An outdoor stall at IACF Ardingly.
The wet weather did not dampen spirits at IACF Ardingly on March 1-2 where more than 1000 traders attended and visitors came from near and far.
One buyer who spoke to ATG said she had even booked a nearby hotel having come from Margate in Kent just for the fair. She succeeded in bagging several purchases, including a set of vintage books from Windsor Rare Books as a gift for her daughter.
Trespassers beware – an IACF Ardingly buyer makes an intriguing purchase.
Another more local buyer described the fair as having great variety and a “nice mix from affordable to expensive – you never know what you’re going to find.”
An IACF Ardingly visitor finds just the violin she had been looking for.
Ardingly also proved to be a hot spot for home buyers; one such customer left the fair wheeling a large blue coat rack for her cloak room. She had recently moved and had attended the event with the aim of filling up her new house: “I just love old things,” she said.
Catching up
Dealer Mark Seabrook with Eve Oliver of IACF.
The dealers who had stalled out reported brisk business.
Jane Renwick from Renwick Vintage Jewellery said she had enjoyed a successful fair, despite the bad weather, and had appreciated the opportunity to catch up with other stall holders.
Charles Winstanley, a house clearance specialist, is a frequent trader at Ardingly and credits IACF with having very good organisation and efficiency. He had experienced a lot of interest in the varied items at his stall, from paintings to sculptures.
Carol Walker (Frocks and Fripperys) was also doing good business when ATG stopped by, with a busy stall and a lot of younger customers perusing the vintage clothing on offer.
Auction house Lockdales took a stall at IACF Ardingly.
Alongside the dealers, Ipswich auction house Lockdales was also in attendance. It exhibits at all the IACF fairs and although it is there for retail purposes, the firm can also drum up interest in its auctions and considers the event as a prime opportunity for marketing.
IACF Ardingly provides a fun day out with a wide range of dealers to find across the South of England Showground. As one happy customer said: “If you have a good hunt, you can pick up some really great bargain stuff.”
The next IACF Ardingly fair takes place on April 19-20.
