Sydney Antiques and Art Fair

Sydney Antiques and Art Fair

The Sydney Antiques and Art Fair, hosted by the Australian Antique & Art Dealers Association (AAADA), returns again this year and will be held in the Kensington Room at the Royal Randwick Racecourse, from September 6 th to 10 th . A carefully curated collection of the finest, rare antiquities, worth several million dollars will be on offer. From furniture and textiles to art and jewellery, there is guaranteed to be something for everyone.

Amongst the mass-produced, disposable culture that generations have become accustomed to, it is all too easy to impulsively purchase throwaway pieces that we lose interest in after a few years, explains Vice President of the AAADA, Chris Hughes, who is determined to shift our mindset when it comes to purchasing items.

'So many luxury brands are making 'entry level" products to appeal to the masses but it ends up giving a very generic feeling to everything," he says, 'Many people do not realise that for the same price as a generic furniture retailer you could get a beautiful piece of history, often coated with an incredible story of its making. These pieces have not only stood the test of time but will be available for generations to come."

Anticipated to attract thousands of visitors over the course of the 5 day event, Hughes is quick to debunk the common myth that the antiques industry is dying. 'While still being a boutique area we are seeing second-generation dealers taking over family businesses, as well as fresh faces taking the place of retired dealers," he says, 'We are also seeing a new generation of dealers whose business models rely heavily on social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat to build their businesses." This shift to online antiques dealing is certainly sparking a renewed interest in the industry and has allowed for more accessibility and convenience, particularly for the millennial collectors.

Hughes expects a larger turnout than ever before to this year's fair, with an increase in young attendees in particular. 'Millennials are moving to antiques for statement pieces that stand out from the crowd and express their personality," he insists, 'They're also becoming more conscious consumers and the shift to caring for people and the environment is bringing a new light to antiques. Young people are starting to see the value in re-purposing and investing in pieces for longevity rather than fast fashion."

'The word antique refers to anything over 100 years old, which means it is an ever-changing market; a market that evolves with the times, the trends, and the trades. This is not about old versus new, this is about collisions, collaboration, and contrasts that present an opportunity, to tell a story, to start an enthralling conversation."

For those who are new to the world of antiques, Hughes says the fair is a chance to educate yourself on the tricks of the trades, 'We offer lectures to give an insight into the world of antiques, as well as a chance to learn more about specific areas of interest," he says, 'In the past we've had museum curators to even descendants of Napoleon share highlights of their collections with the public."

This year, the fair is attracting over 30 vendors from across the country, many of whom are leading experts and published authors in their fields. Exhibitors will showcase unique offerings, capturing intricate craftsmanship dating back centuries. The Antique Guild, Greene & Greene, Simpson's Antiques, Grafton Galleries and Walter & Co. are among the veteran and new dealers who will display their collections throughout the event.

AAADA fairs only include the premium antiques & art dealers from around Australia in their fairs, all backed by the code of conduct of which they abide, so visitors can purchase with confidence.

Prices: Gala Preview (6 September) $30
A preview of the fair that includes champagne on arrival and canapés
General Admission (7-10 September) $10
Free for children under 16
Tickets are available online at www.aaada.org.au/sydney or at the door.