‘The Melbourne Fair’ will present all kinds of wonderful Antique, Art Deco, Vintage and 20th Century pieces that have stood the test of time. From 24 to 27 March, an eclectic range of beautiful, rare and fascinating treasures could take fairgoers as far back in time as the 17th century with more than 50 dealers exhibiting objects and curios from around the world that will be available for purchase alongside exquisitely designed furniture, elegant couture pieces, heirloom and designer jewellery, decorative and fine art prints and paintings, ornamental trinkets, books, prints, and a whole lot more.
With price tags to suit every budget fairgoers will have the chance to bring a piece of the past into their own contemporary setting, add to their collections, buy unique gifts, chat with knowledgeable experts about the history and provenance of particular items from the likes of traders such as Sydney-based Alan Landis of Alan Landis Antiques, a renowned dealer and valuer on the antique circuit who has all the facts on English ceramics, Wedgwood, Australiana, Decorative Arts, Glass and Judaica, and more.
To name just a few of the dealers and their areas of expertise: Trinity Antiques brings a rare collection of Royal Memorabilia and antique jewellery to the fair. Trading in Japanese and Chinese antiques and collectables, Satsuma, Kutani and Netsuke is Spirit of Asia Antiques. Newcastle’s Simple Décor delivers a mix of pottery, silver, silver plate, glassware, kitchen items, sewing, samplers, paintings from the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Find quirky, colourful and unusual vintage threads from the 1960s, as well as vintage kimonos, and 1930’s and 1940’s evening gowns at Recycology. Macedon Ranges Mantiques specialise in military, nautical, auto, and advertising signs and displays from the USA, UK and Europe. Artedeco and Online Antiques draw their inspiration from Art Deco, Art Nouveau and the 20th Century and have a range of one-off furniture pieces, lighting, decorative objects, jewellery, and more. Apalogue Arts combine the aesthetics and materiality of antique and contemporary objects, furniture and art.
Explore works by many famous painters from Lauraine Diggins Fine Art specialising in Australian colonial, impressionist, modern, contemporary and Indigenous painting, sculpture and decorative arts, as well as 19th and 20th century European painting, drawing and sculpture. Bridget McDonnell Gallery presents 19th and 20th century Australian paintings, watercolours, drawings and prints, and Post War realist painters from St Petersburg. Mackley Fine Art Antiques and Decor have works by Pro Hart, David Boyd, John Cobby, Evan Mackley and many others.
On Saturday and Sunday of the Fair, the pizazz of the roaring 1920s will bring ‘The Melbourne Fair’ into full swing with a glamorous fashion runway showcase of immaculate original vintage garments. A parade of drop-waist and flapper dresses embellished with sequins, lace and ribbon, arm-length gloves, decorative headbands, long beaded necklaces and Mary Jane and T-strap shoes is sure to delight vintage fashionistas. Museum quality pieces from some of the world’s most iconic designers such as Chanel, Dior and Gucci, will also take to the stage.
Fashion Anthropologist Tom McEvoy and Vintage Stylist and Researcher Lily Chen will be presenting the audience with “their unique approach to fashion history as they weave together explorations of style and examinations of sartorial anthropology from the 1920’s.”
And free Fine Art appraisals by Leigh Capel Director of Belle Epoque Fine Art and Antiques, Sydney will be available at Stand 34 on March 25, 26 and 27 from 2-3pm.
Venue: The Concourse at Melbourne’s Caulfield Racecourse: 24 to 27 March.
Opening night: Thursday 24 March, 4 to 9pm. Tickets $30.
Daytime entry: Friday 25 and Saturday 26 March, 10am to 6pm and Sunday 27 March, 10am to 5pm.
Tickets: $15, concession $10, children under 16 free when accompanied by an adult.
Purchase tickets online and at the door.
The Sydney Fair will be on at Royal Randwick Racecourse, Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 May.