Things look up at Battersea

Battersea, Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair
January 20 - 25 2008

Reports show that sales at January's Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair were way beyond expectations. The post fair report comments that garden statuary and larger items such as arches and gazebos sold well.

Guy Trench of Antiques by Design noted a general buzz throughout he said, "By the end of the fair it was looking to be one of my best Battersea fairs ever and then a couple of days later it became the best with numerous enquires and after sales. I got the impression that people are fed-up investing in banks and instead they wanted to enjoy things and buy things. People are not going on holiday with the current exchange rate of nearly one pound to one euro, instead they are staying at home and buying things to do up their homes which might make it more attractive to sell after we have come out of the recession. This is good news for architectural salvage and hopefully it means that we are finally in the right game. Another sign that this might be the current trend is the increase in price of things at auction, especially over the past couple of months."

Davis Moss fair reporter for The Antique Trade Gazette said, "What I saw at the first Decorative Antiques and Textile fair of the year was nothing short of remarkable. I was truly taken aback at the crowded aisles and distinctly upbeat mood of the 110 exhibitors. A lot of sales were made to new, young customers, mainly at prices up to around £5000. Some said they wanted to have something unique for their homes, others added that with the market as it is the merchandise could well be a decent investment."

Notable visitors included Bob Geldof, Madonna, Anna Ford, Chris Smith (former MP), Amanda Burton.Trade visitors included Nicole Fahri, Nicky Haslam, buyers from Paul Smith, decorator Rupert Lord and Tobi Landi of US dealer/decorator Sentimenti. The number of Americans, both trade and private buyers, was commented on by dealers.

The next Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair is the Spring event, to be held from 21-26 April 2009 at The Marquee, Battersea Park.


Battersea