In the past, the Northern Antiques Fair, the oldest provincial fair in the country, has always been a Harrogate event and Mr Bailey staged it in the Pavilions of Harrogate at the Great Yorkshire Showground in recent years.
But for a fair which was once among the most prestigious outside of London, a showground setting was hardly ideal and the organiser is aware that Harewood is a virtual relaunch for his flagship provincial fair.
Harewood House is the stately home of the Earl and Countess of Harewood and has never before been used as a fairs venue.
The seventh Earl is pretty far down the line of accession but, at a stretch, Mr Bailey is justified in claiming this is the first time ever that a Royal residence has been used for an antiques fair.
Harewood has, of course, already entered the modern aristocracy having been used as a location in many television dramas.
Either way, the 18th century mansion, which was decorated by Robert Adam and houses a renowned collection of original Chippendale furniture, is potentially an ideal setting for the northern fair.
Expect around 70 exhibitors.
Royal coup claimed by Bailey for Northern showpiece
ESSEX organiser Robert Bailey has pulled off a coup by clinching Harewood House, near Leeds in North Yorkshire, as the venue for his 54th Northern Antiques Fair, which will be held from September 22 to 26.
