Key dates, locations and tips for planning your next treasure hunt BY SASHA WILKINS
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of an antiques fair: waking at the crack of dawn, the first sweep of a packed hall, the glint of silver or the curve of a chair leg catching your eye.
Whether you’re hunting for a statement piece, sourcing stock or simply browsing for inspiration, Britain’s fairs and flea markets offer everything from museum-worthy masterpieces to charmingly chipped treasures.
From sprawling showgrounds to elegant city squares, these are the events worth marking in your diary…
Bath Decorative Antiques Fair, Somerset
Small but perfectly formed, this fair brings together dealers from all over the UK to this beautiful city. I like it because it gives newer dealers a chance to shine alongside bigger names in the trade. Plus it’s a great place to pick up quirky decorative pieces, from the antique dog kennel we spotted last year to French linens and faience.
Antique French linens are amongst the second-hand gems at Bath Decorative Antiques Fair
Newark International Antiques Fair, Nottinghamshire
Europe’s largest antiques market takes place at the 84-acre showground six times a year, attracting thousands of dealers and buyers, many from overseas. This is where much of the trade source their stock, so you can find some wonderful, and unexpected, pieces. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of ground to cover.
Europe’s largest antiques market takes place at the 84-acre showground six times a year
Bada art and antiques fair, Rutland
June sees the launch of the first major BADA (British Antique Dealers’ Association) fair to be held outside London. Organisers hope to make this a destination event. And with 40 members of the leading trade association for fine art, design and antiques exhibiting pieces that have all been vetted for authenticity by BADA’s experts, visitors can be confident of buying quality.
Ripley Castle Decorative Home & Salvage Show, North Yorkshire
Arthur Swallow Fairs hosts a series of three-day outdoor home and garden brocante-style events across the UK every year, with one each at Ripley Castle, Cheshire Showground, Cirencester Park and Loseley Park. Expect to find vintage homeware, garden statuary and planters, plus imaginative pieces for the home.
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