Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol

Country house, mid century, industrial chic, Scandi or rustic? Whatever your style vibe, around 40 of the UK’s most exciting dealers will all be in one place at the <a href="http://www.bathdecorativeantiquesfair.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bath Decorative Antiques Fair</a>, at The Pavilion in Bath from Thurs 14 to Sat 16 March. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-bath-decorative-antiques-fair-406338299_939212511212639_7137183331076476055_n.jpg" alt="bath decorative antiques fair" class="wp-image-93114" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-bath-decorative-antiques-fair-406338299_939212511212639_7137183331076476055_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-bath-decorative-antiques-fair-406338299_939212511212639_7137183331076476055_n-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-bath-decorative-antiques-fair-406338299_939212511212639_7137183331076476055_n-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-bath-decorative-antiques-fair-406338299_939212511212639_7137183331076476055_n-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-bath-decorative-antiques-fair-406338299_939212511212639_7137183331076476055_n-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



With unusual and unique furniture, rugs, textiles, art, mirrors, ceramics, garden tables, statuary and more that you won&#8217;t find anywhere else, it&#8217;ll be an exciting weekend. Tickets are £5 but you can <a href="http://www.bathdecorativeantiquesfair.co.uk/freeTicket.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">get your free ticket here</a>. In the meantime, some of the dealers who&#8217;ll be at the Fair, share their tips for buying. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1923-antiques"><a href="https://www.1923antiques.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1923 Antiques</a></h2>



Father and son Roy and Ed Morris sell a mixture of Welsh, English and antiques from further afield, ranging from the 18th century through to the early 20th, priced from £50 to £5,000 +



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-123-antiques-bath-decorative-antiques-fair-416099686_18293879347144537_8145756112605779913_n-800x1000.jpg" alt="23 antiques bath decorative antiques fair" class="wp-image-93108" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-123-antiques-bath-decorative-antiques-fair-416099686_18293879347144537_8145756112605779913_n-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-123-antiques-bath-decorative-antiques-fair-416099686_18293879347144537_8145756112605779913_n-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-123-antiques-bath-decorative-antiques-fair-416099686_18293879347144537_8145756112605779913_n-320x400.jpg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-123-antiques-bath-decorative-antiques-fair-416099686_18293879347144537_8145756112605779913_n-768x960.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-123-antiques-bath-decorative-antiques-fair-416099686_18293879347144537_8145756112605779913_n-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-123-antiques-bath-decorative-antiques-fair-416099686_18293879347144537_8145756112605779913_n.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



We want antiques to be accessible to everyone. We believe that mixing old and new can work in any interiors setting from a new-build apartment to a grand country home hundreds of years old. A deconstructed or recovered antique chair will likely cost you less than one from the high street, be twice as comfy and last you 10 times as long.&nbsp;Look out for Howard chairs, French tables, Industrial lighting and some very unusual items you won’t find elsewhere.



Tip from the trade



Don’t hold out for an item that is &#8216;perfect&#8217;. Look for something which you like and has character and history and it will fit into your home as if it was always meant to be there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jo-s-objects-of-desire"><a href="https://www.josobjectsofdesire.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jo&#8217;s Objects of Desire</a></h2>



Jo Roberts (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/withjoroberts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@withjoroberts</a>) might look familiar; she&#8217;s appeared on BBC&#8217;s The Bidding Room and The Vintage French Farmhouse. The &#8216;Purveyor of Decorative Artefacts&#8217; with a &#8216;Faded Baroque&#8217; aesthetic, sells art, textiles and ceramics to suit all pockets. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2250" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-jo-roberts-bath-decorative-antiques-fair.jpg" alt="jo roberts bath decorative antiques fair" class="wp-image-93085" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-jo-roberts-bath-decorative-antiques-fair.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-jo-roberts-bath-decorative-antiques-fair-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-jo-roberts-bath-decorative-antiques-fair-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-jo-roberts-bath-decorative-antiques-fair-267x400.jpg 267w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-jo-roberts-bath-decorative-antiques-fair-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-jo-roberts-bath-decorative-antiques-fair-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-jo-roberts-bath-decorative-antiques-fair-1365x2048.jpg 1365w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo @tamsynmorgansphotography</figcaption></figure>



Trust me when I say, if you love it, buy it, because you may never see that piece again. You don’t have room for it? Then don’t be afraid to change your objects around, let something go. Remember, it is your home to do with as you wish, to mix styles and eras that suit you.



