Paul Jones Pop-up Shop at Spencer Swaffer
Dear Diva Readers,
top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 40px; line-height: 30px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>Recently on an Antiques Diva Tour, renowned antiques dealer Spencer Swaffer played host to a group of Designers on an an Antiques Diva / Nobelinks Design Tour in the UK.
The role of host is a well-known role for Spencer and his wife Freya. Spencer continues his hospitality hosting this month a pop-up shop as part of a mentoring program offered through Antiques Young Guns.
As part of the Antiques Young Guns awards earlier this year a young Welsh dealer named Paul Alexander Jones won a coveted spot to open a small pop-up shop within Swaffer’s store for the next ten days (cleverly in conjunction with Battersea Decorative Fair which is less than a two hour drive from Swaffer’s store).
Much of the stock offered by Jones does not appear online so venturing to the pop-up gives would-be clients a glimpse into an exclusive inventory of antiques. Hailing from a very rural North Wales town, Jones offers ‘country’ style pieces– think richly glazed potter, beautifully figured timbers and charming, naive folk art. Paul confided he’s bringing some warm Welsh tapestry blankets to sell—perfect timing if you ask me, as Autumn is upon us!
As I’m constantly combing over Europe for the best antiques dealers, whether that be quality of pieces or best prices, I’m always thrilled when new talent developed in the antiques field. Having opened his shop in July 2012, Paul Jones is sure to learn a lot about the antiques trade while being mentored by sage Spencer Swaffer. I’m excited to hear more from Paul and see how networking with other established dealers enhances his business!
If you’ll be in the Arundel area over the next week, stop by and say hello to Paul and Spencer. Tell them The Antiques Diva sent you!
Happy shopping,
The Antiques Diva®
Mirror Mirror On the Wall
Dear Diva Readers,
top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 40px; line-height: 20px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>Mirror Mirror on the Wall… who’s the fairest of them all? London’s Decorative Fair of course! Continuing our look at the Design Trends for 2014 – todays topic is antique mirrors.
If one mirror is good, 9 or 12 is even better! Our favorite vendors across the board at Battersea Park where the Decorative Fair is held were clustering groups of antique and vintage mirrors for maximum effect. The result is more that of a work of art when positioned this way than as just a tool to see yourself.
Keep the tones of the frame similar – gold with gold, silver with silver, but be bold in mixing shapes. While all star bursts look great, don’t be afraid to shake it up a bit by adding an oblong mirror to a wall of circular mirrors. And remember, sometimes it’s hip to be square.
Bonne Shopping,
The Antiques Diva®
PS: To book an Antiques Diva England Tour or inquire about our Buying Services so you can source antiques abroad virtually, email to:info@antiquesdiva.com”>info@antiquesdiva.com
What’s Trending in Antiques?
Dear Diva Readers,
top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 60px; line-height: 50px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>You’ll recall last week I posted about the Design Trends at Maison Objet in Paris. This week I want to show you how those same trends are showing up in antique trends as seen at The Decorative Fair in London. At Maison Objet, gone were the cream tones and pale shades of yesterday and in its place were picturesque pops of color. This clear move away from the use of neutrals revived itself with vibrant bottled greens, ocean inspired blues, fat fuschias, over the top oranges, yummy yellows as well as navy, blacks and browns. At Battersea Park where The Decorative Fair is held these same colors were trending.
Color me tickled pink… Color is Back!
The Antiques Diva®
PS: To book an Antiques Diva England Tour or inquire about our Buying Services so you can source antiques abroad virtually, email to:info@antiquesdiva.com”>info@antiquesdiva.com
White Ceramics at The Decorative Fair
Dear Diva Readers,
top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 50px; line-height: 40px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>Last week I wrote a blog sharing the trends in design at Maison Objet – the largest furniture fair in the world. This week I want to highlight some of the trends in the antiques world as seen last week at the top source for decorative antiques in the world. If you haven’t been to The Decorative Fair in London then you’re quite simply missing out – it’s the best choreographed collection of decorative antiques in the world!
If you missed it this January, have no fear – The Decorative Fair is held 3 times a year. The next dates are:
Spring Fair 2014: 29 April – 4 May 2014
Autumn Fair 2014: 30 September – 5 October 2014
One of the top deco trends in antiques we noticed at the January fair was the use of white ceramics in display. With both translucent white porcelain and ironstone represented – this look is here to stay.
