The Derby Porcelain Society set the scene for strong sales in porcelain with its special exhibition, Derby Porcelain: Artistry from the 18th century to the present day. The society reported that during the fair’s four day run it had signed up new members and had an hour-long visit from the owner of Royal Crown Derby.
The show may have contributed to success in ceramics and porcelain around the rest of the event, too.
“We enjoyed a hugely successful fair that started with a very busy opening day, a good Friday and then a record-breaking Saturday. Of course we sold lots more Derby than usual,” said Brad Dover of porcelain and ceramics specialist Jupiter Antiques.
Elsewhere, ceramic specialist Julian Eade said that the fair was his most successful since the mid-1980s.
‘I’ve sold all kinds of pieces, from classic English factories to 20th century studio pieces. The buyers have come from over the world, including Chinese, Taiwanese, American and the now emerging South Korean collectors and dealers, all of whom value traditional English porcelain so highly,” Eade said.
He added that his sales are up more than 40% in the past 18 months.
Antiques for Everyone
Last week’s event was the third edition of the tri-annual fair held at Birmingham’s NEC and it hosted around 175 dealers.
“This fair now runs ahead of December’s focus on Christmas which has certainly been a factor in rising sales,” said fair director Mary Claire Boyd of Clarion Events.
Other strong areas were decorative arts, clocks and English watercolours.
“We’ve sold well both to trade buyers and private collectors, particularly people wanting upholstered furniture for their home. It’s been a busy fair,” said exhibitor Jan Cantelo.
The next Clarion antiques event is The London Art Antiques & Interiors Fair at London’s ExCeL from January 12-14.
