It has been bought by 30-year-old London dealer Edward Davidson, who cut his trading teeth at Heritage fairs and is now a regular exhibitor at the Harveys’ best known event, The Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair.
Recently under the Heritage banner the Harveys have been holding a monthly fair, concentrating on small antiques, at the Rembrandt Hotel opposite the V&A. But at one time Heritage was hosting 42 fairs a year.
Ralph Harvey promises a smooth changeover and the new owner, speaking to the Antiques Trade Gazette from his shop Davidson and Morgan at 5 Church Street, Marylebone, said: “I am excited. Heritage Antiques Fairs have a solid foundation and I will keep the good feeling and lovely atmosphere.”
But the new owner does
intend to rejuvenate the circuit. “Gradually I will hold a fair every week, and launch new venues in central London,” he said.
Mr Davidson, whose father is the well-known Scottish dealer Eric Davidson, will beef up the marketing of Heritage and he intimated that he is also looking at the niche fairs market with architectural items and silver and jewellery as possible themes.
Harveys sell their Heritage events
London fair organisers Patricia and Ralph Harvey have sold Heritage Antiques Fairs, the business they founded 25 years ago as the first Sunday fairs circuit.
