IS IT WORTH GOING TO ANTIQUES SHOWS NOWADAYS?

Time was, when we lived on the South Coast we used to visit them fairly regularly. Several were within an hour's drive,and it made for an entertaining day out. Large selection and lovely just browsing.
Nowadays, the few we have visited over the past year have seemed fairly dull and uninspiring. They seem to be reflecting the real decline of the antiques trade. Vintage (that dread word) has elbowed its way in. A lot of it being at the tat end of vintage, but far from tatty prices.

I live in the middle of cabbage country so going to fairs is more about getting a culture fix and talking to like minded people.
I often come away with design ideas and always learn something about pottery so leaving with all my money untouched isn't a problem

I see a lot more 20th century pottery, Studio pottery, and Art glass by going to auctions-especially modern design auctions- than I ever do going to antiques fairs. Moreover you can handle and look at everything at great length without people glaring at you....

wow you must be going to the rude fairs Phil
or I'm thick skinned

Most of the Fairs I go to, the dealers seem more interested in chin-wagging with some one else,(You Dan? } than explaining their wares!

over an hour of my fair experience is spent talking (my wife told me)

Your wife is TIMING YOU????????
Dan m'dear.
You are in deep trouble.

It really depends on the purpose of your visit. Hunting a feelgood
bargain, buying to sell on, or buying something nice to keep, at a
"retail" price.

The days of going to Newark and Swinderby on the first day in
the dark, snow and ice, and filling the car before daylight, are a
distant memory now.

I've drawn a blank at the last 2 Edinburghs, Hardly anything at the
Doncasters this year, Got a couple of bits at the last Uttoxeter.
It's thin on the ground at the fairs these days. It's all down to luck,
but as I've said before, I'm reluctant to pay a premium "trade" price
for early entry to a fair that has already been raked over by the
stall-holders the day before.

The boots have taken over for the bargain hunter. Got loads at the
first two Yorks, can't wait for all the local ones to get going in the
next few weeks, and got 2 boxes full, just going round a few local
charity shops today.

today I went to Peterborough festival of antiques, it was the busiest fair I have ever experienced and had more 1960's -70's Poole pottery than I have seen in many years.
The buyers were almost fighting over some of the items for sale and many stalls were so swamped by buyers it was impossible for me to see what was for sale (and I'm 6ft 3")

I went to Peterborough as well yesterday. On my own this time, as my wife had other things to do. So, made the outrageously extravagant decision to get there early, and pay the early entance premium fee. So for a couple of hours I was able to wander around a quiet Fair. Still took me 4 hours non-stop,as it quickly got very busy after 10 AM.
As you said Dan,lots to see. Selection of Poole was excellent. But my thing is Studio pottery.There was a scattering of Studio across the Fair with a couple of specialist dealers around. But I'm ultra- picky, and in the ends did not buy anything. Interesting snapshot as to the state of the market tho.

yes Poole Delphis is back! I sold 5 pieces on ebay this week

Just back from stalling at Peterborough. It was much bigger outside than previous events, even over three days on site I did not get around it. As a seller it was a very busy fair with lots going on. It's true studio was missing if you wanted to buy but I think that is an opportunity for some sellers in 6 months time. I don't think as a ceramic fair it can be beaten for buyers. No missing stalls fully booked and everyone was busy. I even got to handle what I think was the mother load of top end Poole chargers. Didn't buy but great to see how good those things could be.

did the chargers belong to James Miles?

Yes James chargers, liked the clown one but I think £600 was above my spare change even if it was a Tony Morris.

I was one row away from James at the other end. Lots of 19th century art pottery and early 20th century shiny pots that sold very well. God Bless Bernard Moore and all the people he taught,