Olympia off with a swing

Above: Dave Bridgwater and skittles at Olympia

Olympia, London UK

THE Olympia Winter Antiques Fair had a typically busy first night, although the only celebraty spotted was Alan Titchmarsh. Dealers to the stars were visiting, including Bath-based Dave Bridgwater, who was caught clutching a rare set of eight woodworm-eaten French skittles, with two balls, for which he declined to state a price. This years loan exhibition was “Simply British” a private collection of naive English painting. There were some nice displays of pottery, including de Morgan tiles from £200 to £2,000. Three saddle stones were selling at £1,750 each, and a gothic medieval gargoyle head (looked Victorian or later) at £750. From the 240 International dealers there was some fabulous stuff, among which was a large 1950's wedge end-grain table.

Olympia Winter Arts Fair