Vincent Page is not only expanding his antiques centres rapidly but is now running a small fair in Somerset.
The dealer, who operates four centres with his brand name of Antiques on High, including the most recent, the former Taunton Antiques Market, has taken over the small monthly antiques and collectors’ fairs in what must be one of the most charming community halls in the country.
This is the 14th century Grade II-listed Dunster Tithe Barn in the picture-postcard village of Dunster, near Minehead.
The first fair with 30-plus dealers is on Sunday, March 12, when the handover takes place and Page and his wife Lesley White will run it thereafter. Page says: “One of our dealers at the Taunton Antiques Market suggested we take it over as a member of the hall’s committee ran it last year and has since left.”
He reports that the Taunton business, which opened in November, now has 45 dealers with three newbies in the last fortnight including one selling glassware and the other Oriental ceramics.
Garden ornamental pieces including fountains and vintage fabrics are on offer there too and something unusual but very appropriate for the West Country: a specialist cider mug dealer.
The other Antiques on High branches are Oxford, Bowness in Cumbria and Sidmouth in Devon.
Busy Somerset calendar
Still in Somerset, IACF Shepton Mallet holds its busy antiques, vintage and collectors’ fair including 30 booths in the antiques arcade from Friday to Sunday, March 17-19, at the Royal Bath & West Showground while the Giant Shepton Flea Market will be held on Sunday, March 5, at the same showground.
