Antiques fair cements York's reputation as culture centre

Gemma Redmond from Wigan with a Bee Necklace made in Russian Gold Plate made by Joseff who made jewellery for Hollywood films The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind.

The Rose Antique Fair, held at York Racecourse over the weekend, was a major event for collectors and decorators in the North of England.

Among the rare and valuable items on display were traditional furniture alongside 20th century decorative pieces, fine art, paintings, fine jewels, vintage costume pieces, armour, glassware and objets d’art.

“York is a marvellous city to hold a top quality antiques fair,” said Rachel Denyer of Rose Antiques Fairs. “We had 35 dealers at last year’s event, at the University of York. The fair was very successful, so this year we’ve moved to York Racecourse and expanded the event to 60 specialist dealers.”

An exhibition of Billingsley porcelain, A Journey with William Billingsley, moved to a new location at the antiques fair from Salts Mill in Saltaire.

And among the highlights on display were a selection of rare and valuable art nouveau and art deco glass from Solo Antiques, Meissen porcelain with provenance relating to Chatsworth house and a selection of rare antique maps.