The sensational antiques fair in Parma, Italy opened its doors again today for its autumn session from 12th – 20th October. Buying at this fair is an unforgettable experience. Located on a site that feels like the land mass of a dozen football pitches, it is impossible to peruse this fair in a single day. Buying Italian antiques and French antique furniture here is a lengthy affair requiring stamina and several items of footwear. The choice of stock here is simply mind boggling both in quantity and variety, though it’s worth saying, the level and standard of Italian and French antiques seen here comes at a certain price often proving prohibitive. As with many Italian antique fairs and French antique markets, French antique markets, trade buyers are given priority viewing prior to entrance by the public. Although an Italian antiques fair, most of the dealers here can be seen buying in France and Belgium drawn by the rich source of affordable stock. For this reason simple items of basic but individual and quirky pieces of old French furniture are also on display at this twice yearly antiques fair not just classic elegant antique pieces. The Parma Mercanteinfiera antiques fair is not for the faint hearted, requiring real planning in order to take full advantage of this magnificent display of what Europe has to offer in the antiques world.
On their way, some new arrivals… Large, small, quirky and unique… An assortment of new finds from that vast and diverse country that is France. It’s always an exciting prospect venturing into unknown locations sifting through what is France’s historic past. It’s not just the antique furniture and decorative French
France is still very much an antique dealer’s dream with hidden treasures to be found in most corners of its vast countryside. I found this pair of demi lune console tables tucked away in the back of a rusty old transit van just as they were being unloaded. Many is
Spring is a season that has an undeniable charm, evoking feelings of renewal and new beginnings. As the days grow longer and the weather milder, we begin to awake from those dim, cold days of winter. One of the most beloved symbols of this season and my personal favourite is