Mr Bailey knows the venue well as this LAPADA fixture is, of course, a new incarnation of the fair he has been holding at Claridge’s for a decade.
Initially, LAPADA members who have been regulars at Claridge’s were given a chance to rebook. But now the entire membership has been sent fair details and apparently just a handful of stands are left.
When it comes to filling those stands, the organiser hopes some porcelain specialists will get in touch because, although some areas are already over-subscribed, the fine china department is looking decidedly thin. Among those signed up for the fair are period furniture dealers Windsor House Antiques, W.R. Harvey and Stablegate Antiques; picture dealers Haynes Fine Art, Gladwell, Manya Igel and the Willow Gallery; silver expert Nicholas Shaw and decorative glass specialist Christine Bridge.
From the beginning of next month, all Bailey fairs will have a new look. Robert has changed his standfitters, moving from Harrogate-based Dalesgate Exhibitions to Midas Display System from Gwent.
The organiser explained: “There were many new qualities, including colour changes, needed for my future events and these required a large investment.
“Midas have agreed to build all new equipment in cloth so our future 8ft (2.44m) stands will be atlantic green with black facias. The exhibitors should find this a warm and friendly colour.”
The makeover will be unveiled at Robert’s Tatton Park fair in Cheshire on March 4.
Bailey touch filling up the room at at Claridge’s
ESSEX organiser Robert Bailey is relishing his new role as ringmaster of LAPADA’s London showcase, The LAPADA Fine Art & Antiques Fair at Claridge’s, which will be held at the exclusive Mayfair hotel from April 14 to 18.
