Everyone knows location can make or break any event. So it’s easy to understand why, when available, 2Covet quickly took over The Chelsea Antiques Fair and is breathing new life into the event and the Old Town Hall. The exquisite site has been home to the Fair since 1951.
Steeped in tradition, new fair director Sophie Wood has her work cut out for her. We asked Sophie to share some insight into her exciting role, the Fair, and its future plans.
SOPHIE: “…My events career spans over 20 years (ouch), but my introduction to Art & Antiques began back in 2007 when I was appointed Operations Manager for Clarion Events assigned to their Arts & Antiques portfolio managing both the Olympia Summer and Winter Fine Art & Antiques Fair as well as a contemporary art Fair. From there, I have been fortunate to also manage the LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair in iconic Berkeley Square and now with The Chelsea Antiques Fair in the new refurbished Chelsea Old Town Hall. Each of these events were and are unique, challenging but oh so memorable in their own way with their own sense of history.”
Sophie shares why she loves this industry, “…the thing that stands out most, is the people I have met along the way. Their passion is second to none, and their ability to tell the story of the piece’s provenance and journey is infectious and addictive. But there is also no denying the true craftsmanship of the pieces I come across. The fact that they have withheld the tell of time is a credit to the craftsmanship and skill of the artists involved.”
How did you get involved in the Chelsea FaIr in partnership with 2Covet?
SOPHIE: “I knew Charlie Wallrock, director of 2Covet and new owner of The Chelsea Antique Fair, from my days working at LAPADA, of which he was a longstanding exhibitor. Sadly, with the LAPADA Art & Antiques postponed due to Covid-19, Charlie and the other directors and owners, Steve Sly and Zara Rowe approached me to see if I would be open to joining their team. Although being familiar with the Fair and its history, having heard their approach and the direction they wished to take the Fair, I was excited to be a part of that team.”
Left to right; Charlie Wallrock, Steve Sly, Zara Row.
Like many of you, we wondered, would the venerable fair change? Sophie assures us, “I would say rather than changing the Fair, we have consciously looked to evolve it. The Fair has undeniably a true sense of history and longevity, celebrating its 70th year this year, all of which we didn’t want to lose or dilute.”
Sophie continues, “We are instead looking to elevate the Fair in terms of design and outreach to be parallel to its iconic location, the newly refurbished Chelsea Old Town Hall, alongside a culturally busy London social calendar. As a consequence, we are proud to have many world-renowned specialists exhibiting at the forthcoming Fair. I feel that the Fair provides an opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their finest inventory to a targeted audience of experienced collectors and art enthusiasts, whilst working alongside a select group of the country’s finest forward-thinking dealers.”
Attend the Chelsea Antiques Fair
Celebrate the 70th year of the Chelsea Antiques Fair, the longest-running Fair of its kind, with new owners, 2Covet. Tickets are complimentary; register here.
The show runs from 21st of September to 26th of September, 2021, in London. There is an invitation-only preview day on the 20th of September. Click here for more information on location and Fair opening times.
Ronati is proud to be partnered with marketplace 2Covet and the Chelsea Antiques Fair.
