In recent years, shopping for antiques has undergone extraordinary change.
One of the few upsides of the pandemic was the way in which digital platforms took off as a viable way for dealers to trade. While this has certainly opened up the world of antiques to a wider audience, it cannot replicate the particular thrill of browsing and buying in real life; the pleasure of chatting to dealers in person rather than via email or text, not to forget the chance to hold the pieces that interest you and examine them closely.
At the first post-lockdown editions of some of my favourite fairs, dealers and regular visitors were clearly delighted to see one another again.
It struck me that these friendships are what make fairs such a rewarding way to buy antiques, fine art and collectables. That, and the convenience of visiting 30, 40, 50- perhaps 150 antique shops all under one roof. Heaven!
Affordable Art Fair
Evolution Centre, Battersea Park, London 6th - 10th March / 16th - 20th Oct
Running since October 1999, this lively and unintimidating fair really does what it says on the tin. Its success has been such that it now takes place in 10 cities around the world, but the London edition is where it all started, and opening night has a celebratory air, with a busy bar allowing visitors to pause and refuel as they work their way around the pavilion. Although the Affordable Art Fair - which only features works by living artists - may seem an odd inclusion alongside events that include Old Masters and antiques, this is the place for anyone with an interest in collecting art to cut their teeth. And, who knows, a purchase made here may well prove to be an heirloom for future generations. affordableartfair.com
Bath Decorative Antiques Fair
The Pavilion, Bath 14th - 16th March
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