THE EVER popular Welsh Antiques Fair and Vintage Market will be held at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthney, from July 7-8.
Set in the heart of the picturesque and historic Carmarthenshire, yet minutes away from the M4 corridor, lies the impressive National Botanic Garden of Wales. It is a hidden gem, just like the array of antiques that are on display at the Fair and Vintage Market being held there. Visitors are impressed at the variety of antiques on offer at this unique and amazing setting, and are free to wander around the gardens at leisure.
With up to 100 stands on display, the fair has become quite a spectacle, showcasing a wonderful variety of quality antiques and collectables to suit all tastes and budgets. Fans of collectibles, curios and classic antiques should make their way to the various Botanic Garden venues, including the Lord Foster-designed Great Glasshouse, for exhibitions of Welsh art and pottery, a glass display of rare paperweights and a collection of rare coins. Richard Bebb will be including some Kyffin Williams paintings and prints amongst his collection of Welsh art, as it is the centenary of Kyffin’s birth, and interest in his work has been heightened. There will be an abundance of Welsh pottery ranging from Swansea, Llanelli and Ewenny; the oldest working pottery in Wales, having been founded in 1610.
The National Botanic Garden of Wales’ fair has a reputation for uncovering rare items, from unusual maps to unique paintings. A rare American cast monkey money box, dating back to the last century, will be on show at the fair. These mechanical money boxes were highly popular in the Victorian period, and are now highly sought after.
The success of the fair can in part be attributed to the unique setting. The Norman Foster Great Glass House has a variety of antiques, from furniture to fishing reels, as does the Principality House (the old servants’ quarters). There is also the large Wedding Marquee, where a range of pine and oak furniture, rare books and Ewenny pottery are kept.
The Theatr Botanica exhibits taxidermy and the exotic, while the Gallery Room houses yet more antiques. The Vintage Market has smaller marquees showing off vintage toys, clothing and retro furniture as well as upcycled furniture. A selection of militaria will be present, displaying rare medals, military swords and vintage fire arms.
The fair opens at 10am and closes at 4.30pm, with admission to the Garden and Antiques Weekend just £5. Entry is free for Garden members and parking is free for all, whilst dogs are now also welcome at the fair.
There is also the Antiques and Vintage at Llandeilo Civic Hall on July 7. It is just down the road from the Gardens and admission is only £1.
For more information about the fairs, contact Brita Rogers at:
Telephone – 01267 220260
Mobile – 07790 293367
or visit www.derwenantiques.co.uk
Add Comment