The spring fair features more than 150 dealers from the UK and Europe bringing a variety of antiques and 20th century design to attract private buyers and decorators alike.
Where past editions of the fair have focused on styles (such as the Gothic at the winter event) and types of objects, this one takes a single room of the house as inspiration for its foyer exhibition. The Morning Room Revisited puts the spotlight on what organisers call “a tranquil space reclaimed for grown-ups away from the hubbub of open-plan living” in an area kitted out with decorative ceramics, garden urns and seating.
Among the pieces offered inside the fair is a mix of decorative antiques, though some, such as Lillie Road antiques and design specialist Henry Saywell, also bring fine art. Among his offerings this year is a portrait of Francis Bacon by little-known Modern British artist Derek Stafford.
“Derek Stafford is important not only as an artist but also in the art world at large for many reasons,” Saywell says.
“He is a living encyclopedia for art history, having met everyone from Augustus John to Rothko, De Kooning to Bacon. He taught David Hockney among others at the Bradford School of Art and was instrumental in his attending the Royal College.”
New faces at this year’s fair include Galeria Miquel Azueta from Barcelona, specialist in contemporary art and 20th century design; Justin Evershed-Martin bringing fine art and decorative items from the last 200 years; and antique porcelain and ceramics specialist Mary Wise Antiques.
Returning to the fair after some time away are M Goldstein with art, antiques and decorative objects, Cave Decorative Arts with English and Continental furniture and Robin Ruddy with a selection of pictures, coming back to the fair after a move to France several years ago.
