Regular exhibitors at IACF fairs are Liz and Mike Flatter who specialise in antique and collectable glass as well as ceramics. They are bringing two vintage Delft tiles to Ally Pally, priced at £150 each, that celebrate the liberation of the Netherlands. The one illustrated shows a mother and child waving at an RAF Lancaster bomber during the Allied food drops in the country, with the text translating as Food - Peace - Freedom 29 April 1945 - 5 May. The dates refer to the beginning of the drops until the country’s liberation from German occupation on May 5.
It’s been two and a half years – February 2, 2020, to be precise – since IACF put on an antiques fair at Alexandra Palace in north London.
So there will be jubilation on Sunday, September 4, from exhibitors when the organiser finally returns to its sole London venue for this now annual fair.
Enthusiastic responses from stallholders include decoratives dealer Edwin Woodley, who said: “Really looking forward to September 4. Ally Pally is such a special event that, despite the hard work, never disappoints. Do dealers keep back special items? You bet!”
This large unsigned silver brooch set with four amethysts and white sapphires believed to be by Sybil Dunlop (1889-1968), a designer and manufacturer of Arts & Crafts pieces who lived for most of life in London. It is likely to be priced at around £400 at Ally Pally by vintage jewellery specialist Carole Stow.
Owen Weston, a dealer in antique and vintage jewellery, agreed: “I’ve saved up some treasures for Ally Pally and can’t wait to show them off for the first time and hopefully sell them at the fair.”
Porcelain specialist Jeremy Garner of Two Jays Antiques is travelling down to London: “Nearly all of the antique fairs we sell at are north of our base in Bedfordshire, so we are looking forward to be going south – and what better venue than Alexandra Palace?”
Many visitors will be heading straight for Pop Up Vintage Fairs London where 40 vintage dealers will be selling fashion, Art Deco pieces, lots of jewellery and antique textiles.
Trading as the Vintage Toy Garage, Lyn and Paul Forbes deal in vintage toys, advertising and automobilia from the 1930s to c.1970. A small selection is pictured here. They will be under the Rose Window at Ally Pally on September 4. Paul said: “The ever popular Triang, Dinky, Corgi, Hornby, Pedigree and many other brands of the past are among our best sellers. The many tinplate toys that were produced throughout the early part of the 20th century are currently attracting a lot of interest too. Of course, traditional teddy bears just never lose their appeal either.”
IACF managing director Will Thomas said: “Thank you to all our loyal stallholders and customers for continuing to support the Ally Pally antiques fair. We are thrilled to welcome its return this September when hundreds of stallholders are expected to stand.”