ANTIQUE TIP: How Do You Tell The Difference Between Porcelain & Ironstone?
Ironstone is made from fired clay which contains china stone. It has a similar appearance and hardness to porcelain however unlike porcelain it is opaque not translucent. Ironstone, named so because it contains the mineral feldspar, was first patented in 1813 by Charles James Mason of Staffordshire, England.
Stay tuned for more Top Trends in Antiques as seen at our tor.html” target=”_blank”>favorite fair in Britain.
The Antiques Diva®
PS: To book an Antiques Diva England Tour or inquire about our Buying Services so you can source antiques abroad virtually, email to:info@antiquesdiva.com”>info@antiquesdiva.com
Josephine Ryan at The Decorative Fair
Dear Diva Readers,
I’m positively dreadful… I really shouldn’t do it, but yet… I always do. I can’t help myself. I pick favorites.
While shopping at The Decorative Antiques & Textile Fair (one of my favorite fairs) last spring with one of my favorite clients (nicknamed P.) I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with one of my favorite décor book authors and favorite antique vendors. Josephine Ryan is iconic in the French interiors world – penning a slew of books on topics including The French Home, Essentially French and (un-French) Essentially Irish. Both my client, P, and I have spent ages pouring through her books and when meeting her recently at the fair we “fan-girled out” literally moving ourselves into her stall, monopolizing her time.
Josephine is as lovely as in person, as she is a writer, and as her inventory is online. Simply Swoonworthy.
Her booth at the Decorative Antiques Fair is always amongst the prettiest and her inventory practically flies off the shelf, so when shopping with Josephine buy quickly or the person standing beside you so innocently might just take the lead!
While a visit to Josephine’s website is pure armchair antiques travel, you can meet the famous authoress and vendeusse next week at the Autumn Edition of The Decorative Antiques Fair, otherwise known as Battersea!!
When? 1-6 October 2013
Where? Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ
Why? To shop til you drop, seeing the best in decorative trends in one stop.
Save the Date to Join us at the Spring Fair 29 April-4 May, 2014 or Autumn Fair 30 September-5 October, 2014
And just like when shopping with Josephine, don’t delay – our multi-day tours during these periods sell out quickly!! During this period we not only shop the fair but we criss-cross England from the south coast through the Thames River Valley and all over London!
Email to:toma@antiquesdiva.com”>toma@antiquesdiva.com for details.
By the way…while Josephine’s online store is sensational and her stall at Battersea is going to knock your socks off, you have to know that she also has a fabulous shop in London! If you miss the fair dates above, you simply must pop into her shop and see her – and of course tell her The Antiques Diva & Co sent you!
Josephine Ryan Antiques
17 Langton Street
Chelsea
SW10 0JL
But wait…there’s more! Not only can you visit Josephine’s shop in London, you can ALSO visit her house in Provence, France! Ok, visit may not be the right word… Did you know she allows visitors to RENT HER HOME in Provence? You can live like Josephine for a week or more, staying in her charming home in France. See her website for more details or follow her on Twitter!
Bonne Shopping!
The Antiques Diva®
London’s Calling…
Dear Diva Readers,
top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 60px; line-height: 50px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>London is calling!! Forget the Olympics there is a new game in town!
The Autumn Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair will be held from 2-7 October 2012 in the purpose-built marquee in Battersea Park, London SW, affectionately known as “Battersea” or “the Decorators’ Fair”. Perhaps the reason I love this fair so much is that it is aimed at a knowing audience decorating either their own home or that of a client and looking for a certain eclectic style from metropolitan chic to classic country house English and Continental furniture, period mirrors and lighting, works of art from all periods to the contemporary. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!! All this and more, including a tempting selection of one-off, individual accessories with an enviable choice for the collector, from tribal works to pictures, treen, ceramics and glass will be holding up the walls in marquee this autumn.
Why don’t you pop over to my locally based England Diva Agent’s website Antique News and Fairs and read what more she has to say about it!
You can also get more information by visiting the Decorative Fair website.
Now with all this information on the upcoming fair you might be downright disappointed that with late notice you can’t pop across the pond to attend the fair! Have no fear – the Decorative Fair will be back again – see details below.
