Now in its eighth year, The Harrogate Antique Fair is firmly established as an event of major importance in the world of antiques. The reputation of this autumn show is now attracting dealers, collectors and decorators both here and abroad, with a waiting list of exhibitors wishing to show. It is appropriate that this prestigious Fair should be held in Harrogate, an acknowledged centre of excellence for the antiques trade in the North of England.

The Harrogate Antique Fair will run this year from 28th September to 2nd October at the Harrogate International Centre and will once more be held in Hall ‘M’ with its magnificent entrance and prominent position. Visitors will again be able to view a fabulous array of antiques and fine art and enjoy superb food at the excellent restaurant and seafood bar.

Among the dealers you will find regulars such as Anthemion from Grange-Over-Sands, Licht and Morrison of London with the finest of jewellery, Laura Bordignon of Finchingfield with ivories and oriental objects and Kaye Michie with her 19th and 20th century drawings, watercolours and illustrations. Also showing will be Grosvenor House exhibitors MacConnal Mason of London and J H Bourdon Smith with period silver.

Northern dealers include the early oak dealer Elaine Phillips from Harrogate and G J Saville from Hebden Bridge with exclusive period prints and Alan Walker, one of the country’s leading barometer specialists. For those who are interested in fine art, Walker Galleries will be showing a range of 19th century art and specialise in Yorkshire artists. Lennox Cato from Edenbridge will be returning to the Fair with period furniture as will Jeanette Hayhurst with rare antique glass. Another local gallery is Sutcliffe Galleries, whose director, Helen Sutcliffe, is the northern representative of the British Antique Dealers’ Association, who was involved in the original inspiration for this event. Back again this year are Howards Jewellers from Stratford on Avon and Judy & Brian Harden, the miniature specialists as well as Christopher Buck from Kent with fine mahogany, John Newton from Kingston-upon-Hull (porcelain), Brayhawks of Kent (silver, delftware and glass), Garret and Hurst of Sussex (sculptures) and Ian Burton of Perthshire (clocks). The Fair also sees the welcome return of Lennard Antiques, W A Pinn & Sons (BADA) and AD Antiques. Among new dealers at the Fair will jewellers Nigel Norman (BADA), of London and the Bourne Gallery (BADA).

The aim of the Fair is to maintain the highest standards while remaining a friendly and informative experience for both exhibitors and visitors. It aims to provide a unique forum where like-minded people can discuss and purchase fine art and antiques.

The social highlight of the show will be a Gala Charity Reception, sponsored by Rensburg Sheppards, the leading investment management company. During the Gala evening the Fair will be officially opened by Annie Tempest, of the famous Tottering-by-Gently cartoon strip in Country Life. This reception will be jointly hosted by Macmillan Cancer Support and The Harrogate Antique Fair and will be held on Friday 28th September from 6.30pm to 9.00pm.