The fully booked fair runs from November 10-12 hosting around 50 dealers.
One example of personal appeal is a small oak post box, probably commissioned for a British country house. Dating to c.1870, it is from a design by English artist Richard Redgrave in 1856.
It would probably have been emptied every day by a servant who took the letters within to the post office. Now it is offered by Mark Goodger for £8500.
Gallé has a hoot
Among those attending is Chester’s Farm Gallery of Leicestershire, which brings an early work by Emile Gallé (1846-1904). Though celebrated for his Art Nouveau glass creations, the piece in question is an early ceramic work in the form of an owl. It is one of a series he made early in his career after taking over his father’s business.
Standing 12½in (32cm) tall, the owl is high fired with a flambé glaze and is identical to one in a photograph shown sitting on Gallé’s desk in his workshop. Later it can be seen perching on the shelf of the artist’s glass oven exhibit at the 1900 Paris exposition, suggesting that the maker had a sentimental connection with the figure.
The fair draws various local Yorkshire dealers including Jack Shaw, a silver specialist.
Fellow local Louise Phillips of Elaine Phillips Antiques says: “We always look forward to meeting clients old and new at Harrogate, particularly after 45 years in the town.”
This edition there is one newcomer, EA Alvarino Antiques of Scotland, which joins Deco by Design, Freya Hart, Glass of All Ages, Kalms Antiques and The Antiques Bazaar among many others.
Organiser Sue Ede says: “The antiques market is extremely busy, and this fair is very popular because we provide such a wide range of pieces, from the 16th to the 20th century, from classic and traditional art to Mid-century Modern and decorative designer pieces.”