The attendance was up on last year with buyers mainly from London and the Home Counties active, but there was also an American trade presence and some Japanese collectors were spotted.
Although this is very much a straightforward, traditional antiques fair, a proportion of buyers showed a preference for unusual and decorative pieces, which seems very much in line with modern trends.
But there was a resistance to some of the higher priced pictures and period furniture. “I feel more optimistic for the future than for some time,” said Caroline.
“Buyers seem to prefer less pretentious events with a greater range of affordable, good quality pieces.”
US buyers boost takings at Petersfield
ALL 43 exhibitors at Caroline Penman’s Petersfield Antiques Fair enjoyed some business at the Festival Hall from September 5 to 7 with a majority reporting good sales.
