Love Antiques attends iacf Shepton Mallet Antiques Market

LoveAntiques can’t get enough of discovering unique antiques and any antique home and living inspiration we can find, that’s why we were overjoyed to attend the International Antiques & Collectors fair (iacf) in Shepton Mallet on Friday the 18th September.

Upon entry to the fair everyone was socially distanced in the queues and the new online ticket system allowed contactless free entry. We were itching to get out there and see what we could find! As soon as you enter the showground all the antique stalls are spread out spaciously, allowing customers to browse antiques safely and with ease.

The first sight we saw made us stop in our tracks, beautiful wooden antique furniture displayed in the green grass with the sun beaming down. A wonderful thing we have found about browsing antique furniture in person is you can truly imagine what it would look like in your home because you are physically around the items! Our tip is to bring a tape measure if you’re antique shopping! 

LoveAntiques found it refreshing to see the variety of people at the antique fair, it was brilliant seeing the younger generation withhold an interest in the industry. We love to see that consumers’ buying habits are changing for the better, such as becoming more eco-conscious and turning away from bulk-produced items and truly falling in love with unique, individual items that antiques can provide. 

Stepping further into the antiques fair we discovered the gorgeous antique jewellery on offer, finding a beautiful bargain that holds so much quality is such a rarity, along with the history and certainty that the pieces are from the era stated. We enjoyed being able to talk to the antique dealers in person about their stock, allowing us to learn everything we can about the items available and the interesting stories behind the items that draw you to fall in love with the items.

LoveAntiques enjoyed speaking with numerous dealers' at the fair, including Jams Ironwork (@jamsironwork), who specialise in lighting and furniture, made from salvaged vintage/industrial items, using traditional metalworking methods. What makes these items so great is that no reproduction parts are used, all items are genuine vintage, antique or hand crafted in their workshop. If you’re looking for a unique, bespoke lighting piece for your home then Jams Ironwork could be right up your street. 

Any interior enthusiast would fall in love with International Antiques Fairs, there is every type of style for everyone, whether you’re into fine antique furniture with glossy finishes or rustic kitchenware that creates character in the heart of your home.

Discover the unique shopping experience for yourself at the Festival of Antiques Market, Peterborough, 2nd-3rd October 2020 (https://www.iacf.co.uk/peterborough) and then the genuine ultimate treasure ground, Europe’s Largest Antique Market, Newark is on 8th-9th October 2020 (https://www.iacf.co.uk/newark).