A tour of the stands revealed that apart from the inclusion of antiques themselves in the show, many contemporary designs were clearly inspired by some of the better known traditional movements such as Deco. The demand for antiques among designers and decorators could be seen most clearly on the stands of companies such as Architectural Heritage, specialising in antique and replica chimneypieces (one shown left), panelling and garden ornaments.
Indigo, who were showing at Decorex for the first time, are importers and restorers of fine Eastern antiques and had some particularly interesting Japanese pieces on show. Operating out of London and Bath, they are opening a new 7000 sq ft retail showroom in Wiltshire.
Trowbridge Gallery Ltd, who are based in the King’s Road in London, have been established since 1982 as a specialist supplier of 17th and 18th century decorative prints to both retail and the interior design trade. They certainly seemed to have done some business among other exhibitors, with fabric specialist James Brindley of Harrogate setting off his new hand-printed floral designs with stunning framed antique floral prints.
Many of the decorating and design trade at the fair noted a distinct increase in their dealings with the antiques trade over recent months. What is not apparent yet is how that business is divided up. Decorators are obviously blending the old with the new in their work, but it also transpires that designers are visiting dealers and auctions to gain inspiration. Whether they gain it through buying or simply viewing is not so clear.
Simply inspirational
EVIDENCE of the growing affinity between the worlds of antiques and decoration was to the fore at the recent Decorex International, held at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea from September 23-26.
