Expect an eclectic mix
Large interest shown in first collector’s fair for Bay
COLLECTORS of all persuasions are sure to discover sought-after items to add to their treasures when Port Elizabeth’s first vintage, retro, geek, collectibles, cosplay and hobbies fair comes to Walmer Park Shopping Centre tomorrow and Saturday.
The brainchild of organisers Elsje Smuts and Craig Pannell, the event is called [con]fuze and will fuse an eclectic mix of intertwined interests appealing to all ages.
“Gone are the days of fringe sub-cultures being only for the collector or the hobbyist or the geek,” Pannell said.
“These different sub-cultures are now more widespread than ever and have become, in a real sense, mainstream.”
He said Port Elizabeth had hosted successful hobbies fairs and toy shows in the past, but the last event was held more than a decade ago.
“While PE is home to some very good antique and vintage shops, it’s never hosted a comprehensive retro or collectibles fair,” Parnell said, adding that the Bay had also seen good growth in geek-related conventions and activities in recent years.
He said interest in the event from the Bay’s collectors, hobbyists, geeks and cosplayers had been significant so far.
“Whatever you are collecting or how ever you express your passion, the acquisition of quality pieces is becoming more of an art than ever before.”
Smuts said the quality of stalls on offer would be high, with national exhibitors including steampunk designer Lynette Penny, Johannesburgbased graphic artist Mel Dixon and Cape Town cosplayers Anzel Schutz and Genevieve Lesch.
“This event is all-encompassing,” Smuts said.
“We have displays of the more traditional collections, such as vintage cars, rugs, stamps and antique jewellery, and we also have modern and vintage TV games and comics, handmade geek jewellery, cosplay, and comic and graphic art.
“On the toy side we have everything from model cars and trains to Meccano and Lego, handmade rag dolls, action figures, rocking horses and vintage tinplate toys.”
Handcrafted items will include knives and pens, wooden lamps and clocks, leather goods, quilting, hand-knitted items and glasswork.
Inquiries: Smuts, on 082-873-7663 or at elsje@truebluecommunication.co.za