In the past, this event has clashed with both The Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair, which this year starts on January 20, and the now-defunct LAPADA Fair in Birmingham.
This year, however, West London is as strong as it ever was with 70 exhibitors spread over three floors. Indeed, the fair has had a new lease of life over the past couple of years with exhibitors anxious to get into gear after the Christmas break and dealers looking for fresh stock for the new season.
There are some well-known names on parade, such as J.H. Bourdon Smith, Peter Bunting, Lennox Cato, Denzil Grant and Serendipity, and this year there are seven newcomers, among whom are Callaghan Fine Paintings from Shrewsbury, Jenny Hicks Beach from London with Oriental rugs and textiles, and Hull ceramics specialists John Newton Antiques.
Also showing for the first time are Stonefish from London W10 with contemporary art and sculpture, an aspect of the fair which Mrs Penman is keen to encourage, partly by dropping datelines (although the vetting remains as strict as at all Penman fairs).
But despite the inclusion of some dealers in studio and modern items this is overwhelmingly a traditional event with plenty of quality on sale at prices up to the £50,000 mark.
Admission is £4.
Penman has first move as dealers re-stock for new season
SINCE the 1970s, the new year’s fairs scene in the capital has always really got underway with Caroline Penman’s West London Antiques and Fine Art Fair, which will be held this week from January 15 to 18 at Kensington Town Hall, W8.
