Antiques for Everyone at the NEC in Birmingham is the largest antiques, interiors and collectables fair outside of London. Catherine Hunt from Cheltenham is among the 200 or so specialist dealers local to this region taking to the fair; what does she have in store for antique hunters?
Celebrating its 30th year in 2015, Antiques for Everyone is held three times a year at the NEC in Birmingham. Around 200 specialist dealers will be selling a vast array of wares at the fair from July 23-26, including British and decorative furniture, 20th century art, jewellery, silver, ceramics, glass, pictures and kitchenalia to vintage clothes and contemporary items.
Catherine Hunt of Cheltenham specialises in Oriental Antiques. She spoke to us ahead of the event.
Q: What items are you bringing to the Antiques for Everyone summer fair at the NEC?
A: I am a dealer known for dealing in Chinese Ceramics and Chinese Textiles. My specialist areas are in ceramics from 12th century to mid 18th century Chinese ceramics and in Textiles Mandarin rank badges. With this in mind I have put together a special small exhibition of Chinese Transitional Porcelain i.e. 17th century from the end of the Ming Dynasty and the start of the Qing Dynasty (1620-1682). Transitional Period is an area of Change and development; it is a short period and highly collected. The production of porcelain was reduced and therefore what was available is extremely interesting.
Q: What do you like about Antiques for Everyone?
A: The Antiques for Everyone is a fascinating Fair as it has such a range of visitors. On all the days there is a mixture of Dealers, Collectors, interior Designers, General collectors and those wanting to be inspired. This leaves it to the exhibitor to inspire, engage and deal. The foot fall is always high and that is in itself is exciting. All exhibitors and their stock have been vetted and therefore the visitor should be confident with what they see at the fair.
Q; What’s your advice to people attending the fair?
A: If you are a collector then come with a shopping list but if you are wanting to be a collector either of all things or of a specific area, follow your heart. Just because at the moment something is ‘the must have’, if you don’t like it, leave it. If you enjoy the item and it fits in with your home, lifestyle of appeal then it is worth having. Buy from a specialist they know the true value and the history of the item. Buy from a recognised dealer preferably one in a recognised organisation e.g. BADA or LAPADA
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Come and see Catherine at the AfE Summer Fair on stand number GG5: www.cathy-hunt.co.uk
For more about Antiques for Everyone, visit: www.antiquesforeveryone.co.uk