Tip from the trade



My advice is to have fun exploring social media and physical fairs to find the dealers who you relate to. Develop a rapport with them; this symbiotic connection is a very special one, that both parties gain from.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nick-waters-art-and-nick-waters-affordable-art"><a href="https://www.nickwatersart.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nick Waters Art</a> and <a href="https://www.nickwatersaffordableart.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nick Waters Affordable Art</a></h2>



Nick sells Modern British art from the 1950s through to the 1990s and a small selection mid century design, mostly Danish designed furniture from the 1950s–70s, with prices starting at around £100 up to several thousand for the best known artists. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1875" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/nick-waters-art-2.jpg" alt="nick waters art Bath decorative antiques fair" class="wp-image-93083" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/nick-waters-art-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/nick-waters-art-2-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/nick-waters-art-2-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/nick-waters-art-2-320x400.jpg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/nick-waters-art-2-768x960.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/nick-waters-art-2-1229x1536.jpg 1229w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



We live in a 17th century cottage furnished with Modern British art and mid century furniture and the contrast is fantastic. These eras work equally well in a modern house. The beauty with art from this period is it is so varied, ranging from abstracts to more ‘traditional’ works. A lot of the furniture from this period is excellent quality, often hand-crafted in Denmark. A lot of pieces in my personal collection have been used by us daily for 10 to 15 years without needing replacement – truly eco friendly!



Tip from the trade



It sounds obvious but buy what you like. It can be easy to be caught up with a name and perhaps buy something you don’t really love. Art should be enjoyed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ludgate-house-antiques"><a href="https://www.ludgatehouseantiques.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ludgate House Antiques</a></h2>



Husband and wife team Ralph and Nicki sell antiques from the 18th to the 20th century as well as all sorts of decorative items from their shop in Falmouth as well as online.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1176" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-ludgate-hill-antiques-Izzy-hare-Bowl-pic-High-Res.jpg" alt="ludgate hill antiques bath decorative antiques fair" class="wp-image-93096" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-ludgate-hill-antiques-Izzy-hare-Bowl-pic-High-Res.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-ludgate-hill-antiques-Izzy-hare-Bowl-pic-High-Res-800x627.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-ludgate-hill-antiques-Izzy-hare-Bowl-pic-High-Res-1000x784.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-ludgate-hill-antiques-Izzy-hare-Bowl-pic-High-Res-400x314.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-ludgate-hill-antiques-Izzy-hare-Bowl-pic-High-Res-768x602.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



You might find a French country house dresser, smart Georgian, painted European Rustic, wrought iron garden pieces, Tuscan artworks, Regency mirrors&nbsp;– and even a life-size Liberty baby elephant. No room for a pachyderm? Staffordshire figures give a pop of colour and fun; you can sneak them into any space and they&#8217;re very affordable. 



Tip from the trade



Go for what you like but be decisive or you may well miss it. Don’t overthink it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skye-s-place">Skye&#8217;s Place </h2>



Karl sources unusual and one-off garden and architectural pieces for inside and out, both antique and good quality contemporary. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-skyes-place_Fotor-Bath-Dec-Ant-Fair.jpg" alt="Bath Decorative Antiques Fair Skye's Place" class="wp-image-93080" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-skyes-place_Fotor-Bath-Dec-Ant-Fair.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-skyes-place_Fotor-Bath-Dec-Ant-Fair-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-skyes-place_Fotor-Bath-Dec-Ant-Fair-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/02/00-skyes-place_Fotor-Bath-Dec-Ant-Fair-768x575.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



We have everything from urns, planters, statues, tables, chairs, lighting, artwork, sculptures and all kinds of other decorative pieces. If you&#8217;ve got a pair of, say urns, don&#8217;t stick to displaying symmetrically; position at different heights for an edgier look. Groups of three, five or seven – depending on space – can look spectacular.



Tip from the trade



Think laterally: a planter can be used as a planter or repurposed as a champagne or wine cooler or even a huge unusual fruit bowl. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-when-and-free-tickets">Where, when – and FREE TICKETS</h2>



The Bath Decorative Antiques Fair is on at the Bath Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bath, BA2 4EU from Thurs 14 March to Sat 16 March 2024. If you’re in the trade, there’s a preview on Thurs 14 March from 12pm–5pm. For everyone else, it’s Fri 15 and Sat 16 March from 11am–5pm. Admission £5 – or <a href="http://www.bathdecorativeantiquesfair.co.uk/freeTicket.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FREE if you click here.</a>



<a href="http://www.bathdecorativeantiquesfair.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bathdecorativeantiquesfair.co.uk</a>

Superior interiors: what – and how – to buy at the Bath Decorative Antiques Fair

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