Winter Fair: 22-27 January, 2013
Spring Fair: 23-28 April, 2013
Autumn Fair: 1-6 October, 2013
Planning your Antiques Diva England Tour to coincide with the plan would be brilliant! If you’re interested in either a Girls Getaway or a To The Trade Antique Shopping Tour in England, you could start your tour by attending the fair shopping like a world famous interior designer – using sources those same designers would rather you not know about. And then the next thing you know we would bebop you around Britain hitting more decorators sources in Britain. Whether you’re looking for cerebral or academic antiques, the old school decorative look beloved of England’s Country Houses or the quirky brave look of the modern dealer, booking an Antiques Diva Tour to coincide with the Decorative Fair would guarantee you saw the Best of Britain! Go Team GB!!
Stay tuned for my Facebook and Twitter pics coming Live From The Fair!! This year I will be touring with fair with a group of London Design Bloggers on a special behind the scenes tour. Shhhh… Don’t tell anyone but I’ve already had these bloggers custom-made Antiques Diva shopping totes prepared for their tour! Aren’t they gorgeous? These bags are for our VIP tours – when you book your tour make sure you ask about how you can qualify to be a VIP – no, make that VID – Very Important Diva!!
Last but not least before I close and go catch my plane to Parma to attend Mercanteinfiera , I want to tell you about one more special offer. While our tours run year-round and can always be catered to your travel dates, we are starting to offer special tours on set dates available exclusively to our trade clients. We’ve got some trade dates available this fall – email me me toma@antiquesdiva.com to find out more and join us in England for special trade tours between October 15 and 22 and again in November 7 til the 14.
Cheers!
The Antiques Diva®
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The Decorative Fair
Dear Diva Readers,
top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 80px; line-height: 70px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>It’s only a week away – London’s most beloved Spring fair – The Decorative Fair at Battersea Park!!! This thrice-yearly specialist event is for the discerning decorator looking to source unusual English and European antiques, original 20th century designs and works of art from all periods to the present day. From opulent show-stoppers to useful furniture, around 140 exhibitors offer a broad range of both fine quality and affordable pieces for inspired interiors, in the relaxed surroundings of leafy Battersea Park – just over the River Thames from Sloane Square and Knightsbridge. The Fair is fun, fashionable and particularly well-known as an excellent source of painted furniture, Gustavian & Swedish design, 20th century design, lighting, accessories and named-design furniture, and excellent mirrors. Its worldwide reputation, established over 25 years, entices international trade and retail buyers, interior designers, and private customers seeking unique and unusual furnishings and quirky accessories for decorating schemes!! In short – it’s the IDEAL fair for the typical Antiques Diva client.
Can’t make the Spring date?? Have no fear – you can plan ahead for Fall 2012 or Winter 2013. While planning your fall and winter travel plans to England, why not tours/england/” target=”_blank”>book an Antiques Diva English Tour or Girls Getaway to coincide shopping the fair with doing an English Buying Trip, shopping a slew of antiques trade sources??
Spring Decorative Fair
24 ~ 29 April 2012
Autumn Decorative Fair
2 ~ 7 October 2012
Winter Decorative Fair
22 ~ 27 January 2013
Happy Shopping!
The Antiques Diva®
You’re Invited To The Decorative Fair London
Dear Diva Readers,
Make sure to print your personal invitation to join antique dealer Becca Gauldie and all the other sensational vendors this September 2 7 to October 2, 2011 at tor.html” target=”_blank”>The Decorative Fair in London’s Battersea Park! This ticket gives you FREE ENTRANCE to one of my favorite antique fairs in the UK!
The Decorative Fair is a thrice-yearly specialist event for the discerning decorator looking to source unusual English and European antiques, original 20th century designs and works of art from all periods to the present day. From opulent show-stoppers to useful furniture, around 140 exhibitors offer a broad range of both fine quality and affordable pieces for inspired interiors, in the relaxed surroundings of leafy Battersea Park – just over the River Thames from Sloane Square and Knightsbridge. The Fair is fun, fashionable and particularly well-known as an excellent source of painted furniture, Gustavian & Swedish design, 20th century design, lighting, accessories and named-design furniture, and excellent mirrors. Its worldwide reputation, established over 25 years, entices international trade and retail buyers, interior designers, and private customers seeking unique and unusual furnishings and quirky accessories for decorating schemes.
