Latest News Articles by Joan Porter
Dealers source pine furniture from fairs and auctions to restore
12 February 2018Antique pine furniture has many followers who buy it battered and cheap and simply ‘tart it up’ with an invariably low degree of skill and taste to sell on.
Mid-century: much to discuss
12 February 2018Mid-century design, particularly furniture, continues to be one of the most sought-after within the vintage genre, particularly by designers and decorators.
Book dealer uncovers story of soldier in disguise
05 February 2018If you want to find something unusual in the book and ephemera line, then head to one of the fairs held by the Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association (PBFA).
Directory launches in print and online
05 February 2018Sharon Blagrove of Bentleys Fairs has launched an ambitious double venture called UK Fairs.com involving an online fairs directory and a printed guide.
Frock Me vintage fair kicks in at temporary Kensington venue
05 February 2018The next three Frock Me vintage fashion fairs this year will be held at the Kensington Town Hall, instead of its usual venue, Chelsea Town Hall, which is being refurbished.
Manor house graced by Pugin is venue for new antiques event
05 February 2018House enhanced by the great architect hosts fresh July fair which is already half booked by dealers wanting to stand.
Dalmeny adds Shepton date
05 February 2018Karen Dalmeny is a well-known face not only from antiques programmes Dickinson’s Real Deal and Secret Dealers on ITV, but also on the fairs circuit where she is a standholder.
Events mark suffragette struggle to gain votes for women
29 January 2018Author and dealer in memorabilia ready for busy year which is centenary of landmark act that gave women in the UK the vote for the first time
Textiles fair follows proud tradition in Devon
29 January 2018The antiques-rich Devon town of Honiton was famed for its bobbin lacemaking since the 16th century when it was introduced by Flemish refugees.
Museum of London to display signature Suffragette quilt
29 January 2018Dedicated to those who campaigned for 50 years for the right of women to vote, the Museum of London is currently holding an exhibition of images and objects chosen from the museum’s vast collections of suffragette material.
Lighter Club of Great Britain holds annual swapmeet and fair
29 January 2018Portable lighters appeared in the early 20th century, with Dunhill being the most collectable name and watch lighters regarded as most covetable.
EastEnders' Shane Richie gets 'distracted' at IACF Ardingly fair
29 January 2018As well as being an actor, playing Alfie Moon, the landlord of the Queen Vic pub in the soap EastEnders, Shane Richie is a singer and last year recorded a country music album.
Northcote Road Antiques Market searches for space not stallholders
29 January 2018Northcote Road is a half-mile stretch of road which runs between Clapham and Battersea in south London which is well-known for chain restaurants and bars. It is also renowned, though, for its independent businesses, some of which have been there for 30 years.
Continuity announcement links fairs south and now north
22 January 2018Fair organiser expands in the north by taking over vacant Harrogate showground slot.
Vintage event is final fair at mills’ Finishing Room
22 January 2018The textiles archive at the Sunny Bank Mills at Farsley, near Leeds in West Yorkshire, which was founded in 1829, is a fascinating piece of textiles history.
Hemswell has high hopes
22 January 2018“We aim to be the largest bricks and mortar antiques centre in Europe with the largest website,” says Robert Miller, managing director of Hemswell Antique Centres.
New Lonodn event’s race against time pays off
22 January 2018A specialist fair in London that was put together at top speed in under two weeks, with Christmas in the middle, has been judged a resounding success by the organiser Two C’s Fairs.
Springfield on the way
22 January 2018As Springfield Fairs, Polly and Peter Trapmore-Shaw’s upcoming Spalding Antique and Collectors’ Fair in the Lincolnshire town famous for its flower bulbs, is at the Springfield Event Centre on Sunday, February 4.
BBR on the rise aiming to climb to fresh heights
15 January 2018Alan Blakeman, lifelong rock climber and founder of niche business BBR Auctions in Elsecar, near Barnsley, had a good 2017.
Sampler goes back to school
15 January 2018Work from 1880 returns to where it was made after it was offered at nearby antiques fair...