INDEX antiques Ardingly in Sussex
All the fun of the fair
It’s an antique-buyer’s market at the moment, which means, says Jennie Buist Brown, there’s never been a better time to haggle at a local event
Ardingly, in Sussex, and Detling, near Maidstone in Kent, are home to two of the biggest and best antique markets in the UK, with events held regularly throughout the year. Though each is bustling and full of atmosphere, there’s no doubt that the antiques market in general has taken a beating recently – when money is tight, antiques don’t often come top of the list of people’s buying priorities. That’s why, with fewer of us around who are still keen to spend, it really is a buyer’s market at the moment – and that means you don’t have to be afraid to haggle. There are other ways, too, to get the most from the fair-buying experience – see our top tip box, right.
Ardingly
My all-time favourite antiques fair, this really does offer a brilliant day out. Expect to find up to 1,700 stalls housing thousands of goods – from fine antique furniture to delicate ceramics. Look out, too, for European antiques, as many
www.indexmagazine.co.uk
dealers make the journey across the channel to Ardingly. With a combination of in and outdoor stands, the fair provides the perfect opportunity to indulge in a little leisurely shopping. You’ll pay a £20 entrance fee on the first day and £5 on the second. If you pay for first-day entry, you will, of course, be one of the first to see what’s on offer. The next fair at Ardingly will be held on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 September – see
www.iacf.co.uk/ardingly for details.
Detling
This fair plays host to up to 400 exhibitors in two buildings, shopping arcades and outside pitches, and offers silver, jewellery, glass, ceramics, small furniture, vintage clothing, paintings and much more. Entry for the public is £4, with trade visitors paying £6 for early entry on the first day. The next fair will take place on 3 and 4 September – see wwwedinburgh
antiquesfair.co.uk/detling, or call 01636676531 for details.
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Getting the most from your trip
• Don’t forget to turn up early on the first day of the fair to bag the best deals • A dealer expects to bargain with you and won’t be offended if you haggle. I usually start by offering 20 per cent less than the asking price and go from there. Look out for any codes written on tickets attached to the piece you’re interested in – they may indicate what sort of discount the seller’s prepared to offer. • Have a really good feel of any item you’re interested in – pick it up, turn it over, examine it carefully. Take a magnifying glass with you if you’re interested in finer items, such as jewellery. • Point out any restoration or damage that you spot, as it’s a useful bargaining tool. • Don’t agree on a price until you’ve heard what the dealer will accept with cheque payment – then ask for a discount with cash (and be sure to take plenty with you). • Do be sure to take contact details or a business card from anyone you buy from.
The INDEX magazine september 2011
Detling, near Maidstone
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