Spring in the step of exhibitors at the March Classic edition

Classic Antique Fairs
May 9
3 min read

First event at this time of year generates encouraging feedback and a healthy string of sale successes.

The first spring event from the Classic Antique Fairs crew ran from March 28-30 at the NEC and proved that the venture continues to blossom.

Some 47 dealers brought their best stock to Birmingham and the wisdom of their choices was reflected in the 300 pass-out slips for sold items on the first day.

Friday and Saturday generated healthy numbers, and despite a slight (expected) dip in visitors on Mothering Sunday, notable sales continued. The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Shahin AshrafMBE, the first person from an ethnic minority group to become mayor of the borough, visited the fair on the Saturday and was an enthusiastic supporter of the event.

Art Deco Anniversary

The Art Deco centenary was highlighted by many dealers. Expert in this field, Jeroen Markies Art Deco saw many items fly off its stand throughout the fair. With the sale of two big cat sculptures, one might say it did a roaring trade.

A 1925 bronze Striding Panther by French artist Arthur Dupagne (1895-1961) went for £1000. Another impressive purchase was a 1925 patinated bronze Prowling Panther by German artist Albert Wille (1884-1961) which sold for £3650.

Meanwhile, a 1935 Art Deco hexagonal burr walnut veneered coffee table with a macassar ebony veneered centre by Heal's of London sold for £1600. Another furniture sale was a small French 1925 Art Deco chest of drawers of Karelian birch which sold for £1500.

Ryozan vase snapped up

Within 30 minutes of the fair's opening, Donald Allison Antiques sold a Japanese satsuma vase by Ryozan for the Yasuda Company, with a ticket price of £5650. Decorated with a circular band of beautifully painted flowers, the top shoulder features painted butterflies, highlighting Ryozan's unique talent.

M&D Moir sold three miniature Daum pieces to a private client, who initially looked at them, toured the fair and then bought them. Daum miniatures are a rarity; two date from 1905, one depicting 'Spring', another a sailing scene with a 'Dutch Winter' scene from 1900. Each one ranged in price from £1500 to £2000.

Hickmet Fine Arts sold 17 pieces in the first half of Friday, a key sale being Hindu Dancer by Demetre Haralamb Chiparus (1886-1947) for £18,500. The superb Art Deco work dates from 1925 and is a cold painted bronze figure of a Ballets Russes dancer with her arms aloft.

Before lunchtime on Friday, Garret and Hurst sold a seated Buddha, 1900, that was probably from India for £4000.

Scottish and Scandinavian Designs noted more sales in Lapponia pieces than in Jensen and a raised interest in silver and enamel work.

Dansk Silver sold a late 1960s silver pendant and necklace designed by Astrid Fog for Georg Jensen for £795.

A key sale for Highland Antiques was a pair of rare William IV silver 'castle top' card cases by Nathaniel Mills. They depict 'Liverpool Collegiate' and 'York Minister' and went to the same collector for a combined figure of over £5000.

Mark J West sold a broad spectrum of glass including a vitreous enamel spill vase by Richardsons depicting Shakespeare's birthplace on one side and a portrait of the bard on the other for £145.

Solo Antiques had consistent sales including a Daum 'Poppies' vase, very finely acid etched and enamelled with wild poppy flowers, seeds and leaves with a ticket price of £3000.

John AW Briggs Persian Rug Specialist, a returning exhibitor with Classic Antique Fairs, made consistent sales throughout the event including a 50-year old Indo Bidjar rug for £425.

In the closing minutes of Saturday, Breckland Antiques sold a William de Morgan charger to a private client that was listed at £7250. The hand painted red lustre glazed earthenware piece was made circa 1885. The original drawing for this work, annotated in de Morgan's own hand and with instructions on glazing is held by the V&A in a collection of drawings gifted by Evelyn de Morgan after her husband's death.

Richard Collier of Marmaduke's Emporium said: "Friday was my best-ever opening day; I followed that up with good sales on Saturday and Sunday making it my best fair since before Covid. Classic Antique Fairs put on a really good show and they can't do enough for you."