Fair on an empty purse ...

Press, 15 February 1986, Page 8

Fair on an empty purse ...

By

ASHLEY CAMPBELL

~~~~ The word I would use is "unjust” Sending a reporter along to cover an antique

fair without giving her a few hundred dollars to assist with research is just not on. Wandering through a hall packed

with several hundred thousand dollars worth of old furniture, jewellery, clothes, dolls, silver, and other items can make a reporter rather covetous. For a mere $225 I could have acquired a 100-year-old lawn and lace nightdress. A walnut library table, priced at $2875, would have gone down well.

There were innumerable rings, brooches and necklaces I could have bought — and a big oak dresser made in 1860 which might have been mine for $4BOO.

Although they were not quite my style, a pair of bronze figurines, at $5500, would have made a nice collector’s piece.

But it was not to be. The polished wood and handmade lace for sale at the fair would have to belong to someone else. I

had no “research” money, and I had forgotten to take my chequebook with me.

As the fair organiser, Mr Mike Woodall,. was quick to point' Out, hot everything for sale in the two-day fair at the Horticultural Hall was out of the reach of people like myself. “Things here probably range from about $5 to a couple of thousand dollars,” he said. Eighteen dealers were exhibiting their wares. The fair was expected to attract about 2000 people yesterday and today.

The fair is the second to be held in Christchurch in the last four months, and is designed to attract those who may never set foot in an antique shop.

“Some people feel a bit reticent about going into

an antique shop,” Mr Woodall said. “They look very formidable and elegant. People can be afraid to just go in and look. But there .it is a nice convivial atmosphere.**: s' ,i a Such fairs were common in Europe and America, he said. Mr Woodall hopes to make them a regular event in Christchurch as well. He has booked the Horticultural Hall for four fairs in the next year. Christchurch would easily be able to sustain regular fairs, he said, as there were so many good antiques about.

“It is incredible how consistently good-quality pieces are turning up all the time ... and I mean good quality for whatever range of antiques you are dealing in.” Next time I might take my chequebook.