HUSBAND and wife team from Levels Antiques in Somerset will be amongst some of the best known and most sought-after names in the antiques world as they assemble at the NEC Birmingham, thanks to the launch of a new three-day Antiques and Fine Arts Fair.
Adrian and Amelia Holt from the Somerset Levels, were one of the first to book to exhibit their wares at the prestigious Classic Antiques Fairs event on December 1-3, 2023 that marks their 20th anniversary of trading.
They specialise in the Arts and Crafts Movement as well as Objects on Paper and South Asian artefacts such as Indian Silver and Bombay School Ceramics. Especially for the return to Birmingham, they are taking a rare 1920s signed silver and blister pearl brooch by George Hunt who trained at the School of Jewellery and Silversmithing in Birmingham and an Arts and Crafts brooch by Bernard Cuzner who was Head of the Metalwork department at Birmingham School of Art.
Amelia Holt comments: “We are thrilled to be able to take some of our collection to the event in Birmingham next month. It promises to be a bumper fair at such an iconic venue thanks to Classic Antiques Fairs for bringing this event back to the NEC.
“It’s a perfect time just ahead of Christmas to buy a special gift, or invest in a unique piece and Adrian and I look forward to welcoming many collectors and enthusiasts.”
Behind the new venture is Ceramics specialist John Andrews who has exhibited at the NEC himself for 35 years. Like many of his fellow dealers, he was disappointed when the event’s organisers announced there would be none of their fairs in 2023. A previous economic slump saw John switch careers from being a restaurateur to a ceramics dealer or as he says, he went from ‘putting food on plates to collecting them.’
“While many dealers in antiques and decorative arts have a presence online these days plenty of us feel there is no substitute for customers being able to examine items and hear from trusted sellers all about their prospective purchases,” said John.
“Whether someone is looking for an elusive piece for a gap in their collection, a statement piece to make their home unique or an idea to spark a lifetime of collecting, fairs like the one we are running are the ideal opportunity. We have done all the work for them in bringing leading, trusted national and international dealers together in one place.”
Other highlights promised by the fair are rare enamels, signed pieces of Doulton, Clarice Cliff and William Moorcroft collections and a quantity of Art Deco and Art Nouveau sculptures.
The Fair runs from December 1 to 3, 2023 and is open from 10 – 5 on Friday and Saturday and 10 – 4 on Sunday. To book a stand or buy tickets to attend visit www.classicantiquefairs.co.uk
