The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair along with London Antique Rugs and Textile Art open in London Battersea Park

The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair - an event for exploring interior possibilities

The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair winter edition is back in Battersea Park, London this week (from 25-30 January 2022) with its wide array of antiques, design and objects of art for decoration from more than 150 exhibitors, including specialist dealers in furniture, lighting, mirrors, textiles and accessories with a dateline to 1979.

Also held concurrently at the same venue is LARTA The London Antique Rug and Textile Art Fair on the mezzanine of The Decorative Fair.

For those seeking unique and unusual conversation pieces and one-of-a-kind items or the perfect interior piece, there are lots to  select. 

And for anyone looking to add depth to one’s décor and interior spaces, there are also art galleries showing paintings, prints, sculpture, posters, and beautifully crafted works of art of all eras from the classical to the contemporary.  Also there are jewellery, vintage bags and watches for discerning collectors.

The Decorative Fair, launched in 1985 as the first antiques event to specifically cater to the interior design industry, is the go-to fair for top international decorators, and buyers wanting that special and unique piece for their homes. The exhibitors’ creative displays provide inspiration and exciting ideas for using antiques in different settings. Garden designers visit to source statuary, planters, metalwork and architectural elements, tables and seating for exterior spaces.

The quantity of items on show is impressive, and a myriad of design ideas are showcased driven by the renewed interest in storied interior schemes featuring old-school maximalism - colour and pattern, chintzy textiles, well-loved objects for more traditional styles, while modern and minimalist designs are equally enticing, as well as propositions spanning different periods and layering varying styles.

Organisers are optimistic this January fair will be another success, as there was tremendous demand at the previous Autumn 2021 Decorative Fair from customers looking to source country and classic pieces in traditional English woods such as oak, walnut and elm, unusual decorated antiques including marquetry, inlaid or painted commodes and cabinets, and sleek deco and mid-20th century French and Italian designer seating, mirrors and sideboards. 

Sales of antique and vintage textiles, rugs, and lighting were strong, in fact all areas of stock faired exceedingly well, with many dealers reporting their best ever Autumn Fair.

On the mezzanine is LARTA The London Antique Rug and Textile Art Fair which has returned to this January after the annual event was held online only in 2021.

Organisers reported 18 of the best dealers from around the UK and Europe exhibiting a rich array of carpets, rugs and textiles on the mezzanine of The Decorative Fair. 

Among the four newcomers exhibiting are Alberto Levi Gallery from Milan, Italy; and from the UK are Phil Bell Antique Oriental Rugs, Bakhtiyar from London and Hampshire and Rug Addition from Berhamsted in Hertforshire.

Also exhibiting for the first time is Ian Shaw, Tribal Art & Textiles from Glasgow, Scotland.

Future 2022 dates for the Decorate Antiques & Textiles Fair are: 

Spring Edition, 4-8 May (Wednesday to Sunday)

Autumn Edition, 4-9 October (Tuesday to Sunday)

All Photos © Lucia Carpio 2022