What’s Trending in Antiques?
Dear Diva Readers,
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 info@antiquesdiva.com
White Ceramics at The Decorative Fair
Dear Diva Readers,
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 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 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 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,
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®
The Decorative Fair
Dear Diva Readers,
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 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 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 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
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,
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®
The Decorative Fair – London
Dear Diva Readers,
If you’re lucky enough to be in London next week, then get ready to stop, shop and drop some pounds. British pounds, that is… cold hard English cash at The Winter Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair, London’s most popular event for decorators seeking unusual antiques and statement pieces for interior design. Held in Battersea Park, close to Sloane Square and Chelsea, this fair is held 3 times a year.
The Fair has all the decorative antiques accessories from the 17th to 21st centuries you can imagine. From unusual show-stoppers to more practical pieces such as affordable period furniture, lighting, mirrors and art – more than 140 exhibitors from the UK & Europe will be at the show, including one of my favorite Scottish antique dealers Becca Gauldie. Becca specializes in Scottish Antique Spongeware Pottery, snuff and sewing requisites and probably holds the largest selection of Scottish Antique Mauchline ware in all of Scotland!
Where?
The Marquee,
Battersea Park,
London SW11 4NJ.
Catch the Free Renault shuttle from Sloane Square Hotel
When?
January 18-23, 2011
Don’t Miss The Boat!
Missing the boat this time? Have no fear, The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair in London is back again this Spring & Fall in London!
Spring Decorative Fair
3 – 8 May 2011
Autumn Decorative Fair
27 September – 2 October 2011
For more information visit www.decorativefair.com
Cheers!
The Antiques Diva®
(seen right with my friend The English Rose at British Parliament)
The Affordable Art Fair Amsterdam, London, Brussels & Beyond…
Long term Diva Readers have heard me gush before about The Affordable Art Fair in Amsterdam. An email from Galerie Bianca Landgraaf reminded me that the fair was coming soon and I wanted to write a quick post to have you add these upcoming dates to your agenda. And while the Amsterdam Fair is good, I realize not all of my readers live a hop, skip and a jump from sin city, thus I wanted to let you know that this world-wide event goes on from Melbourne, Australia to London, England, to New York City, USA.
Whichever side of the pond you live on (and whatever pond that might be), add The Affordable Art Fair to your list of upcoming outings. With opportunities to buy art from leading, carefully selected vendors at prices as low as 50E ($100) moving upwards to 5,000E – ($10,000), top quality, contemporary art is available at prices that make it possible to pursue your passion for becoming an art collector!
The Affordable Art Fair Amsterdam
29 Oct – 1 Nov, 2009
Gashouder & Transformatorhuis, Westergasfabriek-terrein
The Affordable Art Fair London
22-25 Oct, 2009
Battersea Park
The Affordable Art Fair New York
(Sadly 2009 dates have passed – so stay tuned for May 6-9, 2010)
7 West New York
The Affordable Art Fair Sydney
22-25 Oct, 2009
Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park
The Affordable Art Fair Melbourne
(Sadly 2009 dates passed, stay tuned for April 2010)
The Affordable Art Fair Paris
(Sadly 2009 dates passed, stay tuned for June 2010)
The Affordable Art Fair Brussels
Feb 5-8, 2010
Tour et Taxis, Shed 1
Until Next Time,
The Antiques Diva™
otherwise known as The Art Diva!
The Antiques Diva & Co is a LAPADA Approved Service Provider
The Antiques Diva & Co is the Official Tour Guide of Paul Bert Serpette at The Paris Flea Market
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