FOLLOW THIS ORGANISER:

A note of Christmas cheer for the trade and public alike, has arrived in the antiques fairs calendar with the launch of a brand new three-day event from Classic Antiques Fairs. Taking place from 1-3 December at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), the Antiques and Fine Arts Fair will showcase many of the long standing and experienced exhibitors from past NEC events including Art & Antiques for Everyone. The new event offers collectors, dealers and homemakers a welcome addition to the fairs landscape.

Behind the new venture is owner of Kent-based Scottow Antiques, ceramics specialist John Andrews, who has exhibited at the NEC himself for 35 years. Like many of his fellow dealers, he was disappointed when former events organisers announced were unable to commit to any events in 2023 in the wake of difficult trading times in the industry in the post pandemic era.

John Andrews told ANF: “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. 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 offer an 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 and delighted to be attending, 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, she says the way they capture the light can only be appreciated fully when seen.

With clocks and watches, like the ones Kembery Antique Clocks of the West Country or Antiques Roadshow expert Richard Price and Associates will be bringing, it is the sound that often entices the buyer.

For jewellery specialist Charlotte Morris Roper of Cheshire it is the way beautiful pieces make their wearers feel. Her love affair with jewellery began when she was living in France and she says she views her pre-loved pieces by Cartier, Tiffany & Co and Boodles as "going on to their next adventure".

From the small and precious to the grand and prestigious, Cotswold based W R Harvey will be hoping to find a home for a splendid Regency Mahogany Pocock Extending Dining Table, as he says there is always increased demand for large tables around Christmas.

A love for art brought together Chris and Ellie Ixer from the Forest of Dean who run Art World Gallery and they say there is "something very special about face to face" meetings with customers. They cannot wait to be back at the NEC with paintings including a favourite by contemporary artist Joseph Capicotto.

Among the many highlights promised by the fair are 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.

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.

Admission: Opening- 10am - 5pm Friday & Saturday, 10am - 4pm Sunday. £8 per person for one day.

For more information, to book a stand or buy tickets visit Classic Antique Fairs