We all love the thrill of the chase when visiting an antiques fair, especially when you know there’ll be a broad choice to mull over, but in manageable portions. At the Bath Decorative Antiques Fair, a cheerful and fun event much-beloved of the trade, its mid-sized venue of The Pavilion allows for some 50 exhibitors – plenty to keep a serious browser happy for an hour or two, but not so many the choices are overwhelming. Established for over 30 years, the Bath Fair is at last able to resume its traditional early spring slot in the UK fairs calendar, running from 1-3 April 2022 with a trade preview on Thursday 31 March.
This venerable West Country decorative event is a regional celebration of antiques and 20th century design with exhibitors drawn from across the nearby counties as well as further afield. It is popular with both UK and overseas trade buyers; it’s quite a tradition for well-known London and other distinguished dealers and trade buyers to vie for first place in the queue early on the preview morning, eager to make their dash to see what’s on offer.
Garden antiques will be a focus when exhibitors converge on the Georgian city to deck their stands with charmingly curated displays of decorative and country house antiques and garden ornament. Buyers attending Bath have always looked for antiques for the garden and conservatory and exhibitors will not disappoint with a diverse selection of English, Italian and French antique tables and chairs and decorative embellishment such as exquisite model chateaux, imposing cast iron urns and benches, and architectural elements.
For interior furnishing, expect to see English, French and Nordic antiques and design – large painted cabinets, chateau furniture, huge farmhouse tables, rustic oak pieces, refined cosmopolitan designs for the City dweller, library furniture for the essential home office, lighting, luxurious antique textiles and rugs from Asia and the Levant, folk art, mirrors, early glass, English and Continental pottery, and a broad range of art from period portraits to modern and contemporary works by renowned and discovered artists.
There is a unique atmosphere at this fair, very laid back and with a welcoming feel. Loyal exhibitors join with some exciting new exhibitors from across the UK this Spring to inspire collectors and homemakers of all generations. Much like the dealers who exhibit at Battersea, they have a talent for showing new ways to mix antiques and vintage with modern and contemporary art and decoration in a flavourful 21st century mashup!
Battersea dealers have been regular exhibitors – and buyers – in the past, and the Battersea Fair team are often to be seen visiting on preview day, to catch up with friends and familiar faces. It’s a great day out: happily the venue is a brief walk over the river from the centre of Bath, so a jolly post-visit lunch is often on the cards. But the café at the venue also does great hot and cold food or snacks, and afternoon tea is also a treat. Parking close by is available, or take the train – The Pavilion is less than a ten minute walk from Bath Spa station.
At Bath this Spring, the Decorative Fair team will be looking out for some of our own regulars and past friends of the fair including Mary Hossack Antiques with antiques and design for the town and country interior, Kore Purchase Antiques with decorative antiques and design for the home and garden, and DJ Green Antiques with French country antiques and garden decoration. We also hope to say hello to art dealers Thomas Spencer Modern & Contemporary Art, Anthony Hepworth with Modern British & post-war paintings and tribal art, and Ian Shaw Tribal Art.
Travellers Notes:
Bath is quite possibly one of the most beautiful Georgian cities in the UK, and it would be foolish to visit the Fair without strolling across the nearby bridge in to the centre of town. Close by is beautiful Bath Abbey, next to the historic Roman Baths. Saunter uphill towards the famous residential areas of The Circle (very smart) and then to the jaw-dropping views of Royal Crescent. The large townhouse at No. 1 Royal Crescent is preserved in blissful purist Georgian interior style, with silk-covered walls and splendid furniture. Quite the inspiration for lovers of antiques and period drama. Highly recommended.
Fair Info:
THE 33rd BATH DECORATIVE ANTIQUES FAIR
www.bathdecorativeantiquesfair.co.uk
Date: 1-3 April 2022
Trade Preview: 31st March
Venue: The Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath, BA2 4EU
Opening Times:
TRADE PREVIEW Thursday 31 March, 12noon – 5pm (Admission with Trade Invite or Business Card, otherwise £10.00)
PUBLIC DAYS Friday 1 – Saturday 2 April: 11am – 5pm, Sunday 3 April 11 am – 4pm.
Admission: £5.00
