ANTIQUING IN SOUTHERN UK AND FRANCE
One of the most frequent questions I am asked as a designer is where I source my antiques and objets d’art which I use to complete a particular look for an interior. I love juxtaposing say a fine Georgian chair with a contemporary bathroom but where can you find a similar antique for a reasonable sum?
Well, I’ll share with you my secret passion for antiquing – finding my treasures in several of the annual antique and vintage fairs that I frequent, usually filled with antique dealers I know from the Chelsea area and London as a whole. What I enjoy about a good fair is the surprise element – you don’t know what you will find and there’s a certain excitement about that. I also love re-discovering the innovations of the past whilst looking for historic inspiration. Mixing old pieces with new bespoke pieces is where the magic happens for me.
The range of items is extensive, the finds are affordable, and a huge advantage is that many pieces of furniture are beautifully made and easily upcycled – a table can enjoy a completely different look by lacquering in high gloss for example. Other cherished items found include old pots and jars, an old 18th century day bed which I reupholstered with modern fabrics and two huge Murano chandeliers which I used in a client’s bathroom – these pieces just need a little bit of love and attention as well as the vision to see them in a new context. I have also included floor lamps that just need rewiring, crystal glasses that are super well priced, sets of dining chairs from the 1950s which simply need a new upholstery seat – the possibilities are endless.
So here are a few of my favourite shows easily accessible from the capital with my tips for enjoying your day out. When I am styling a property, I look for old vases, baskets which lend charm to a home or candle sticks and linens which can be stained with Dylon and given an entirely new life. These tinted sheets dyed in black or brown turn into ideal tablecloths, perfect for styling or for everyday use.
Survival Tips
My number one tip is to wear comfortable clothing and shoes and to be there early to walk around the entire show. I predominantly look for accessories – old vases, baskets – which give a lot of charm to a place as do silver candle sticks.
Other well priced items include antique silver which can make stunning accessories or oil paintings by unknown artists which make a marvellous gallery well ensemble for an advantageous price.
Happy Hunting!
So, I wish you well with discovering bargains galore and don’t be put off by the investment of time. You might not find what you were originally looking for, but you will have a great day out and, you may take home a surprise gem instead that you never knew you wanted!
Happy hunting and don’t forget to take your floor plan and tape measure with you if you are looking for a specific piece.
Ardingly International Antiques and Collectors Fair
Bi-monthly – next show Tue 21 - Wed 22 January 2025
Conveniently located on the South Coast with easy travel access from London, the Ardingly International Antiques and Collectors Fair offers an impressive line-up of stalls selling everything from antiques and garden ornaments to vintage furnishings and eclectic lighting. Arguably the largest show of its type around, it is perfect for top quality browsing.
South of England Showground, Ardingly, Selsfield Road, Nr Haywards Heath, RH17 6TL, West Sussex.
Website: www.iacf.co.uk/ardingly/
Entrance fee: from £6– 20 per person
Newbury Antiques Fair
Annual - 7th July 2025
The Newbury Antiques Fair attracts both professional and private buyers with a curated selection of one-of-a-kind pieces, a treasure trove for unique, beautifully-styled items. Items range from brocante finds, vintage pieces and upcycled goods.
Newbury Showground, Priors Court Road, Hermitage
Newbury, Berkshire, RG18 9QZ
Website: https://www.iacf.co.uk/newbury/
Entrance fee: from £6 to £10 per person
The Decorative Fair, Battersea
Three events annually - next show 21st– 26th January 2025
130 vendors descent to Battersea, London for this long-running decorative showcase, displaying antiques, decorative arts and designs dating from the 1700s to the 1970s at a wide range of price points. A perfect blend of tradition, innovation and style.
Evolution London, Battersea Park
London, SW11 4NJ
Website: www.decorativefair.com
Entrance fee: From £10 - £20 per person
Sunbury Antiques Market
Bi-monthly – next show Tue 12 November / one off Sunday event 29th June 2025
The largest and longest running two-monthly market in the UK, the popular Sunbury Antiques Market is based at Kempton Race Track with around 700 European and British traders spread out over two indoor grandstands and outside pitches.
So popular has this fair been that the concept was extended to include similar events at Sandown Racecourse. The Sandown Antiques Home & Interiors Fair (next show 16th February 2025), offers 250 dealers the opportunity to showcase their wares with anything from decorative antiques to garden ephemera and vintage finds.
Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Road East, Sunbury on Thames,
TW16 5AQ
Website: www.sunburyantiques.com
Entrance fee: Free
The Winter Art and Antiques Fair, Olympia
Annual – next show November 2025
Forty exhibitors will showcase a variety of curated pieces from jewellery to paintings, sculptures to furniture, mirrors to textiles and more – much more. Engage with the expert dealers and pick their brains for antique information to make informed choices with anything from traditional antiques to 20th century finds.
Grand Hall, Olympia, London, Hammersmith Road, London, W14 8UX
Website: www.olympia-art-antiques.com
Entrance fee: from £23 - £28 per person
L’Ilse-Sur-la-Sorgue International Fair
Twice annually – next show April / May 2025
For something a little special, hop across on the Eurostar to Lille and onwards to Avignon, heading for L’Isle -sur-la-Sorgue for a wide variety of antique shops and flea markets curated by over 300 local dealers. There are knick-knacks, statues, garden items, china and textiles – you name it. The main international annual fairs are held at Easter and in August with dealers coming from all over the world augmenting the locals. As a sidebar, there is also a popular open-air flea market every Sunday to tempt the purse-springs.
Website: www.uk.islesurlasorguetourisme.com
About Studio Sidika
Studio Sidika is a full-service interior architecture and design studio led by Sidika Owen d’Hauteville and established in 2015. Sidika has a mixed background being half Turkish and half British, was born in Brazil and brought up in Provence. This diverse heritage has served her well, opening her eyes up to different cultures, architecture, textiles and furnishings from an early age and giving her unique insights into contemporary design. Originally working as an investment banker in the luxury goods sector, her corporate background underpins a rigorous approach when it comes to budgeting, financial planning and project co-ordination. Passionate about sourcing contemporary art and antiques from various artists, galleries and countries, she is driven by an appreciation for the beauty in everyday life. Her studio designs timeless and inspiring spaces that make living easy.
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Our clients are discerning homeowners and residential developers who value the blend of beauty, function and comfort.
To discuss your project with us, however small, book a consultation at www.studiosidika.com or email us hello@studiosidika.com