Claridge’s is so cosy – but is it really a showcase for LAPADA?

Not a jot. It was exactly the same as it always was with the indefatigable Essex organiser at the helm dispensing hospitality and good cheer in his inimitable way.

It was even the same line-up as at past Claridge’s fairs, although London jewellers Licht & Morrison, who are regulars at the venue and again enjoyed very good business, had to join LAPADA to remain at the fair.

There were a couple of LAPADA members who joined the fair for the first time, the most noteworthy being W.R. Harvey, the English period furniture specialists from Witney, who also had a good fair.

If you were expecting the 45 or so exhibitors billed you would have been disappointed, since not many more than 30 materialised.

Still, it was as always an enjoyable little fair in ultra-smart surroundings and Robert’s evening Champagne preview party on April 14 was as convivial as ever. Some said that the LAPADA tag attracted some new blood to the preview, but it seemed to follow the usual, agreeable formula.

The organisers maintain that by the time the last glass had been poured at 9.45pm on opening night more than half the exhibitors were into profit. By the end of the fair on April 18 some of the furniture dealers had sold well, as had the jewellers, a few picture galleries and one or two others.

This year’s Claridge’s was not helped by coinciding with the NEC fair, where more than 100 LAPADA members were on parade. But it proved much as before, one of the most enjoyable fairs to visit and superbly organised by Mr Bailey. Which is probably as good as it will get.

Claridge’s has always been a smart little fixture with an atmosphere all of its own.

It is always a credit to Robert Bailey, but it is ludicrous to even consider such a small event as the London showcase of our largest antiques association.