The Winter Art & Antiques Fair in Olympia is among the most respected antiques fairs in London, a highly anticipated event for dealers and buyers alike. Art, antiques and design lovers will discover one-of-a-kind pieces to add to a collection or room.

Olympia Winter Art & Antiques Fair Goes Virtual in 2020

With COVID-19 lockdown measures affecting every aspect of the antiques industry, the Olympia Fair has taken the progressive step of shifting the Winter Art & Antiques Fair online, offering a virtual showcase of stunning pieces presented by 70 of the UK’s most respected art and antiques dealers. The Olympia Fair is one of the most popular of all industry fairs in the UK, or as Mark Hill calls it, “the grande dame” of British antiques fairs.

The Ronati team of Mark Hill (Operations Director UK & EU) and Kelli Ellis (VP Global Industry Relations) have perused the showcase and have selected several pieces they found particularly inspiring to discuss.

Our Expert Picks: Olympia Winter Art & Antiques Virtual Fair

Which pieces caught the eye of leading antiques expert Mark Hill and notable interior designer Kelli Ellis? Watch our “Expert Picks” video to view these inspirational pieces and listen to what Mark and Kelli have to say.

Art Deco Three-Piece Cloud Suite

Mark was entranced by an Art Deco three-piece cloud suite designed by Harry and Lou Epstein, crafted in what he calls “the epitome of the art deco style,” offered by Jeroen Markies. The curving, cloud-like lines of the set, the blond-finished bird’s eye maple and lavish cream leather upholstery makes this set beautiful and luxuriously inviting. Kelly envisions the set as ideal for almost any setting.

Art Nouveau Papillon Glass Vase

An Art Nouveau papillon glass vase offered by Morgan Strickland Decorative Arts was the next piece reviewed by Mark and Kelli. A curving iridescent glass vase overlaid with a curving pewter frame, was produced by Loetz, one of the most famous makers of early 20th century iridescent glass pieces. The sinuous lines of the pewter frame, in Mark’s words, “scream Art Nouveau.” Kelli envisions the piece as a focal point in a room, as the piece fascinates when viewed from any angle.

Victorian Games Box

The third of our expert picks is a feathered walnut games box offered by Mark Goodger Antiques. The feathered walnut box is enhanced with brass fittings, a blue silk-lined lid, and all the accoutrements needed for after-dinner games in the Victorian age. The working lock, key, and superb quality brought this piece to Mark and Kelli’s attention. An unusually attractive games compendium, its style suggests that it may have been crafted by George Betjemann & Sons, one of the most famous custom box makers of the era. The stunning games box could be a fantastic gift that would be treasured for a lifetime.

Ramsden Brass Telescope

The next of Mark and Kelli’s expert picks at Olympia is a late 18th century brass table telescope by Jesse Ramsden, one of the antique scientific pieces offered by Hansord Antique Furniture and Works of Art. Mark thinks this fine quality brass telescope, which includes an original custom case, was probably crafted to be featured in a wealthy gentleman’s library during the period, where the sea, the surroundings, or the night sky could be surveyed from the window of a country house. Kelli envisions this lovely piece in a modern office, creating a juxtaposition between modern technology and the past.

Bonbonnière

The French word for sweet confection, or “bonbon” is the origin of the word “bonbonnière.” Mark and Kelli were drawn to the tiny box with its charming beagle’s head design, offered by Gould Antiques. The darling box, circa 1770, was produced in Bilston, where artisans of the era made a living creating decorative enamelled metal pieces. For lovers of dogs, tiny boxes, and unique pieces, this piece wins on all fronts. Mark, ever the history buff, offers some background on bonbonnières, and how the people of the Georgian era were enamoured with small boxes, using them to carry face patches, cosmetics, and sweets. This darling little box is made of metal, and glass enameled with the beagle’s face, with the clasping top enhanced with a single spray of enamel flowers and is beautifully undamaged.

Visit the Olympia Winter Fair – Virtually

While we all miss the in-person excitement of a live antiques and art fair, we are sure you will enjoy perusing the Olympia Winter Fair Virtual Showcase to discover your own favourites – there is so much to see and enjoy!