My Petersfield Antique Fair Sept 22′
September 13th 2022
After a couple of weeks have passed, I’ve had time to collect my thoughts on the Petersfield Antique fair run by Caroline Penman with Penman Fairs (penman-fairs.co.uk). I’m sure most of you now know that this was my first ever time standing at the true provincial fair within the heart of Hampshire. I must admit that I was very optimistic (although that is somewhat my character) going into the fair and after hearing many good things. Also, to be honest I think it stands for itself after running for 20+ years, it’s fair to say that if dealers are still attending after this amount of time there is a reason that they are doing so.
Set up day was fantastic, Tableau (tableaudisplay.co.uk) who I have become a regular client of, provided all my display cabinets and they were set up perfectly upon arrival which makes my job a lot easier. Also, Simon over at Start Lighting Ltd had installed all the required electrics, which were spot on, pun intended! As much as we are here to make business happen, as they say, for me, it was an excellent opportunity for advertising my business and for networking with other dealers in the trade. Opportunities which don’t come around as often now with social media and everything being pushed online.
The set-up was on Thursday, and then we opened to the public on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Normally, I take a good day and a half to two days to set up; this is probably down to the fact I cannot stop talking; however, I only had a day for this fair and that included leaving at 5 am to get around the M25 and down to Petersfield. Let me tell you, the M25 did not disappoint and added an hour to my journey, which was inevitable! Having said that,t I managed to set up and get everything ready for a quick polish and tidy by mid-afternoon.
Once set up I went on a mithering mission around the fair, I was pleasantly surprised by the high quality of not only the stand builds but the other dealers around the fair most of which I had not met before. After introducing myself to everyone, including the catering team and security, I was even more optimistic because the quality was there to draw people in from all the stands, whether it be jewellery, furniture, paintings, or anything in between! I decided it was time to lock up and head back to the hotel, where I stumbled upon a beautiful little country pub called the Deer’s Hut (thedeershutpub.co.uk) just off the A3 at the end of the road from the hotel. Considering it was a Thursday night I couldn’t believe how busy it was, lucky being on my own I managed to grab a single table and booked it out for the next couple of nights. A nice pint was in order; I went for the Meon Valley Bitter from Bowman before chowing down on the mighty ham, egg and chips, a classic British staple. It’s not easy to take a pretty Instagram-worthy picture of ham, egg and chips, but I must admit it was beautiful. The rest of the menu was much more sophisticated, but I really had a craving after a long day’s work.
Opening day
Now, most of you who know me personally know that unless it’s required, I will turn up in shorts and flip-flops once the weather hits double digits, and that doesn’t matter if it’s the middle of winter or the glorious summer. Naturally, I make much more effort for fairs and like to dress sharp; I donned my lucky shoes and headed to the fair early doors. I like to get in early to give myself some time to adjust anything that doesn’t quite sit right on the stand and have some time to grab a coffee and settle into it.
I was really pleased with the look of the stand, and it came with new material in the form of leaflets and newsletter promotions. It was the first time I had hired a counter cabinet, and going forward, I can say for certain it will be coming along every time. The stand was located as you approach the building straight down the central aisle and to the right, which, in my view, couldn’t be better!
The best part of a fair is the anticipation of opening the doors and the crowd following the hustle and bustle of what can only be described as kids in a candy store. I personally love it; there are so many different people to talk to from all walks of life and people who collect a vast array of different things. Those who specialise in their category and those who like me just buy what they like. I can guarantee whatever happens, people of all ages will see something they like at a fair.
With that being said, the days following I was really pleased with the outcome, I sold several objects and have made some invaluable contacts, both within the trade and privately. Business cards were flying off the shelf, and I ended up emptying the box I brought for the fair. Interestingly, as a younger and newer dealer in the trade, I find myself at the end of the ‘new kid on the block’. I often see people doing a quick reconnaissance mission when they clock my stand, they look at my stand, they look up at the name, look back at my stand then move on. Several minutes later, they are back, take a closer look, grab a business card and a leaflet, and go off again. By the third time, they come closer, and often, I can grab them to engage with. As a person with many years of experience in the heating trade and having visited upwards of 10 private properties a day for several years, I’ve become fairly used to approaching every kind of person. In this business, it’s often just talking to like-minded people and appreciating nice things. I’m certainly not a pressure salesman.
Overall, I was really pleased with my first time at Petersfield, a fair that I will be keeping a close eye on and hopefully availability provided I will be standing again in the future.
The next fair I will be attending will be at Compton Verny on behalf of the Cotswolds Antique Dealers Association. For tickets and further information, please get in touch with us. We will be more than happy to post out complimentary tickets for two to anyone who would like to visit this glorious venue which will be the host of some exceptional objects and dealers.
Until next time!
Callum
Jacksons Antique
Owner at Jacksons Antique
I am an antique dealer and owner of Jacksons Antique, specialising in fine antiques with a particular focus on Japanese art and European decorative objects. With over a decade of experience in the antiques trade, I source and curate pieces for collectors across the UK, the United States, and the international market.
Working primarily online alongside select exhibitions, I am part of a newer generation of dealers helping to modernise the way antiques are researched, presented, and acquired. My approach is built on careful attribution, transparent descriptions, and historically grounded research so clients can buy with confidence.
Through Jacksons Antique, I aim to make important historic objects accessible to both established collectors and those developing their collections.
DECORATIVE | JAPANESE | FINEST OBJECTS