Antique Fairs

Antiques fairs have grown in popularity in the UK in recent years, perhaps because of the increasing number of TV programmes which show ordinary people taking their bargains to be valued and discovering, in many cases, that they're worth a fortune.

In times gone by, antiques were perhaps viewed as luxury items that the average person couldn't afford. As recently as 20 years ago, having an antique item valued and sold would involve a trip to the office of an auction house or valuation expert and there was a certain mystique about the whole procedure.

However, the development of the internet has transformed buying antiques into a hobby or business for everyone. Enthusiasts can check online where the nearest auctions are and anyone can get an approximate idea of the value of items by simply checking with relevant websites.

An antiques fair is different from a car boot sale because the items on offer embody both the general public's fascination with history and the art world - as well as the leisurely pace of a general bric-a-brac sale. Antiques fairs tend to attract more specialist dealers, rather than people who have just decided to clear out their attic. Customers have a better chance of finding unusual and antiquated objects that may be of considerable value.

An antiques fair is easier for people to access compared with the traditional art auctions that may start the bidding at hundreds of pounds - part of the excitement is never knowing what you might find. It can be a family day out and a chance to rummage through hundreds of precious artefacts in the hope of stumbling on that perfect item. Part local market and part art gallery, antiques fairs create a unique experience for enthusiasts.

As long ago as 1936, culture scholar Walter Benjamin wrote an article about the special aura surrounding handmade works of art. Before the age of mass production began in the 20th century, many objects were handmade and one-of-a-kind - including furniture, jewellery, ornaments, clothing and even cooking utensils. Each piece had its own story and its rightful place in history.

Even items that aren't of massive monetary value can be a source of fascination at an antiques fair - perhaps mementoes of a film, a seaside holiday or a visit to a special place. An item that may not be of any great value to one person can be a treasure to another.

Television programmes such as Antiques Roadshow have brought antiques fairs and works of art to the masses. In the 21st century, the trend for encouraging people to bring their artefacts to be valued and auctioned to raise money for something special such as a holiday, a birthday celebration or for charity has gained in momentum. Programmes such as Bargain Hunt, Flog It, Dickinson's Real Deal and Cash in the Attic are all popular mainstream TV shows.

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in Britain's own history and heritage, whereas in the past many collectors preferred only pieces from ancient civilisations on other continents such as Egyptian jewellery, Indian statues or Chinese vases. There appears to be a new interest in regional antiquities, with new buyers being brought into the fold. Some auctions travel from town to town, with items geared up to attracting local interest.

Plenty of antiques fairs are held in Romsey, the home of Solent Plastics! Grandma's Attic Antique and Collectors' Fair is planned to be held at Romsey Potters Heron Hotel on Sunday 25th March 2018 and again on Sunday 28th October 2018.

A series of antiques fairs are being held at the Ageas Bowl in the run-up to Christmas - run by Yellow Vintage and Retro Fairs. The Yellow Vintage Christmas Fair is being held on 26th November and the Make Do and Mend Christmas Fair is being staged on 10th December. Visitors are promised the best selection of vintage homewares, jewellery, furniture, clothing and more, while displays of classic cars and scooters, live music, a tea room and the chance to try out vintage hairstyles and make-up will ensure that the day is both fun and entertaining.

If you're planning a trip to an antiques fair, whether to buy or sell, having suitable containers for transportation is essential to avoid breakages. Solent Plastics offers a huge range of reliable storage solutions for your valuable items. Our selection of waterproof protective cases with high-quality customisable foam inserts will protect your treasures from the elements, dust and impact. For bargain hunters everywhere, our water resistant boxes and storage trunks also offer extra protection and come in a variety of sizes - up to 205-litre capacity.

For the perfect storage solution for your precious or valuable items, please call the plastic storage experts.