2016’s National Antiques & Decorative Arts Faire (NAADA) officially kicks off with a grand gala cocktail opening night at the Sandton Convention Centre on Thursday the 2nd of June.
Now in its 16th year, the faire will be open to the public from the 3rd until the 5th of June which should allow plenty of time for veteran antique collectors, investors and those whose interest in antiques has simply been piqued by various reality collectable and antiques shows to browse and see what the local antiques market has to offer.
Over the years, NAADA has raised the bar in collecting and doesn’t show any sign of slowing any time soon. As is to be expected, this year’s faire will showcase the finest that the antiques and collectables market has to offer and will cater to all tastes.
Specialist items worth noting include Japanese swords and antiques, vintage and classic cars, Chinese porcelain, collectable designer accessories as well as a variety of noteworthy South African antiques and art, antique costume jewellery and 1950’s and 1970’s advertising memorabilia.
Several international exhibitors will make an appearance at NAADA. American ceramics dealer Ed Pascoe of Pascoe Ceramics will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Royal Doulton with some beautiful and rare pieces and Dutch dealer Ricus Dullaert of Kunsthandel H.W.C will showcase some unique European and Chinese antiques including bibles, clocks and rare furniture.
The SA Mint’s Johannesburg Coin Faire will occupy a prominent position at NAADA which will also feature a stylish refreshment area for those in need of light refreshments after some serious antique shopping. And for those who think they might have a unique or valuable antique on their hands, well-known valuator Russell Kaplan will be available to answer your questions. Donations stemming from this service will be donated to the 67 Blankets charity.
Trends to watch out for
According to NAADA representatives, there are several trends to keep an eye out for this year. The first relates to the ‘green’ aspect of antiques whereby buyers go out of their way to purchase beautiful, antique furniture made from rare and exotic woods which are no longer available. Post purchase, many of these pieces are restored and passed on to the buyer’s family, thereby ‘recycling’ or preserving important pieces for future generations.
Another theme to emerge more strongly this year - no doubt in line with the volatile economic climate - is the shift towards antique purchases as alternative investments. Increasingly, antiques are being viewed as viable, long term investments as they tend to be less prone to market and currency fluctuations and increase in value over time.
NAADA will also act as a platform for the ‘eclecting’ trend which is gaining steadily in popularity. Eclecting refers to mixing old and new items in a unique, stylish manner which gives meaning and purpose to a space while combining the best of the past, present and future. The highly acclaimed Stephen Falcke who has enjoyed great success in this arena will have a stand at the show.
How to achieve the eclecting look
- Always choose the very best antiques and don’t be afraid of mixing pieces from various periods and styles.
- Choose the best in contemporary décor, especially in furnishings and draperies to offset your antiques.
- Position your antiques to be the focal point of a room but always have a good mix of old and new. Never position antiques on one side and modern pieces on the other.
- Achieve a layered look where the two styles complement each other and create an interesting mix.
- If your antiques are elaborate, balance them with clean modern pieces.
- If you have a really special antique piece, try and find a modern ‘gallery’ space where it can take pride of place as a superb feature.
- Be adventurous with your antiques and use them for purposes other than what they were originally intended.
- Throw caution to the wind and use mismatched chairs at your dining table; use one-of-a-kind lamps as bedside lamps and find interesting ways to display your collection of porcelain or teddy bears.
NAADA will be open daily to the public from 10am to 6pm from the 3rd to the 5th of June. Entry costs R100pp. Opening night will take place on the 2nd of June at a cost of R250pp. Visitors will also be able to enter a competition where they stand a chance to win antiques to the value of R50 000. For more information, go to www.naada.co.za
