It’s full steam ahead for Décor- Architectural which runs from June 1-3 at the Fawley Hill Estate near Henley-on-Thames.
This was the home of the late Lord McAlpine, the dedicated collector of railway heritage, who died earlier this year (see obituary, ATG No 2340) and Lady McAlpine.
The fair is organised this year by Lady McAlpine and dealers Gary Wallis and Alix and Camilla Charpentier and replaces for 2018 the annual Salvo Fair, run at Fawley Hill since 2015 while organiser Thornton Kay takes a one-year sabbatical.
Decorative extra
Talking to ATG about the new event, Judy McAlpine said: “In addition to the mainstay of architectural salvage dealers, we are inviting dealers in decorative antiques and textiles. So far the response has been terrific and we already have a great list of dealers. My aim is 100.”
Exhibitors picked at random from a long list include regulars such as Reclamation Warriors, based in northern France, which usually has a good stock of French reclamation pieces including Celtic French granite crosses and French chateaux beds, plus The Old Radiator Company and Smith’s Reclamation.
Dealers focusing on the decorative are Beya Fontenay – which currently has two African tribal masks on its site priced at £265 and £595 – Molly & Maud’s Place, Metro Retro, Elizabeth Street Antiques and Amorosa.
Lady McAlpine added: “We will have a few ‘gypsy’ caravans and maybe some shepherds’ huts plus a few old cars and boats for sale.
“Well-known valuers on the Antiques Roadshow, Eric Knowles and Tom Keane, are going to be on hand to advise, so I have suggested this should be in return for a Macmillan donation. Our big signs are up and hopefully making the world aware. I am so determined to make this better than ever. I know my husband will be watching!”
Steam train
Railway enthusiasts can also ride on the Fawley Hill steam train and visit the restored Victorian railway station, now a museum, and gaze at ‘Ironhenge’, columns removed from the undercroft of St Pancras Station.
Friday, June 1, is trade day, admission £23 from 10am-5pm, with an evening charity private view party in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care. Admission on Saturday, June 2, from 10am till late is £12 and on Sunday it is £10 from 10am-5.30pm.
