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How Do I... Find What I Want at an Antique Fair?
Love hunting for antiques and collectibles? Two experts reveal the tricks of the trade so you can forage with confidence
For an avid collector, there’s nothing more enjoyable than scouring the halls of an antique and vintage fair for that one-off treasure. But where do you start and what exactly should you look for? We asked antique expert Dianne Pickett and interior designer Renée Woolridge of Designed Spaces to share some tips for getting the most from your visit – just in time for The Melbourne Fair, which runs from 9-12 August.
How to get the most from your visit
- Go early before the crowds arrive when the dealers will have more time to talk to you.
- Take room measurements with you, along with those of any entry doors and staircases. The last thing you want is to fall in love with a piece and then find you can’t get it through the front door.
- Snap a few photos on your phone of any spots in your home where you’d like to add new furniture or art – this makes it far easier to envision how a new piece will look.
- Remember, only a small percentage of a dealer’s stock will be on their stand. If you’re looking for something specific, ask the dealer if they have it.
What to look for in antique and vintage furniture
- When you fall in love with a piece, ask yourself: How will I use it? Where will it go? Will it fit?
- Try to buy pieces that are in a usable condition as restoration can become expensive.
- Check the piece is solid; open and shut doors, pull drawers, check for any cracks.
- Always check the underside of a piece as it may reveal additional repairs or damage.
- Be prepared to use an old piece in a new way. An early chest of drawers, for example, might look great in your hallway or a pair of living room side tables could make great bedside tables.
Questions to ask the dealer
- Where did the piece of furniture come from? Does it have a provenance or interesting back story? Has it had any major repairs?
- Request an invoice that states exactly what you are buying, where it’s from and when it was made. This is important if you ever need to make an insurance claim for it.
What to look for in vintage fashion
- Look for authentic pieces in good condition.
- Pieces from iconic designers are always the best investment, whatever the era – a couture designer piece from the 1980s, for example, may be just as good an investment as a 1920s flapper dress.
- In early pieces, seek out those that are hand-sewn or hand-beaded – these are generally a sign of great quality.
- Gently test the fabric of early pieces to make sure it’s not deteriorating.
- Look at shoulders, particularly in dresses, to check they haven’t been stressed or damaged by a hanger.
- Avoid buying stained items.
All about accessories and tableware
- Fairs are great places to find lamps and ceiling lights. Lighting design has been at its best since the 1930s.
- Many lamps will need rewiring by a professional to meet the current standards, but this is fairly easy to get done.
- Tableware, dinnerware and glassware are also generally easy to find at fairs. Check pieces for chips and cracks, and that sets are complete (or that you’re okay with them being incomplete).
- Be aware that most old tableware and glassware won’t be suitable for the dishwasher.
- If you are buying cutlery, make sure knives are not made out of any dangerous mixed metals.
- Utilitarian pieces such as vintage scales and jars make great decorative pieces in a contemporary home.
- Always request an invoice that states what you are buying, any known damage, the period and where it is from.
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Find an artist or artisan near you
- You can generally expect to see everything from early oil paintings and prints through to contemporary art and posters at fairs.
- With early paintings, talk to the dealer about authenticity and era of the piece, its restoration history and if the artist is known.
- With posters, check for folds, tears and discolouration, which will affect the value.
- Also, make sure the poster is authentic (it will be authenticated as Contemporary Art) rather than a reproduction.
- Always ask for an invoice stating the artist, era and that it is an original.
Tell us
Did you find this story useful? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like or share this story and save the photos. Join the conversation.
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Find an artist or artisan near you
And the million-dollar question – is it okay to haggle with dealers over price? It’s worth asking. Some dealers may be prepared to offer a discount or include delivery in the price. You may have more sway if you’re buying multiple pieces. But be aware that sometimes pieces will have needed restoration, which means dealers won’t have room to move on price.