experience between them, headed up by Organisers Jane Juran, and dealer Darren Hudson who is also a long-standing exhibitor. Building the Fair are the stand-fitters and electricians, whose teams have been involved for 20 years; on-site support comes from the ‘Harvey Boys’ who help exhibitors move stock, and the front desk staff.
OUR VISION
We aim to keep the Fair fresh and exciting, and we regularly search out up-and-coming young dealers to join our existing family of exhibitors. Our relaxed and friendly atmosphere is enjoyed by visitors and dealers alike, and whilst we make tweaks here and there, our aim is to retain the original spirit that has imbued the event since its inception – a sense of discovery around every corner, and happy-making objects for sale that anyone can afford to take home.
THE DECORATIVE FAIR EXPERIENCE
OUR DEALERS
Every item our dealers select has a beautiful story to tell. We only invite exhibitors with established businesses, from across the UK and Europe. Some are general dealers in decorative antiques and 20th century design and accessories, others are more specialist: in early oak and country furniture, folk art, silver or glassware, textiles, contemporary or traditional art. Many build up relationships with collectors as well as selling to decorators and interiors buyers.
OUR STYLE
There is something to suit every taste, and budget, at The Decorative Fair. Whether decorating an entire house, or just looking for some instant design gratification with a table lamp, mirror or some glass or silverware, visitors find it hard to leave without a choice purchase.
TRADE SHOPPING FOR DECORATORS & DEALERS
As international travel restrictions continue, we are pleased to be able to offer a special Trade Shopping facility for overseas trade buyers. Provided by Gail McLeod of Antiques News, a respected expert in antiques trade sourcing and buying, Gail knowns many of our exhibitors, and can ‘shop the Fair’ on behalf of the trade. Terms and conditions apply, please contact Gail McLeod direct at mail@antiquesnews.co.uk if you are interested in this service.