Dealers scrambled to notify clients after they were informed by email last Wednesday that the event, scheduled to run for three days from Monday, October 15, would not be going ahead.
Precisely why the fair was shelved remains unclear, but organiser Daniel Cotton said exhibitors would have “all their stand money” refunded in a short time.
He added that the next edition of the event in March would go ahead as planned, as well as The Little Chelsea fair in April, which he also runs.
Hugely disappointing
Well-known dealers Morgan Strickland Decorative Arts, Wakelin & Linfield, Garret & Hurst and Philip Carrol Antiques were among those scheduled to exhibit.
“It’s hugely disappointing in terms of the expense and for our customers,” said Gavin Morgan of Morgan Strickland. “We acquire the best stock for each fair and we rely on the turnover.”
Morgan was among those who took to social media to notify clients that the fair is not taking place.
Garret & Hurst said in a Twitter post last Thursday: “We were informed at 18:57 yesterday that The Kensington Antiques Fair (15-17 October) has been cancelled.
“Apologies to our clients for any inconvenience this causes, but look forward to seeing you at Winter Art & Antiques Fair, Olympia, London, October 30 -November 4.”
