Free tickets for Yorkshire antiques and art fair

This popular event is held in two sumptuous rooms of the Pavilions of Harrogate venue, and offers something for everyone, from classic and 20th century jewellery, silver and ceramics to fine paintings, period furniture, copper and brass, bronze Art Deco statuary, period rugs, fine glass, impressive mirrors, medical and scientific instruments, antiquarian maps and prints; Chinese and Japanese collector's items and much more.

You can download free tickets to the event here

The show-stopping teapot belongs to specialist silver dealer Mike Wilson from Highland Antiques, and came from the York silversmiths James Barber & William North.

James Barber was a busy silversmith working in the mid 19th century during which time he formed business partnerships with other silversmiths working in York. This fine and rare teapot will be priced at £2995.00.

York was the most important English provincial city in the Middle Ages and was appointed by an Act of Parliament of 1423 to have its own "touch" or assay mark. The city mark was described in 1560 as half leopard's head and half fleur-de-lis. A date letter was added to the city mark and was probably used until provincial assay offices were suspended in 1696.

The assay office was re-established by Act of Parliament in 1701 when the city mark became the arms of York, a cross with 5 lions passant. The city mark was omitted, more frequently than not, from hallmarks. The assaying of plate at York ceased in 1716 and restarted, around 1776 when demand from local goldsmiths increased.

By 1858, however, there was only one remaining goldsmith and the assay office closed due to lack of business, thereby making York assayed pieces more collectable.

So much to see at the fair

The Pavilions of Harrogate Decorative Antiques & Fine Art Fair features many more fascinating collector’s items including a superb painting by Harrogate artist Brian Shields, also known as BRAAQ, titled ‘I’ll bring my own boat then!’ depicting a large public boating pool with children playing in the foreground with a smoky industrial scene in the distance. Painted in oil on board it will be for sale from Rowles Fine Art.

Born in Liverpool Brian Shields (1951-1997) lived in Harrogate where he depicted, in a humorous way, his childhood memories. He frequently painted himself as a boy wearing a striped jumper.

Among other exhibitors will be Shapiro & Co specialising in 19th and 2oth century British and European jewellery and silver including pieces by Faberge; ceramics specialists John Newton Antiques, showing Continental porcelain including silver-overlay pieces, plus East German studio pottery. Mark Buckley Antiques returns with fine late Victorian and early 20th century walnut furniture and bronzes, and Melody Antiques with country furniture, ceramics and collectables.

Public admission is £5.00 and opening times are Friday to Sunday 11am to 5pm. But you can get free entry by downloading your ticket here