Opening day at Ardingly
Tuesday is trade day at Ardingly and most of the dealers open their doors at 5am – which for some means a midnight drive from the north of England or Normandy. By the time doors open to the public at 9am, many of the best pieces have already been snapped up. For the Hungarian dealers Prima, shown here, the goal is to have most items sold before they arrive at the fair and use it as a chance to deliver pieces to clients.
Opening day at Ardingly
The stallholders who set up indoors have a later opening and often use the early morning to do some shopping outside. Outside or in, dealers tend to go for the same space from fair to fair so that their regular customers know where to find them. Severn Beach Antiques has a regular spot in the Jubilee Hall bringing nostalgic toys, games, advertising & collectables, including this collection of cars.
Opening day at Ardingly
Visitors browse a selection of items at the stand of Collector’s Choice.
Opening day at Ardingly
From house clearance to vintage to contemporary crafts, there’s plenty to see and buy in addition to the classic selection of antiques.
Opening day at Ardingly
Three days of rain preceded yesterday’s opening and stallholders feared low attendance. Others admitted they had not risked renting a space until the day before. Though the day was chilly, late morning sun warmed the stands.
Opening day at Ardingly
Kevin Douglas and his son attended the fair with a range of objects including porcelain, furniture, canes and military uniforms.
Opening day at Ardingly
The event quietens down significantly around 2:30pm – after lunch for visitors and after more than nine hours of trading for many exhibitors. Some stallholders will unpack additional stock and keep on until the 5pm close time.
Opening day at Ardingly
Among the objects brought by a private London trader was this Mickey Mouse heater. The model was recalled after a number of children sustained burns from it.
Opening day at Ardingly
Ancient Mariner Furniture offer a selection of chairs, including some made of repurposed petrol drums at Ardingly.
Opening day at Ardingly
Star Wars action figures were also on offer at Severn Beach Antiques.
Opening day at Ardingly
Dealer feedback yesterday ranged from “my best fair ever” to “the trade is dying”, but there was no denying that there was strong international attendance. Visitors from the US, Japan, Germany and Australia were evident – perhaps taking advantage of the weakness of the pound.
Opening day at Ardingly
A pair of private traders brought a selection of vintage decanter stoppers.
Opening day at Ardingly
The Beautiful Birdhouse Co exhibited their selection of handmade birdhouses made from reclaimed pine (seen in the back) as well as a variety of antiques and collectables.
Opening day at Ardingly
The next IACF Fair is Newark on February 1-2. The next fair at Ardingly takes place March 7-8.
