The Ralph Lauren styling team and top designers Nicole Fahri and Nicky Haslam are regulars at this fair, and recently they will have noticed a big swing in stock towards the 1940s and 1950s.
But looking around the 100 or so stands you will also see painted furniture is as popular as ever, and there will be few more eye-catching examples than this late 19th century, trompe l’oeil painted pine desk in the shape of a triumphal arch, right.
It is being offered at £3500 by young Australian dealer Tyson, who feels the 3ft 6in (1.02m) wide piece is perhaps too small for use as a functional desk but would make a striking side table in a contemporary apartment.
Lauren, Fahri, Haslam head for the park
LAUNCHED 18 years ago with the interior decorator in mind, a reminder that the thrice-yearly Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair is still going strong and will be held this week in its trademark marquee in Battersea Park, London SW11 from January 14 to 19.