Antiques and Fine Art: All the fun of the winter fair

Des O'Sullivan checks out the lineup of enduringly popular winter antique and art fairs in Ireland, London and New York

Top, left, 'Book of Hours', The Winter Show in New York; top centre, Cork Distilleries sign at the National Antiques Fair at Limerick Racecourse; below left, red lacquered sideboard by Jules at the New York Winter Show; right, 18th-century rococo cabinet from Sweden will be at London's Decorative Fair.

From lacquered sideboards to medieval books of hours and a Swedish rococo cabinet to a prized Cork Distilleries sign, antiques fairs are of enormous interest whether the audience is global or local. It doesn't make a whole lot of difference. The popularity of fairs at all levels of the collecting world is undiminished. This is where discoveries are made, inspiration flourishes and new deals are struck.

Upcoming fairs in New York, London and Limerick this month offer an array of breathtaking objects to stimulate the imagination of any collector.

The biggest is The Winter Show in New York. Long located at the Park Avenue Armory in Manhattan this annual US highlight with dealers from Europe and the United States has a global reach. 

Christopher Hall Antiques will bring this 18th-century rococo cabinet from Sweden to London's Decorative Fair.

Taking place from January 24 to February 2 the 71st edition of the fair will feature rare and exceptional art and antiques from antiquity to today with over 70 exhibitors.

This red lacquered sideboard by Jules is a highlight on the stand of Milord Antiques at the New York Winter Show.

Among them are Milord Antiques from Montreal with 20th-century design, antique furniture and artworks. 

They will feature a red lacquered sideboard by Jules with gold leaf, etched motif and brass legs. Jules Leleu (1883-1961) was the winner of the grand prize at the 1925 Exposition in Paris. 

Among his many commissions were designs for the ocean liners Ile de France and Normandie, huge signifiers of 20th-century style, luxury and glamour.

Les Enluminures will bring this 15th-century 'Book of Hours' to The Winter Show in New York.

At another point of the collecting spectrum, Les Enluminures of Chicago, Paris and New York will highlight a c1480-90 Book of Hours from Rouen, an illuminated manuscript in Latin and French with 12 full-page miniatures by the Master of Raoul Du Fou.

In London, The Decorative Fair at Battersea Park kicks off this Tuesday (January 21) and continues until January 26. 

Launched specifically for the interiors market in 1985 by a dealer in decorative antiques, The Decorative Fair was an instant hit with designers, decorators and the trade, and has become an internationally renowned thrice-yearly event.

Around 130 exhibitors will display decorative and formal antique furniture, 20th-century design, art and collectibles like furniture, lighting and mirrors, rugs, and folk and tribal art. Courtesy coaches to Battersea Park will operate from Cliveden Place, SW1 near Sloane Square Underground.

The National Antiques Fair at Limerick Racecourse next weekend is a must, especially for those unprepared to make the winter journey to New York or London. This fully indoor event, open from 11am to 6pm on January 25 and 26, is brimful with antique shops, art galleries and vintage dealers.

Paul Butler of Kilkenny will bring this Cork Distilleries sign to the National Antiques Fair at Limerick Racecourse next weekend.

There is art from galleries like Treasures in Athlone, which will bring work by artists like James Brohan and Mark O'Neill, collectibles from La Belle Epoque, militaria and enamel signs from Paul Butler of Kilkenny along with a great collection of vintage fashion, hats and handbags, jewellery, antique furniture, oriental rugs, old Bakelite radios and even two vintage votive stands in solid brass from Annamoe Antiques. The time to join in the hunt is now.