Out and About: Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair

It’s a delightful time of year when the enchanting Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair graces Battersea Park. While there are three shows throughout the year, the autumn fair truly stands out as a seasonal masterpiece. Here is a selection of our most cherished discoveries.

This Italian 1950s ship chandelier immediately stole our hearts with its intricate glass beadwork, a true work of art. We were reminded of our French metal and glass beaded pendants in the Drawing Room at Ham Yard Hotel. Explore our blog post ‘The Beauty of Beads’ here.

Playful and bright, a set of original 1920s French designs by Emile-Allain Seguy for textiles, wallpaper, and ceramics captivated our attention. Crafted using the Pochoir technique, these semi-abstract motifs in vibrant colours drew inspiration from flowers, blending both Art Nouveau and Art Deco influences.

We couldn’t help but pause in awe at a botanical tapestry from the 18th century, measuring a grand 3 metres by 38 metres. It made a magnificent statement on the wall, reminiscent of the wallcoverings from Pierre Frey that we used at the 2022 Wow!House.

Our affection for shells led us to a pair of large decorative shell mirrors imported from France, dating back to the 1970s. They were originally commissioned for Château de la Sorciere in Seine-et-Marne, and we couldn’t resist their iridescent charm.

Sometimes, it’s the smallest details that spark our imaginations. We were particularly enchanted by these delicately painted spoons with impeccable floral details. A collection of salt spoons in a silver dish nearby tempted us to start our own collection, each one with a unique shape, texture, and weight.

One stall was a true treasure trove, reminiscent of a magpie’s collection. Amidst the abundance, we discovered a small but detailed folk art pair of needlepoint works depicting farmers from the early 19th century.

Timothy Langston always has treasures to offer, and this late 18th century Northern European commode dresser caught our eye with its elegant washed blue and green tones and beautifully hand-painted garland flower details. We absolutely adored the pair of early eighteenth century Imari porcelain lamps perching on the dresser.

Our imagination was truly captured by an early 19th century model chateau, meticulously hand-painted. The precise brickwork and intricate Oeil de Boeuf windows turned it into an architectural masterpiece, not quite a dollhouse but a tool for envisioning complete designs.

How delightful is this 1900s wood-carved cockerel carousel seater for two?

A nostalgic find, a set of timeworn measuring weights from 1873 ranging from 1 oz to 56lbs. The smallest was as light as a feather, while the vendor dared us to lift the heaviest.

It was a challenge to narrow down our discoveries at the Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair. We’re already eagerly anticipating the next one!