For all lovers of the retro, the vintage, and the antique, the Armidale Antique Fair is rolling around again, bringing some of the finest and most respected dealers in Australia to the Armidale Town Hall.
The three-day event runs from Friday the 21st of March to Sunday the 23rd, with dealers bringing all the best precious items from jewellery to furniture, tools to teapots – and everything in between.
Alex Rees, who is based in Byron Bay, has taken the reins of the festival after the previous organiser, Helen Brenna, had become unwell.
“Helen’s done a fantastic job,” Rees said.
Rees has spent time himself behind the display cases and tables at these fairs, with his own mother, and is no stranger to the trade.
“My mum, Margot Rees, from Margot Rees Antiques in Tenterfield, will have a stall there.”
The fair is being held a month later than its traditional February slot, meaning some of the dealers who never normally made it before could make the trip to Armidale Town Hall.
“The dealers do a regular east coast circuit, so it will be a change of dealers from the existing ones.
“I think the furthest is coming from Ballarat.”
There will be twelve dealers at the fair, as well as half a dozen artists selling new works.
The range of pieces available will be diverse, with the catalogue listing a range of items, ranging from a silver necklace from India at the end of the British Raj – “the know how to produce them has been lost” – and a fine Georgian secretaire desk, inlaid with mahogany, from the estate of Tattersall’s heir Dr. John Flynn.
Some pieces almost go beyond the realm of antiques, with an ancient Egyptian mummy’s mask (pictured above), dating from the Late Kingdom from 664 to 332 BCE – a bargain at only $7895.
“There’s two really fantastic antique furniture dealers, two amazing antique jewellery dealers, ceramics, old tools, kids toys,” Rees said.
“They’re a cut above what towns normally have.”
But it’s not just about patrons buying, Rees says, with these dealers not just looking to offload their own items, but pick up new ones, or even just offer some appraisal.
“It’s always the case that if you’ve got a piece you want to sell, or want more information about, it’s a great item to bring it in – they’re out to buy, but they’re also happy to give valuations and advice.”
See Saw Coffee around the corner will be running a special menu for fair goers, and there will be a lucky door prize of $250 on Friday that can be spent at any of the stalls inside.
It’s great if you’re a collector, just looking for that special piece that you didn’t know you needed to have until you saw it, or just want to have a sticky beak at all the treasures on display.
“This is a rare opportunity to explore high-quality antiques from Australia’s most respected dealers, all under one roof.
“Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for your home, a unique gift, or simply want to browse and learn, the Armidale Antique Fair offers something for everyone.”
Entry is $10 for a single day, or $20 for a three-day pass that allows you to come and go over the entire weekend.
Event details:
- Location: Armidale Town Hall, 127 Rusden Street
- Dates: 21st, 22nd, 23rd March, 2025
- Cost of Entry: $10 for a single day, $20 for weekend pass
For more information, contact the fair organisers on 0490 546 812, email armidalefair@gmail.com, or check out Armidale Antique Fair on Facebook and Instagram.
Read all the way through to the end of the story? So did lots of other people. Advertise with New England Times to reach New England locals who are interested and engaged. Find out more here.