DREW Pritchard, the well- known antiques dealer from TV’s Salvage Hunters (Discov- ery+) has opened a new shop in Tetbury.
He’s made his love for the Cotswolds known in many pro- grammes and it’s almost a surefire bet you’ll spot his discerning pres- ence on the opening day at the annu- al Bath Decorative Antiques Fair at the Pavilion, Bath, 5-7 March.
However, this year he may be there not only to find fresh stock. He may also be visiting one exhibitor in par- ticular, Edward Bulmer Natural Paints.
Followers of Drew’s most recent TV exploits will know that lately he has bought a handsome Georgian town house in Bath. Perhaps rather brave- ly, he has decided to renovate it from roof to basement – a decision exam- ined in eye-popping detail in the TV series Salvage Hunters: Georgian House Restoration.
If you’ve not seen the program and you have any interest in renovating and decorating an old period proper- ty of your own, then I highly recom- mend it. But be warned, it’s not for the faint-hearted and especially if your DIY skills and budgets are limit- ed.
After several episodes when parts of the property are revealed to be suf- fering some kind of rot, walls are demolished, rebuilt and replastered. The roof is replaced with Welsh slate tiles and windows renewed. Finally, Drew reaches the point when rooms need to be decorated.
In a quest for total authenticity, he decides to use paints sympathetic in both colour and formulation to the time when the house was originally built. For this, he seeks out a paint expert: Edward Bulmer, maker of a range of extraordinary natural paints perfect for use in period properties.
You can see the results as the series of programmes unfold and, room by room, the stunning results are revealed. Pritchard then sets about furnishing his home with several amazing finds.
If you want to learn more about the paint, visit the Bath Fair where Bulm- er will be taking a stand to show off his range of period paints, which also include a selection created for old and vintage furniture.
As Edward Bulmer explains, ‘We have spent years perfecting our pio- neering plant-based paints and we are proud of the product we have cre- ated using gentle chemistry and a lot of dedication to making a more sus- tainable paint! We believe we are pio- neers in creating natural paints using plant-based ingredients instead of petrochemical derived products.’
After more than 35 years at The Pavilion, visitors may wonder what
has changed at the Bath fair. Much of what was snapped up in 1989 is still well represented: folk art, country furniture, large painted dressers, grand scale painted French furniture and accessories, antique textiles, samplers, period portraits, advertis- ing ephemera and vintage for the gar- den, all artfully assembled.
Probably the most notable change is the appearance of sleek mid 20th century furniture and lighting, indus- trial design and Nordic furniture, keenly sought by decorators and col- lectors alike. Back in 1989 these trends had only just started but are now an accepted feature of decora- tive antiques landscape.
The fair is often described as unique for its atmosphere and eye- catching displays. Says digital influ- encer Anouska Lancaster: “I really look forward to visiting Bath Decora- tive Fair every year. It’s beautifully curated and has the most exquisite stands. The atmosphere is really buzzy, and I always enjoy chatting to all the dealers.
“I love that you can grab food in the cafe and, afterwards, wander the streets of Bath. It’s more than an antique fair, it’s an ‘experience’.”
Several new exhibitors will be join- ing for 2026 including One on One Market, a new partnership between a group of interior designer and deal- ers. Expect to see an accessible, eso- teric selection of Grand Tour pieces to unique contemporary lighting and
art.
Local Bath dealer Owen Hurst,
founder of Treasury Antiques, will be making his debut at the fair, showing a selection of country house furniture and accessories. Another local dealer, Curated Interiors, joins the fair with a
mix of British and Continental piec- es.
From Cornwall, Lostwithiel Antiques will bring a mix of garden statuary, architectural reclamation, painted decorative furniture and accessories.
Regular exhibitors include Not Wanted on Voyage, DJ Green Antiques, No1 Lewes, Linda North and, all the way from Cornwall, Lud- gate House Antiques.
The Bath Decorative Fair is organ- ised by Somerset’s own Sue Ede and Peter Hodder of Cooper Events who also run the regular Cotswolds Deco- rative Antiques & Art Fair at Weston- birt, the next event taking place 17-19 April.
Readers willing to travel to find the best art and antiques have other options. From 7-9 March, visit The Petersfield Antiques Fair at The Festi- val Hall; and the Cotswolds Dealers Fair at Chelsea Town Hall, from 19-22 March.
For further information, go online at www.bathdecorativeantiquesfair. co.uk and www.penman-fairs.co.uk
■ DUNCAN Phillips is a fine art and antiques collector and writer