FIRST COLLECTORS’ FAIR

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31836, 14 November 1968, Page 7

FIRST COLLECTORS’ FAIR

Antiques have a fascination for almost everyone. Their age, their beauty and, of course, their value, have made antiques a much sought after commodity, and these days many newlymarried couples are turning to antiques, particularly furniture, for their homes.

As well as being beautiful and practical, antique pieces are an investment, since, unlike many other things, antiques grow in value the older they get. To promote interest in antiques is the object of the first fair of the Canterbury Antique Collectors' Club, which is being held in Riccarton House, Deans Bush, this week.

Formed in May of this year, ; the club seeks to preserve (as much as is possible of :New Zealand's colonial past. [The fair is believed to be the (first of its kind in the South Island, although in previous years antique dealers in Christchurch have run fairs. Membership of the club has grown rapidly and almost three-quarters of the group, more than 150 strong, are women. Long distance members of the club, the only one of its kind in New Zealand, who receive newsletters, come from Nelson, Wellington, New Plymouth and Dunedin. Christchurch is reputed to be the home of antiques in New Zealand and it can be a most fruitful ground for collectors. This was one of the reasons the club’s founders, Mr and Mrs M. A. Bradford, set up the organisation and suggested the idea of a fair here. Fair Features A special feature of the fair is a parade of garments, including many which date back before the early days of New Zealand settlement. The parade, on live models, takes place twice each evening, once at 7.30 p.m. and again at 8.30 p.m., along the riverbank beside Riccarton House, under coloured lights. The oldest garment in the parade is a 200-vear-old Shropshire woodcutter’s smock. Other garments include a Grecian-line dress, last worn in England in 1819, and three wedding gowns dated 1858, 1860 and 1870 respectively. The 1860 gown is coloured brown and the 1870 gown was made in Canterbury, the others having come from England.

Another of the displays is one with a nautical flavour.

Exhibits in this section include a pirate's treasure chest, old boat lamps, an old, boat hook from an early New Zealand whaling vessel, and a captain's sea-chest. Silverware, glassware, pot-, tery, furniture and weapons ( also play a large part in the’ fair. Among the exhibits of special note in these sections are a chiffonierre of one of! the first three ships to land at Taranaki, Lord Nelson's j signet ring and part of a Staffordshire dinner service! which once belonged to Lady! Jane Seymour.

One whole section of the show has been given over to Ruby glass, both Venetian and English. A Bristol wine decanter and glass set is another interesting exhibit among the collection of Meissen and Dresden ware. A special area has been given over to antique dealers and here can be seen objects which are for sale. The fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. today and tomorrow Special security measures have been taken to guard the valuable collection of antiques at night, includ- :

ing police and security patrols and police dogs. One estimate puts the value of the exhibits at $lOO,OOO.