The BADA Antiques & Fine Art Fair celebrates its twentieth year in London’s Duke of York Square

The UK's premier national art and antiques fair brings international collectors to London

Released on: February 29, 2012, 1:11 am
Author: LondonTown.com
Industry: Travel

The first event of its kind to be housed in a purpose-built pavilion in London, the BADA Fair celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2012 bringing fine furniture, paintings, glittering silver, jewellery, ceramics, textiles and beautiful works of art under one roof at the Duke of York Square, Chelsea. For one week, from 21st to 27th March the distinguished fair, which is exclusive to members of the British Antique Dealers' Association, gives serious art collectors the opportunity to peruse and purchase pieces from carefully selected specialist dealers.

Internationally recognised as one of the UK 's premier, national art and antiques fair, this year's event features 103 antique dealers and anyone arriving in London for the fair can find a wide selection of hotels in London close to the Kings Road venue including boutique hotels, luxury and five star accommodation, all within walking distance of the fair.

This year, nine new exhibitors to the fair include Hansord, a Lincolnshire-based family business with over 50 years of experience; glass dealer Marris; Mark Mitchell Paintings; and dealer-decorator Max Rollitt who specialises in the finest 18th and 19th century English antiques. In addition, Don Kelly Books who has been dealing in new and out of print reference books on the fine and applied arts since 1978 will be bringing a wide range of books to the fair.

A programme of talks includes a presentation by House & Garden magazine experts who divulge their predictions for design trends in 2012. Country Life's Architectural Editor John Goodall gives a talk on the magazine's documentation of and designs on the English country house. On Monday 26th March, Colin Wiggins, Special Projects Curator at the National Gallery, gives an insight into the gallery's current exhibition on Canaletto and Britain's deep rooted admiration of Venice dating back to the 18th century Grand Tourists.

Tuesday's talk, on 27th March, on ‘Royal Protection and Modern Collecting' ties in with the loan exhibition entitled ‘Pomp, Pageantry & Protection' which showcases twenty five polearms pieces never been displayed in public before. This is a rare chance to see etched and gilded weapons from the royal courts of Europe from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries held in a private collection. The talk will show how context can help form a distinguished collection, and how patience and determination are the makings of a successful collector.

Refreshments are provided on site by the Cellini Restaurant and Taittinger Champagne Bar while the Duke of York Brasserie offers lighter fare. Art Logistics will also be on hand to advise and assist with the shipment of purchases anywhere in the world.

For further information the website LondonTown.com has full listings of arts events including all the major exhibitions and galleries on in London during your stay as well as useful advice on how to find London accommodation to suit your needs. Anyone with an interest in art would be well advised to visit the nearby Saatchi Gallery where ‘Gesamtkunstwerk: New Art from Germany' an exciting showcase of new works from Germany continues for the duration of the BADA Fair.

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