However, quite a few of the 132 exhibitors found business not quite up to expectations although almost all had a crackingly good opening day.
Again the fair had very much its own feel with some weird and wonderful stock alongside the more mainstream decorative. And again the fair attracted the customers rarely seen at other fairs, even if there was possibly more home trade buying than usual.
It was the most singular stock that sold best, with the more run-of-the-mill dealers enjoying more run-of-the-mill business.
Private buying continues to be a strong feature of this fair and, of course, the decorators were out in force with Colefax and Fowler, Nicky Haslam and Lady Victoria Weymouth among the buyers.
Olga Polizzi, who is decorating a hotel, bought from the Berg Brothers of London, whose Modernist stock is causing a stir at a few fairs, and Jasper Conran was also spotted out shopping.
Despite talk of recession in America, there was plenty of American buying especially on the first day, although this time this was superceded by English dealers.
Overall, business was more mixed than at some decorative outings and while some barely covered costs, others sold out. Notable first-time exhibitors included the Antique Fireplace Company, who staged a stunning display with the aim of attracting the decorators and whose sales included an £85,000 neoclassical statuary fireplace.
This winter a strong demand for smaller decorative pieces was evident, with tribal art and exotic costume and accessories catching the eye. Ringwood Antiques sold eight travelling cases.
The more unusual, the better it went at Battersea
UK: AFFIRMING its place as the London fair which reaches the parts other fairs do not reach, the winter version of the thrice-yearly Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair, held in its trademark marquee in Battersea Park, SW11 from January 16 to 21, once again made its distinctive mark among the first fairs of the year.
