The Armidale Antique Fair is set to return this March with a new partnership that promises to make it one of the standout events on the region’s cultural calendar.
Running from Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22, at the historic Armidale Town Hall, this year’s fair will join forces with the much-loved Armidale Autumn Festival, creating what coordinator Alexander Rees describes as the perfect pairing of seasonal celebration and timeless elegance.
“Armidale is in all its finery during the autumn, and the Autumn Festival already celebrates that season so well,” Mr Rees said. “It felt very natural for the antique fair to be part of the broader celebration as yet another great reason to come out or come over.”
By aligning with the Autumn Festival, the fair adds another layer to what is already one of the most picturesque times of year in the New England region.
“It means visitors coming to town for the festival can also enjoy the fair, adding another dimension to what is already a lovely time to be in Armidale,” he said.
This year’s event is shaping up to be one of the strongest yet, with a carefully curated selection of dealers travelling from across the eastern seaboard.
“This year we’ve been very fortunate to attract an excellent group of dealers from across the eastern seaboard, all of them specialists in different areas,” Mr Rees said. “Visitors will get to see a wonderful variety of things under one roof; from antique furniture and jewellery through to ceramics, silver and all sorts of fascinating collectables.”
“The quality and breadth of what’s coming to Armidale this year is really exciting and not something they’ll be able to normally see locally.”
Among the anticipated highlights is a Large George III Lancashire Chest of Drawers, circa 1780, from Woodshed Antiques. Constructed in oak with mahogany cross banding to the drawers, gallery back, brass plate handles and escutcheons, the piece stands on ogee feet and boasts a rich patina that speaks to its centuries-long journey.
Visitors can also expect striking taxidermied peacocks from Glen Innes’s Colin Rich – a reminder that antique fairs are as much about curiosity and conversation as they are about furniture and fine china.
“One of the joys of an antique fair is that you never quite know what might appear – as well as what might take your fancy,” Mr Rees said. “There will certainly be beautiful furniture, fine jewellery, porcelain, silver and decorative objects, but often it’s the smaller and more unusual pieces that capture people’s imagination and get people coming back to visit.”
That sense of discovery is central to the fair’s appeal.
“Many dealers bring things they’ve only recently found themselves, so there’s always a sense of discovery – as well as the enthusiasm of the dealers themselves. I’m pretty excited to see what they’ll be bringing myself.”
While seasoned collectors will no doubt relish the opportunity to browse rare and unusual pieces, Mr Rees is keen to emphasise that the fair is equally welcoming to newcomers.
“One of the nicest things about the fair is that you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy it,” he said. “Antique fairs are a wonderful opportunity to lean in to the dealers’ delight in discussing the history of the pieces they bring.”
Even those with no intention of making a purchase can enjoy the experience.
“Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, it’s a very enjoyable way to spend some time looking at beautiful and interesting objects.”
Valuations are another popular feature, drawing locals curious about the history and worth of items tucked away in cupboards and cabinets.
“Valuations are always very popular, often for more sentimental reasons,” Mr Rees said. “People often bring along pieces that have been in their family for years and they’re curious to know more about them.”
While not every heirloom turns out to be a hidden treasure, the process is rarely disappointing.
“Sometimes the value is modest, but occasionally there are pleasant surprises. Even when something isn’t particularly valuable, there’s joy in learning a piece’s story and being able to link that to the people who held it before.”
In an era of mass production and one-click purchasing, antique fairs continue to draw crowds, something Mr Rees believes comes down to craftsmanship and connection.
“Coming to the fair allows you to enjoy both history and craftsmanship,” he said. “Each piece becomes unique as they’ve all trodden a different path to get to right here. Antiques were often made by hand and designed to last for generations.”
“There’s something very appealing about owning something that has already lived a long life and still has many years ahead of it. Fairs also offer something that online shopping can’t; the chance to see objects in person and hear the stories behind them.”
As for trends, he is seeing renewed interest in quality furniture and versatile decorative pieces.
“If there’s a trend I’m seeing it’s that buying furniture that’s built to last seems to be more popular,” Mr Rees said. “At the same time, many people are interested in pieces that can sit comfortably in a modern home while adding warmth and personality to a space.”
“Jewellery and smaller decorative pieces will always be popular because they can come in at a broader price range as well as being something that can make you feel good every time you touch it.”
Inside the Town Hall, visitors can expect an atmosphere that is relaxed, friendly and immersive.
“The Town Hall provides the perfect theatrics as a setting for the fair,” Mr Rees said. “It will be full of beautifully arranged stands, with a community of dealers keen to share their knowledge.”
“There’s usually a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with people browsing, chatting and discovering things that catch their eye. It’s as much about the experience as it is about buying – and not something to be rushed.”
For those still undecided, Mr Rees has a simple message:
“I’d say that even if you’re not a collector, it’s a fascinating place to visit. You’ll see beautiful objects, hear interesting stories and perhaps discover something you didn’t expect. It’s an adventure for the mind and senses. And who knows; you might just find something that moves you.”
The Armidale Antique Fair runs:
• Friday, March 20 – 5:00pm to 7:00pm
• Saturday, March 21 – 10:00am to 5:00pm
• Sunday, March 22 – 10:00am to 4:00pm
Entry is $10 per person.
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