While we’re discussing The Decorative Fair, you might want to go ahead and MARK YOUR CALENDAR for 2012. If you’re planning a trip to England next year, why not schedule your trip when The Decorative Fair is going on?
2012 Decorative Fair Dates
January 24-29, 2012
April 24 – 29, 2012
October 2-7, 2012
As always, remember you can book tours/england/ ” target=”_blank”>an Antiques Diva Tour in England during these fair dates to GAIN SPECIAL ACCESS to behind the scenes events and fetes – or book an Antiques Diva English Tour any time of the year!
Happy Shopping!
The Antiques Diva®
May Decorative Antiques & Textile Fair London
Dear Diva Readers,
Photo courtesy of About William & Kate blog
top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 100px; line-height: 90px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>With last week’s Royal Wedding on the mind, London’s calling and I’m dying to skip back to Britian for another visit! And this urge comes none too soon – it’s time again for The Decorative Antiques & Textile Fair in London – the leading antiques and 20th century design event for interior decoration! And my UK Connection fair vendor Becca Gauldie Antiques is giving Antiques Diva Readers a Royal Welcome with FREE INVITATIONS to get into the fair!
Becca requests the pleasure of your company at The Spring Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair. The Fair, full of exciting surprises, displays stylish and affordable period furniture, lighting, mirrors, art and decorative accessories from the 17th to 21st centuries. From unusual show-stoppers to more practical pieces, around 130 exhibitors from the UK & Europe never fail to inspire.
PRINT THIS eTICKET TO ADMIT TWO!!
Opening times:
Tuesday 3rd May: 12 noon – 9pm
Wednesday 4th May: 11am – 8pm
Thursday 5th May : 11am – 8pm
Friday 6th May: 11am – 7pm
Saturday 7th May : 11am – 7pm
Sunday 8th May: 11am – 6pm
Free Renault shuttle vehicles from Sloane Square Hotel to the venue, The Marquee, Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ (click here for map).
For full Travel & Visitor Information please visit www.decorativefair.com/visitor.html
As always, Bonne Shopping!
The Antiques Diva® (with a Little Help from some British Friends!)
Photo courtesy of About William & Kate blog
Win a Guided Shopping Tour with Judith Miller and Mark Hill
Dear Diva Readers,
top: 5px; float: left; color: white; background: #781300; border: 1px solid darkkhaki; font-size: 100px; line-height: 90px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 5px; font-family: times;”>I have a confession – I’m not a cheater, a thief or a liar, but If there was any way I could fix this competition so that I would win, I would. I would cheat. I would steal. I would lie…. for a chance at a personal guided shopping tour with my British Idols: The Antiques Roadshow experts Judith Miller and Mark Hill of the Miller’s Antiques Guides at one of my favorite fairs in Europe, The Bath Decorative Antiques Fair going on this March 10-11, 2011.
Judith Miller
Mark Hill
Enter online to win the shopping excursion of a lifetime.
As if shopping on the arms of these experts was not enough, add to the thrill shopping in the city of Bath – a city Oprah Winfrey listed as one of the top 5 most amazing places on earth. And if that isn’t enough… it gets better. What’s the chicest, most exclusive address in town? You guessed it – the Royal Crescent. You can start hyperventilating now – the Grand Prize winner will stay a free night at the Royal Crescent Hotel!
Royal Crescent Hotel
Lest you worry, “Oh no, I never win anything…” I’ve got Good News for you!! This is a competition EVERYBODY wins! When you enter the competition online, you’ll be given a downloadable ticket allowing you free entry to the antiques fair – good for any day of the 4 day event!
And then – let the shopping commence! Traditional fair favorites from The West of England Antique Dealers Association will be bringing a wonderful selection of country house furniture and upholstery! Core One Antiques is receiving lots of publicity about their first-time appearance at the fair, bringing with them English and Continental Decorative furniture, lighting and mirrors! And the 18 separate dealers hosting the Blanchard Collective will be on hand with antiques, contemporary furniture and decorative items!
All in all – this is an event for The Antiques Diva® in all of you! To whet your appetite, here’s a few pictures, before I say Au Revoir!
Bonne Shopping, Mes Amies!
The Antiques Diva®
