Timothy Langston sold a group of 20th century toadstools from Belgium to a US buyer at an asking price of £8000.
Offered by Timothy Langston for a price in the range of £8000, the collection of 20th century items, originally from Belgium, went to a new client from Los Angeles.
With such large-scale sales occurring in the early days of the fair, which ran from October 4-7 at Battersea Evolution, it was clear to dealers that the clientele brought serious purchasing power, despite challenges such as travel strikes and tough economic conditions.
In step with a trend for buyers across the pond making the most of the exchange rate, long-distance shoppers made their time in London worth their while. The buyer of the toadstools was ‘thrilled’ to have them shipped to California.
More than 130 exhibitors participated in the triannual event. The fair celebrated the debut of ‘Contemporary’ on the Mezzanine, incorporating a curated selection of recent artworks, design, and craft.
In the main fair, Joe Chaffer of Vagabond Antiques of Petworth reported “a steady and successful first few days given the quick three-month turnaround”.
This pair of urns went from the stand of Vagabond Antiques where they had an asking price of £8500.
His success was evident through the sprinkling of red dots around the booth including on some large-scale items. Traditional Italian and English design was seemingly in-demand there. With a ticket price of £18,500, Chaffer sold two mahogany Italian consoles as well as two English 19th century classical marble urns. The urns, which have a provenance to a private collection in Surrey, were priced at £8500 for the pair.
As well as collectors, interior designers and hoteliers visited the event. Rhona Valentine sold a pair of English crewelwork panels to a UK hotel.
Perhaps most notable due to its rarity and unique nature, a 1920s Prohibition-era bootlegger’s briefcase sold from the stand of Mark Goodger. The briefcase, which was priced at £8500, held three large solid silver flasks by JE Caldwell & Co. Given the purity of the silver, this case is believed to have been owned by a gentleman or lady with a high status.
Offered for £8500, this Prohibition-era bootlegger’s briefcase sold from the stand of Mark Goodger.
At this edition, the fair provided complimentary entry after 4pm which made all the difference to the buzz of the fair for the after-work crowds.
“Look! It’s just turned 4pm and it’s busy”, Jeroen Markies told ATG. “That is huge for the success of the fair, especially being Friday night and bustling.” He was happy to have sent off an assortment of pieces to a Zurich collector, including a cocktail cabinet, sofa, and an Art Deco bronze sculpture.
