Still plenty of time to get to the inspiring Decorative Fair, in the relaxed surroundings of leafy Battersea Park – just over the River Thames from Sloane Square and Knightsbridge. From quirky show-stoppers to useful furniture, around 140 exhibitors offer a broad range of pieces. Here are are some that caught our eye…
The Foyer area features a selling display ‘Using Textiles as Art’, curated by exhibitor Molly Hogg. The largest piece on the wall in this image is hers, and is an Indian ceremonial embroidered cover which would have been a woman’s dowry piece, c1930.
A 19th century Swedish secretaire from Appley Hoare
French Indigo blue textiles and cushions from Katharine Pole
Josephine Ryan specialises in 19th century French furniture and curiosities…
Lamps made from 19th century French architectural ‘elements’. From Norfolk Decorative Antiques.
An 18th century French naive ‘toile peinte’ from a chateau in Western France. In front: 18th century French stone busts and 19th century ‘Biot’ jars. From French Country Living Antiques.
A collection of ebony-handled mirrors, £1450 from Nick Jones
Portraits (varying in date from the 19th century to the 1940s) from Puckhaber Decorative Antiques.
Egyptian ‘tent’ from applique hangings made at the time of Howard Carter’s discoveries of the Egyptian tombs (for rich tourists to bring back). They are being sold as a collection by Robert Barley, and would make a fantastic room scheme.
19th century Italian classical etchings and a collection of glass bon bons, lemonade jugs and bowls, from Fontaine.
The Decorative Fair is particularly well-known as an excellent source of painted furniture, Gustavian & Swedish design, 20th century design, lighting, accessories and named-design furniture, and excellent mirrors. It’s been going over 25 years, and entices international trade and retail buyers, interior designers, and private customers seeking unique and unusual furnishings and accessories.
For more details on all the dealers above see www.decorativefair.com
The Spring Decorative Fair is on until Sunday 4 May at The Marquee, Battersea Park, London SW11. Opening hours: Fri 2 and Sat 3: 11am-7pm; Sun 4: 11am-6pm.