Fair marks 50 years of admiration and investment

FROM a whole house worth of furniture to a brass button, there’ll be something in town to suit any type of collector this long weekend.

From 10am on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, 7 to 9 March, the 50th Ballarat Antique Fair will be open across two locations, the Civic Hall and the Mining Exchange.

Organiser, John Markworth said the long running fair attracts annual visitors from across the country and world, dealers save their very best pieces for the weekend, and some of them are so experienced, they were part of the original event.

“They look out all year for the best treasures. It’s dealers from all around Australia bringing treasures from all around the world,” he said.

“People have a pretty good chance of finding what they’re looking for. They can chat to experts, see items, examine them and will have no nasty surprises.

“Every piece has been hunted down, researched and sometimes restored. Some are the result of global searches. Every piece has a story to tell, and some of those stories might have taken years to acquire.”

In an era where the state of the environment is ever present the community’s mind, “antiques are the ultimate form of recycling” and an investment.

“To repurpose and give an older piece a new life saves landfill and it’s of a quality that you just can’t get anymore,” Mr Markworth said.

“You can give items a new life, saving upon destruction. It’s extremely rewarding to be able to steer people towards the quality of yesteryear which has almost disappeared.

“A share certificate isn’t much fun to look at, but a nice antique will appreciate in value, it’s a lovely thing to own and to admire.”

Mr Markworth said the Ballarat Antique Fair has always been a huge contributor to the city’s economy.

“We are major consumers of accommodation and food, not only for the dealers but for the thousands of visitors that make it a weekend.”

A finder service will be available, with dealers working to discover the exact pieces collectors are looking for, whether at the fair or further afield. A shuttle bus will run between venues for those not able to manage the short walk.

Tickets are at the door or online at ballaratantiquefair.com.au. Adults are $12, concession tickets are $10, kids under 16 are free, two-day passes are $20 and three days $30.

The fair closes at 6pm on Saturday, 5pm on Sunday and 4pm on Monday.