Laura Chesters of the Antiques Trade Gazette has written a profile (31 October 2026) of a long-time exhibitor at our fairs. Here’s an extract from Laura’s feature which you can read in full online.
Meret Oppenheim (1913-1985), Traccia Table, gold leaf, wood & bronze, produced by Simon Gavina, Italy, 1970s (Zigzag Modern); small kilim-covered ottoman, c1880 (Brown Elliot); tasselled cushions & antique textiles (Su Mason); Pr maiolica vases by Henri Delcourt, c1930, fitted as lamps (Home Bothy)
Antiques dealer Mark Goodger has recently welcomed his son Jake into the business; they exhibited together as colleagues for the first time at The Decorative Fair this autumn.
For more than three decades, Mark has built a reputation as a trusted destination for collectors, enthusiasts and interior connoisseurs seeking refined antique boxes, tea caddies and decorative objects. What began as a modest passion for restoration has grown into an internationally recognised dealership grounded in knowledge, authenticity and a deep respect for historic design. Mark Goodger has shown regularly at Battersea since 2009.
From rare boxes and historic tea caddies to fine accessories and distinctive decorative pieces, every item is carefully selected for its quality, provenance and use of unusual and exotic materials.
From left to right: Tunbridge Ware folk house sewing box, sycamore and naïvely painted on all sides, English, c.1800, Naïve folk art cottage sewing box, English, c1800, Rare sewing compendium inspired by Nash’s Brighton Pavilion, English c1825, Satinwood tea caddy with floral inlays, English c1790.
Mark says: “Battersea provided the perfect opportunity for Jake’s first introduction to the world of exhibiting, meeting clients, handling stock and experiencing the fair first hand alongside me.”
Jake, who has previously gained experience in cabinetmaking, will be studying on the job with a focus on restoration and conservation. He told ATG: “I am really looking forward to getting stuck into the restoration side of the business, as I know my dad has many trade secrets to pass on.”
Mark Goodger’s stand at The Decorative Fair
Jake will work closely as Mark’s understudy, shadowing him in all aspects of the business. Mark adds: “I believe it is essential for him to gain a thorough understanding of the trade, learning not just about the antiques themselves, but also the many different elements involved in running a successful business.
“This will include early-morning buying trips, attending antiques fairs, meeting fellow dealers, and understanding the importance of building and maintaining relationships within the trade. And, of course, there is the real pleasure of spending time at the workbench in our workshop, learning more about the pieces themselves, their construction, conservation and restoration.”
Mark Goodger – Rolls Royce Silver Spirit of Ecstasy Book Ends
Mark Goodger Antiques exhibits at numerous premier fairs each year as well as selling online, from catalogues and from its showroom in Leicestershire. Around 50% of its business comes through fairs.
According to Mark: “The Battersea Fair is a particularly important fixture in our calendar, taking place three times a year. It is a wonderful fair, bringing together a diverse mix of dealers and clients, with beautifully curated room sets. It is also encouraging to see so many enthusiastic younger dealers entering the trade and honing their skills.”
Mark Goodger Antiques – Engineers Model Train
Mark believes fairs remain an important part of the antiques trade: “A customer may not necessarily purchase at the fair itself, but we believe that the more often people see us and engage with us, the more comfortable and confident they become in buying from us, whether at a future fair or, just as importantly, online. Building these relationships is invaluable to us, and we see every fair as an opportunity to make new connections and strengthen existing ones.”
Will Jake attract a new generation of buyers? He says: “I absolutely hope I’ll be attracting a younger crowd and some new faces, building on the business’s existing strengths while embracing new opportunities and ensuring we remain relevant and accessible to the next generation of collectors.”
Mark Goodger – novelty letterbox attrib Lewis Foreman Day c1880
