In a letter to exhibitors a week before Christmas, the Harveys revealed they had sold the now thrice-yearly fair they founded in 1985 to David Duran of Magus Antiques, Church Street, London NW8.
Magus Antiques have exhibited at the fair for many years and Mr Duran has long been a member of the Fair Committee. Patricia Harvey, herself a decorative dealer in Church Street, is particularly pleased the event will remain a dealer-focussed business.
She continues as a director of the fair and remains an exhibitor.
Both sellers and buyers say that there will be no immediate change in the organisation of the event which will continue to be run from the Maida Vale offices with Gilly Whittle as administrative manager.
Cally Dale remains stand sales co-ordinator and Pippa Roberts will still handle PR.
The fair was launched to service the burgeoning interior design industry but the trade has caught up with the fair and recent years have been among its most successful.
The purchase price has not been disclosed but industry observers speculate it should be in the region of £1m. The next decorative fair will be in Battersea from January 20-25.
By David Moss
