New antiques and art fair at Birmingham NEC
A new three-day antiques and fine art fair will launch at the NEC Birmingham in time for Christmas, with many well-known and sought-after names from the antiques world due to take part.
The new event will be run by Classic Antique Fairs from December 1-3 after what they describe as 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 events’ 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 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. Other dealers include clock and watch specialists Antiques Roadshow expert Richard Price and Associates and Kembery Antiques Clocks of the West Country.
Jewellery specialist Charlotte Morris Roper of Cheshire will offer visitors pieces by the likes of Cartier, Tiffany & Co and Boodles, while regular columnist in Antique Collecting magazine, Cotswolds-based WR Harvey will be exhibiting a Regency mahogany pocock extending dining table. Elsewhere, Art World Gallery from the Forest of Dean will offer a range of paintings including one by contemporary artist, Joseph Capicotto.
Other highlights from the event will be 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.