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Olympia and the London Season

Posted by David Harvey, Monday 20 June 2011

Our stand at the Olympia Fine Art & Antiques Fair

We have now returned to Witney and moved back into the shop which looks fabulous once again. The Olympia Fair was exciting bringing us a number of sales mostly to new clients which fulfils the aims of being there. It was also pleasing to be doing business with both private and trade clients from the USA where the market seems to be moving ahead for the best of pieces.

The three Oyster Veneered Kingwood Cabinets attributed to Thomas Pistor caused great excitement amongst collectors and scholars alike. It was amazing to behold these together in one place and compare the subtle differences between them. We received many congratulations for having the ability to show so many superb early pieces in such stunning condition. It has been a great pleasure to put together my current selection and I do hope you will find a piece for your home as well.

The last weekend of the Olympia Fair is always exhausting and this year was no exception. There are times when it is a bonus having an ancient Coaching Inn next door and last night was just such an occasion. We finished unloading the truck at half past ten and the whole team richly deserved the locally brewed ales on offer at the Three Horseshoes. Today has been spent unpacking all the breakables and decorative smaller items which have all found homes in the showrooms and cleaning and polishing everything to show the pieces to their best advantage. If you get the opportunity to come by, you certainly won't be disappointed with the display.

The past fortnight has also been an opportunity to catch up with a lot of friends and update what people are looking for so I anticipate a very busy few months sourcing specific requirements for people. I mustn't forget however that the London Season (if one can still call it that) has started with Royal Ascot last week and Wimbledon fortnight commencing today. It will not come as any surprise to you that I shall be partaking as always of a modicum of Pimms and Champagne in the Stewards Enclosure at Henley Royal Regatta which runs from June 29th. to July 3rd. I shall be there for at least 2 days but the shop will still be open. A number of chaps who I rowed with both at Henley and elsewhere over the years have threatened to turn up as well so it should be a very jolly occasion there and at Leander.

Paulatim sed firmiter!

As ever,

David

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