1.
Price
The current downtrend in antiques over the last decade has meant that dealers have had to up their game. It also means that many who would have taken a retail shop are instead taking advantage of the many fabulous fairs across the UK to sell their wares. So finding a reasonably priced antique at a fair is more likely as the dealers do not have the same overheads as they would if they were selling from a shop. Last year I bought a snuff box for £120 which I later sold for £495. The reason behind this large profit was the inscription on the front relating to Dr Gall the founder of phrenology.
The current downtrend in antiques over the last decade has meant that dealers have had to up their game. It also means that many who would have taken a retail shop are instead taking advantage of the many fabulous fairs across the UK to sell their wares. So finding a reasonably priced antique at a fair is more likely as the dealers do not have the same overheads as they would if they were selling from a shop. Last year I bought a snuff box for £120 which I later sold for £495. The reason behind this large profit was the inscription on the front relating to Dr Gall the founder of phrenology.
2. History
You can never predict what you will uncover at an antiques fair. One of the pure pleasures of searching through a fair is the fact that you can handle objects that tell a story and have lived and breathed another time period. Most antiques have a story to tell, dealers discovered an engagement ring that was 100 years old in a drawer at a fair last year. The owner had left it intended for his sweetheart before WWI.
http://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/buy-photos-your-local-somerset-27519
You can never predict what you will uncover at an antiques fair. One of the pure pleasures of searching through a fair is the fact that you can handle objects that tell a story and have lived and breathed another time period. Most antiques have a story to tell, dealers discovered an engagement ring that was 100 years old in a drawer at a fair last year. The owner had left it intended for his sweetheart before WWI.
http://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/buy-photos-your-local-somerset-27519
3. Provenance
Hand in hand with the history of an object goes provenance meaning a history of ownership. This is not taken literally when it comes to antiques unless you are buying particularly high end items. In which case some will show their sale history through auction houses and/or private dealers. The vast majority of objects may not even have any concrete provenance but the opportunity for you to question dealers about the item is invaluable. Many items may have come through house clearances or maybe even families that make it researchable.
Hand in hand with the history of an object goes provenance meaning a history of ownership. This is not taken literally when it comes to antiques unless you are buying particularly high end items. In which case some will show their sale history through auction houses and/or private dealers. The vast majority of objects may not even have any concrete provenance but the opportunity for you to question dealers about the item is invaluable. Many items may have come through house clearances or maybe even families that make it researchable.
4. Rarity
How often do you find a broken teapot missing the lid for £15 and discover it is a rare piece of early American pottery worth £10,000. Ok so this may not happen every day but it is a good example of finding a rare item amongst dealers regular goods. Dealers will usually have their own field of specialism and often end up acquiring items that may not fit in. These are the opportunities to bag a bargain.
How often do you find a broken teapot missing the lid for £15 and discover it is a rare piece of early American pottery worth £10,000. Ok so this may not happen every day but it is a good example of finding a rare item amongst dealers regular goods. Dealers will usually have their own field of specialism and often end up acquiring items that may not fit in. These are the opportunities to bag a bargain.
5. Range
Despite the size of the fair most organisers will ensure there is a good range of stalls. Jewellery has become an increasingly competitive area in recent years so often organisers will limit the number they book. The good news is that with the uncertainity in the market many dealers opt for displaying a range of items rather than one specialism. So whether you are hunting for a unique lamp for the corner of your living room or the final piece for your collection the chances of finding it at a fair are high.
Despite the size of the fair most organisers will ensure there is a good range of stalls. Jewellery has become an increasingly competitive area in recent years so often organisers will limit the number they book. The good news is that with the uncertainity in the market many dealers opt for displaying a range of items rather than one specialism. So whether you are hunting for a unique lamp for the corner of your living room or the final piece for your collection the chances of finding it at a fair are high.
6. Unpredictability
Who stalls out at fairs? You are never completely sure who will be selling until you arrive. So a stall holder who has just cleared a house and has a mass of new to market items may have some real gems that are yet to be discovered.
Who stalls out at fairs? You are never completely sure who will be selling until you arrive. So a stall holder who has just cleared a house and has a mass of new to market items may have some real gems that are yet to be discovered.
7. Treasure Hunting
It is not only children who love treasure hunting. There is no greater pleasure than devoting an afternoon to rummaging at an antiques fair. Especially if you are looking for unique pieces that cannot be found in the land of flat-pack. There is nothing more gratifying than having people compliment you on an item you know will be hard to find or is a one off.
It is not only children who love treasure hunting. There is no greater pleasure than devoting an afternoon to rummaging at an antiques fair. Especially if you are looking for unique pieces that cannot be found in the land of flat-pack. There is nothing more gratifying than having people compliment you on an item you know will be hard to find or is a one off.
8. Contacts
Refurbishing a house? Collecting snuff boxes? Fairs are the best ways of meeting dealers who can help you in the future. Many will often look out for items if you ask them too especially if it means they can build up a relationship with you.
Refurbishing a house? Collecting snuff boxes? Fairs are the best ways of meeting dealers who can help you in the future. Many will often look out for items if you ask them too especially if it means they can build up a relationship with you.
9. Large Vs Small
Does size matter in the world of fairs? In all honesty no. Whether you visit a fair with 20 stalls or 200 you are often afforded the same opportunities at both. Larger fairs can be overwhelming so whilst you do get an opportunity to view more items there is only a limited amount your brain (and memory), can take in. A smaller fair can also provide you with access to people selling their own family items. This has been a growing trend in recent years for families who would like a more hands on approach to dispersing their family heirlooms. I helped a lady clear her house earlier this year and neither of us or the local auction house had guessed it was a William Morris chair. It went on to sell for £6,500 at auction.
Does size matter in the world of fairs? In all honesty no. Whether you visit a fair with 20 stalls or 200 you are often afforded the same opportunities at both. Larger fairs can be overwhelming so whilst you do get an opportunity to view more items there is only a limited amount your brain (and memory), can take in. A smaller fair can also provide you with access to people selling their own family items. This has been a growing trend in recent years for families who would like a more hands on approach to dispersing their family heirlooms. I helped a lady clear her house earlier this year and neither of us or the local auction house had guessed it was a William Morris chair. It went on to sell for £6,500 at auction.
10.
Weather-proof
Thanks to our lovely British weather you cannot always guarantee that outdoor activities will be a go, maybe not even on the day. The majority of antique fairs are indoors/under cover and offer a range of cafe style snacks to full meals. All you need for a real day out.
Thanks to our lovely British weather you cannot always guarantee that outdoor activities will be a go, maybe not even on the day. The majority of antique fairs are indoors/under cover and offer a range of cafe style snacks to full meals. All you need for a real day out.
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