In fact, a small knot of hopeful patrons is left on the pavement to await the next transport to the Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair.
It’s an anecdotal demonstration of the success of the fair, which closed the first run of its 2017 season on January 29 after a six-day run, but is representative of an event which worked every step of the way.
The opening day featured its customary queues and the usual raft of celebrity visitors. Eddie Redmayne, David Beckham and Guy Ritchie showed up ready to shop, as did interior designers Rose Uniacke and Ken Fulk and designer Paul Smith.
For several exhibitors, the first day was a sell-out and for one of these, Maison Artefact, it was the start of an event at which the specialist in 18th-20th century Swedish and French furniture sold the stand three times over.
High praise, as usual, was tempered with some less enthusiastic reviews as some dealers faced slow days.
But for many the footfall was high, new clients were in evidence and exhibitors including Drennan & Sturrock, Fiona
McDonald and C20C reported that the Winter Decorative event was their best fair to date.
It was also the first joint run of the fair alongside The London Antique Rug & Textile Art Fair, which ran on the mezzanine level of the marquee. By the second day of the fair, LARTA director Aaron Nejad was smiling and looking forward to the fair’s next run at the same place in 2018.
“I’ve made sales to decorators I have not met before, and generally it could not have been better,” said Nejad, who also had his own stand. “As organiser I’m delighted with how the show has been welcomed to Battersea by the Decorative Fair, and all our LARTA exhibitors have had a positive experience, meeting new customers. And there is lots of potential for after-sales.”
Battersea organiser Jane Juran said: “Our exhibitors continue to offer a fabulous and varied selection that clearly appeals to a wide range of tastes, age groups and budgets. It is thanks to them that the fair makes such a memorable impact on visitors, whether trade or private buyers.”
The spring Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair runs from April 4-9.
