Newark Antiques Fair

[Hockeynut]

http://www.iacf.co.uk/newark/

I'm planning on going tomorrow. Well I was, now I'm a bit unsure.

Has anyone been to it before? I'm not an Antique dealer, nor do I have a clue about antiques either really. We are just going along for a browse to see if we can find a nice couple of more individual things for our house. Like a nice Mirror for example.

Someone has mentioned that it's basically a dealers things though.

So I just wondered whether anyone had been and could share their experience?

 

[accountantpete]

Not been to Newark - I used to sell a bit but the rent was too high for what I was selling.


Basically the buying dealers get there early doors to snaffle up the bargains leaving the over-priced stuff to joe public. Be prepared to haggle (they are probably on a 50% mark up) and don't expect to get back more that half of what you pay if you ever get rid.

If you want an old mirror, look for a bevelled edged with no blemishes to the silvering and a good quarter inch depth when you put a coin to the surface. Around here they are a bit out of fashion and going quite cheap.

 

[bobg]

Excellent event! I lived there for a while in the 80's and for a short time it was on my patch when I was working for HMC@E. There are ( were)a lot of dealers there and loads of the big stuff like old bulky furiture was snapped up and whacked straight into containers for shipment to the States. Don't be put off though, a lot of bargain hunters go plus people wanting to furnish rented houses cheaply. I'd highly recomment it even though the sellers/dealers know exactly what stuff is worth so "something for pennies " is unlikely. Newark was a very nice place too, good market square, decent pubs etc walks/rides/boat trips along the river etc.

 

[Hockeynut]

Thanks for the replies.

We saw it ages ago on Kirsties Home Made home, and those type of programs.

Do you need to deal in cash there too? ie take a wad?

 

[Gerry Attrick]

For sure there will be bags of choice. I have been a couple of times but gave up as the type of things I look for (18thC porcelain and clocks) were not much in evidence. Lots of furniture though.