IACF

A former cake factory site near Southport is the base for dealer Brett Griffiths, who is also one of the big fans of IACF’s fairs.

As parliamentary debates on future trade relations with the EU raged in London, cross-border business carried on regardless in West Sussex at IACF’s Ardingly International Antiques and Collectors Fair on January 15-16.

At the height of winter across one week, IACF mounts two fairs catering for different audiences. Noelle McElhatton visited the events at Alexandra Palace and Newark to see what brings the punters out in hail, wind or rain.

“There are great fairs and brocantes in France but this is special, not least because of the venue.”

Though the organisation IACF is best known by its acronym, it’s hard to forget what the initials stand for. AA road signs guiding drivers into the Newark showground emphasise the word ‘international’ and the fair is known for its ability to attract overseas trade buyers.

Though IACF Newark markets itself firmly as a trade fair, it ensures the public has access too, in particular die-hard collectors who similar to trade buyers, know the dealers they want to visit.

“What’s the death on this snuff mull?” asks Tom Hurst, a dealer in African and Oceanic art attending Newark to buy for his online shop and in preparation for his first stand at Tribal Art London in 2019.

IACF is expecting a buoyant antique and collectors’ fair at Alexandra Palace on Sunday, December 2, including items sourced from shipwrecks.

IACF’s antiques and collectors’ fair held in the Bingley Hall at the Staffordshire Showground in October fielded around 140 stalls, according to the organiser.

Schedule change for Lincolnshire Showground marks a shift in strategy but other organisers are more cautious.

British Horological Institute among exhibitors for ‘biggest of the year’ October showground fair.

IACF is to take over the running of the antiques and collectors’ fairs held in Bingley Hall at the Staffordshire County Showground.

“We’ve had two-day antiques and collectors’ fairs at the Newbury Showground before but not on a Saturday and Sunday – the weather was downright miserable but we had a really successful first weekend,“ said IACF’s Grant Nicholas, talking about the recent weekend event on April 28-29.

Antiques fair organiser IACF is offering a free pitch at one of its fairs to newcomers in return for agreeing to take part in filming a day in the life of the winner.

One of the aspects of the antiques fairs which are so much a part of the trade’s lifeblood is often their sheer longevity.

The annual celebration of Mother’s Day falls this year on Sunday, March 11. Perfume bottles dating from the Victorian era, in a variety of materials and range of prices are a one-of-a-kind gift option.

As well as being an actor, playing Alfie Moon, the landlord of the Queen Vic pub in the soap EastEnders, Shane Richie is a singer and last year recorded a country music album.

Berkshire venue has more growth potential than Sandown Park, says the fair organiser

Events to be held in tandem as IACF drops Surrey venue to focus elsewhere.