New July antiques fair will take centre stage at botanic garden
DERWEN Fairs will hold its next antiques fair and vintage market at the National Botanic Garden of Wales on Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2.
The prestigious National Botanic Gardens of Wales, which nestles in the Carmarthenshire countryside, is on the outskirts of Carmarthen and just 15 minutes away from the end of the M4 and is the perfect location for this event.
Organiser Brita Rogers, of Derwen Fairs, said: “The fair has proved to be a recipe for success, increasing in size to up to 100 stands and includes many more stands outside. Demand is high, so our botanic garden series of fairs now includes this extra date in July, making four fairs for 2017.
“The fair has become quite a spectacle since it began seven years ago. Showcasing a wonderful variety of quality antiques and collectables to suit all tastes and budgets, these popular fairs have a friendly and vibrant atmosphere.”
With buggies whizzing back and for transporting the excited antiques enthusiasts from the Gate House up to the glasshouse, the weekend is set to be a busy one.
Many visitors just prefer to meander up the path and enjoy the delights of the garden. Fans of collectibles, curios and classic antiques should make their way to the various botanic garden venues – including the Lord Foster-designed Great Glasshouse – for displays of Welsh art and pottery, quality jewellery and outstanding militaria collections.
The reason for its success and appeal is the fair’s unique setting. To witness the array of antiques with the backdrop of the flora and fauna which you are met with when you step inside the Norman Foster Great Glasshouse is breathtaking.
From furniture to fishing reels, most areas of collecting can be located here and then step next door and again within Principality House (the old servants’ quarters), you will discover good displays of quality antiques.
There is also a hidden gem tucked away beside the Millennium Courtyard – the large wedding marquee – where again you will find a large range of country pine furniture, rare books, treen and Ewenny pottery and in the Theatr Botanica for quality Royal Worcester and Launa Bailey pottery.
The fair has also expanded into the Millennium Courtyard filling it with a vintage antiques market. This houses smaller marquees showing off vintage toys, clothing and retro furniture, plus numerous up-cycled furniture and quirky items. This is a new and exciting addition to the established inside section of the fair.
Brita explained: “The fair will be showcasing Welsh areas of collecting including Welsh pottery, Welsh art and furniture. Richard Bebb will be displaying a rich array of Welsh paintings including artists such as Kyffin Williams.
“Welsh textiles will also be a main feature at the fair. There will be a huge range of Welsh tapestry blankets on display with their extensive colour range and intrinsic patterns.”
Among the quality stands, will be a selection of militaria stands, displaying some very unusual items from the past including rare medals, military swords and vintage firearms. From furniture to fishing reels, rare pewter collections to exquisite jewellery, most areas of collecting can be found.
Paul Ritching’s stand is one to head for, situated in the wedding marquee. He has a rich array of country pine furniture from cupboards and wardrobes to scub top tables and chairs .The country-style never tires and fits nicely into the Welsh style of furnishings. His eclectic mix of gardinalia is pretty impressive. Paul has built up a reputation of stripping and restoring pine furniture. He sympathetically restores and up-cycles items of furniture, that a lot would consider only to discard. However with Paul’s expertise, he can transform a tired chest into a stunning piece of furniture with a superb finish.
Brita added: “I am sure collectors will find the large quantity of impressive stands, showing off a variety of themes from fine pieces of silver to the retro ’60s and country farmhouse, very appealing.
“There is also gorgeous Victorian linen, vintage clothes, fans and costume jewellery, and an attractive display of nostalgic interior designs; plus fishing reels, and collections of Moorcroft, Wemyss and Lorna Bailey pottery.”
The fair opens at 10am and closes at 4.30pm and admission to the garden, which includes the antiques weekend, is £4. Entry is free for garden members and parking is free for all.
For more information about the fairs contact Brita Rogers on 01267 2202601 or 07790 293367 or visit www. derwenantiques.co.uk