Cooper Events took over the event earlier this year, giving it the new title The Chester Decorative Antiques & Art Fair (rather than The Chester Antiques Fair).
Dealers there will now offer more than traditional antique items.
Director Sue Ede says: “Today’s antiques buyers want a greater variety of objects and especially more decorative pieces.”
She adds that, while traditional antiques will still feature, “we will be adding more specialists in classic vintage pieces, Art Deco, Arts & Crafts and Midcentury Modern”.
Launched in 1989 and long organised by Penman Fairs, the next event is from October 11-13. It has a larger body of exhibitors than in its preceding editions (around 50 up from roughly 35) and is held now over three (rather than two) floors of the County Grandstand at Chester Racecourse.
Exhibitor line-up
Among those standing is Billy Cook of William Cook Antiques, who offers the ammonite for £3600. He is free to attend thanks to a change in his schedule overseas.
“I have the opportunity to return and show a selection of Midcentury pieces in the stock, especially with the change of organisers who are wanting to see more 20th century pieces on sale,” he says.
Other exhibitors joining the fair for the first time include decorative lighting, silver and glass dealer Jo Brayshaw and King George Antiques, specialist in period rugs, bronzes and architectural salvage.
The event kicks off with tours of the fair led by Mark Hill of BBC’s Antiques Roadshow.
This large pair of Victorian brass Marly Horses is offered by Church Street Antiques for £4400.
Other highlights include a pair of Victorian brass figures of the Marly Horses, based on the marble sculptures by Guillaume Coustou the Elder (1677-1746) for Louis XIV, offered by Church Street Antiques of Altrincham for £4400.
A selection of 18th and 19th century oak farmhouse furniture is available from Melody Antiques.
Cooper Events also organises events in Buxton, Harrogate, Bath and the Cotswolds.
