A Press release, Daniel Agnew
London International Antique Doll, Teddy Bear and Toy Fair
Saturday November 19th and Sunday 20th 2016
200 years of Childhood
The Charming Pillar Hall, Olympia London
“For years an idea has been ticking over in my mind, why is there not a high profile, international antique Teddy Bear, Doll and Toy fair in London? I personally feel that the UK was originally the centre of this whole business, but for many years now the centre has been drifting towards the US or Europe. Our fairs are either low profile, or dominated by modern bears, dolls and toys. So when Hilary Pauley volunteered to organise the event, it seemed too good an opportunity; and what better venue than the beautiful Pillar Hall in Olympia London?”
A celebration of 200 years of Childhood (1750-1950), a date-lined fair (pre 1970), which will include all the good quality International dealers from the UK and many from abroad. A place to find the best of the best in the world of antique and vintage dolls, dolls' houses, miniatures, traditional toys, tin and diecast toys, trains, toy soldiers, teddy bears and soft toys.
We are most fortunate to have Bunny Campione of BBC Antique Roadshow fame opening the fair and playing a significant part in the whole weekend. A highlight of the Sunday fair will be a specially selected and curate exhibition of toy rabbits covering all genres, the core of the exhibition is from Bunny's own collection.
On Saturday 19th November, there will be a number of seminars during the day at the Hilton Olympia, by renowned experts:- Bunny Campione, Sue Pearson, Chris Littledale, Sarah Holmes of Merrythought, Eric Petit, Olivia Bristol, Rachel Gotch, Andrew Greetham, Hugo Marsh, Deborah Rosenthal, Rebekah Kaufmann and Gillian Trotter.
Dot Bird will give advice to you on restoring and Daniel Agnew will help you recognise and value your treasures.
In the evening there will be a Gala Dinner with Champagne Reception and a 20 minute Piano Recital by Jena Pang. A superb destination weekend for all!
A major ethos for this event is to reignite the antique toy/doll/teddy market in the UK; both Hilary and Daniel are passionate enthusiasts for these historical items; and they want to use their passion to unite and promote everything which is special about these survivors of past childhood.