Founded, and still run by local dealer Robin Coleman, this was the first decorative fair in the provinces and it has built up a keen following with overseas – especially American – trade and decorators who have assured the Bath dealers that they will be over with their dollars despite the tough exchange rate.
Some 45 dealers stand, most of them members of the Bath and Bradford on Avon Antique Dealers Association.
The first day is an exclusively trade preview where business has to be seen to be believed, with lorries and containers lined up outside and packed within an hour of the fair opening at 1pm.
You can bet many of the exhibitors at Olympia in London, which coincides with the Bath fair, will leave their stands for the afternoon of March 3 to buy at Bath.
Indeed, three intrepid dealers, John Bird, Richard Nadin and Patrick Mack-intosh, are showing at both events.
One of the reasons for the enduring success of the Bath fair is the noticeably keen pricing. It is a non-profit-making fixture so all the benefits are passed on to the buyer.
This year Robin Coleman has donated a free stand in the foyer to BABAADA and it will be manned by members of the association’s committee to promote both the region and the association members.
Doldrums of dollar won’t keep us out of Bath, say US dealers
MARCH is bursting with smart, large and prestigious fairs. But, while neither massive nor flashy, the favourite of many in the trade is the Bath Decorative and Antiques Fair, the 15th of which will be staged in the Pavilion, North Parade, Bath from March 3 to 6.
