SOME of the best known and most sought-after names in the antiques world will be assembled at the NEC Birmingham in time for Christmas thanks to the launch of a three-day Antiques and Fine Arts Fair.
Collectors, dealers and bargain hunters have welcomed the news that Classic Antique Fairs is running the prestigious event from December 1-3 2023 after a testing few years for the trade, in the wake of the pandemic, economic downturn and conflicts abroad.
Behind the new venture is owner of Kent-based Scottow Antiques and Ceramics specialist, John Andrews, who has exhibited at the NEC himself for 35 years. Like many of his fellow dealers, he was disappointed when the event’s organisers announced there would be none of their fairs in 2023. A previous economic slump saw John switch careers from being a restaurateur to a ceramics dealer or as he says, he went from ‘putting food on plates to collecting them’.
“While many dealers in antiques and decorative arts have a presence online these days, plenty of us feel there is no substitute for customers being able to examine items and hear from trusted sellers all about their prospective purchases,” said John.
“Whether someone is looking for an elusive piece for a gap in their collection, a statement piece to make their home unique, or an idea to spark a lifetime of collecting, fairs like the one we are running are the ideal opportunity. We have done all the work for them in bringing leading, trusted national and international dealers together in one place.”
Among the first to book one of more than 120 stands available at the Fair and delighted to be attending, is Lancashire-based Janice Kehoe of Solo Antiques who will be bringing with her some rare Daum glass vases featuring winter landscapes. Along with her Lalique glass, she says the way they capture the light can only be appreciated fully when seen.
With clocks and watches, like the ones Kembery Antique Clocks (photo credit) of the West Country or Antiques Roadshow expert Richard Price and Associates will be bringing, it is the sound that often entices the buyer.
For jewellery specialist Charlotte Morris Roper of Plaza Jewellery (photographed here), Cheshire it is the way beautiful pieces make their wearers feel. Her love affair with jewellery began when she was living in France and she says she views her pre-loved pieces by Cartier, Tiffany & Co and Boodles as ‘going on to their next adventure’.
From the small and precious to the grand and prestigious, Cotswold based W R Harvey will be hoping to find a home for a splendid Regency Mahogany Pocock Extending Dining Table, as he says there is always increased demand for large tables around Christmas.
A love for Art brought together Chris and Ellie Ixer (photographed here) from the Forest of Dean who run Art World Gallery and they say there is ‘something very special about face to face’ meetings with customers. They cannot wait to be back at the NEC in Birmingham with paintings including a favourite by contemporary artist Joseph Capicotto.
Among the many highlights promised by the fair are rare enamels from the Antique Enamel Company, signed pieces of Doulton, Clarice Cliff and William Moorcroft collections and a number of Art Deco and Art Nouveau sculptures.
Especially for the return to Birmingham, Somerset couple Adrian and Amelia Holt of Levels Antiques are bringing a rare 1920s signed silver and blister pearl brooch by George Hunt who trained at the School of Jewellery and Silversmithing in Birmingham, and an Arts and Crafts brooch by Bernard Cuzner who was Head of the Metalwork department at Birmingham School of Art.
The Fair runs from December 1 to 3, 2023, and is open from 10 – 5 on Friday and Saturday and 10 – 4 on Sunday. To book a stand, or buy tickets to attend, email John at classicantiquefairs@btinternet.com or visit www.classicantiquefairs.co.uk/contact
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