For more than 20 years this has been termed the “dealers’ best-known secret” because it is a must for trade buyers, but also traditionally a magnet for canny private buyers.
Now owned by Carmarthen-based Robert and Carol Pugh, who operate as Towy Antiques Fairs, the formula remains much the same as it always has, which is some 60 professional dealers with a good variety of stock at famously keen prices.
The fair is also known for its friendly, informal atmosphere but the business is serious enough and all items are vetted and subject to a dateline.
Smaller items are the mainstay of Little Chelsea, but it would be a mistake to think there are no large pieces. For example, regular exhibitor Richard Nadin from Dorset is taking to Chelsea a three-piece leather suite in Elizabethan Revival style dating from 1920, priced at £1400.
Making their debut at this autumn’s Little Chelsea are Tim Bowen from West Wales who is a specialist in country furniture and folk art, and Louise Verber with small decorative items.
Trade are admitted free with a card, otherwise £3.
Punch up at Chelsea
AS usual, hot on the heels of Caroline Penman’s Chelsea Ant-iques Fair at the Old Town Hall in the King’s Road, London SW3, comes The Little Chelsea Antiques Fair on October 6 and 7.
