This is the 14th staging of what has been lauded as the showcase for our largest antiques association, a chance for members from all over the country to put on a real display in the capital.
It was launched at the Royal College of Art but three years ago moved to the Commonwealth Institute, which was a real discovery by Fran Foster, organiser of the Birmingham NEC fairs and this London fixture on behalf of LAPADA, and the then chief executive of the association Malcolm Hord.
Parts of the Commonwealth Institute had for some time been used for one-day events but the big, three-tiered main hall as a venue for a large quality fair was a real revelation and an instant success.
This month’s fair will occupy two floors and whereas in the past LAPADA members have been anxious to support their fair, this year there are five non-LAPADA members who have been brought in to bolster the event.
They are described as “guest exhibitors” and include German print specialists Schmidt & Green, London picture dealer George Babbington and Kent English porcelain dealers Jupiter Antiques.
One member of the association makes his debut, Damien Scott from London’s Bond Street Silver Galleries.
The fair may be diminished in size and status but there are plenty of quality dealers on parade, among them fair regulars Adams Antiques, Carol Ketley, Derek & Tina Rayment, Hallidays, Wakelin & Linfield, Rowles Fine Art and Shapiro.
There is no dateline at the London LAPADA fair but everything is carefully vetted, and there will be what looks like a good loan exhibition of silver, which includes The Strafford Wine Coolers, a pair made by David Willaume in London c.1711 for Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford, and now valued at more than £1m.
There must be serious doubts as to the future of this London LAPADA showcase. We know that the Commonwealth Institute is up for sale and is unlikely to be a fairs venue in the future. And this will be the swansong at this fixture for Fran Foster, a highly respected and able professional organiser, who after this will no longer be working on any LAPADA events.
If the fair is to continue a new venue, a new organiser and, to be frank, a new enthusiasm from members for such an event must be found. I sense little such enthusiasm from either LAPADA management or membership at present. Admission is £10.
Entering the last Lap at the Institute?
FROM a record 110 exhibitors just two years ago, when business was not exactly booming, expect no more than 50 at this autumn’s LAPADA Fine Art and Antiques Fair, to be held from October 8 to 12 at the Commonwealth Institute Galleries, Kensington High Street, London W8.
