For many in the antiques trade, particularly those who have been around long enough to remember the 1980s and 1990s, American buyers were once a familiar and vital presence at UK fairs. Nowhere was this more evident than at Newark, which for many years was firmly on the international buying map.
Back then, US dealers regularly travelled over to the UK, either individually or as part of organised buying trips. Newark was a key destination. Currency conditions were favourable, the internet had not yet transformed sourcing, and the UK offered depth, quality, and variety that was hard to replicate elsewhere. For many American dealers, travelling to the UK was not just worthwhile, it was essential.
Traditionally, the October fair at Newark was always the busiest for international visitors. American buyers would arrive in force, stocking up ahead of the Christmas trading period back home. It created a particular energy on site, with strong buying, fast decisions, and a real sense that Newark was operating on a global stage.
When IACF took over the fair in 2009, American buyers never disappeared entirely. There has always been a core group who continued to visit, recognising the strength of the fair and the opportunity it presented. However, what has become particularly noticeable over the last two years is a clear and steady increase in US trade returning to Newark.
We are now seeing more organised buying trips once again, alongside a growing number of individual American dealers making the journey over. This is not a one-off spike. It is a consistent trend, and one that has been building fair by fair.
This matters. The return of US buyers is important not just for Newark, but for the wider UK antiques trade. International buying brings confidence, liquidity, and reach. It helps UK dealers access new markets, supports pricing, and reinforces the UK’s position as a global sourcing destination.
It is also a strong indicator that Newark continues to offer what serious buyers are looking for: quality stock, knowledgeable dealers, and a fair that works commercially. In an age where sourcing can happen online and across borders with ease, the fact that international buyers are choosing to travel, invest time, and buy in person speaks volumes.
From our perspective, this renewed international interest is something we welcome and actively support. Newark has always been a meeting point for the trade, and seeing American buyers once again making it part of their buying calendar feels like a return to something fundamental.
The antiques trade has changed in many ways over the years, but the value of face-to-face buying, trust, and physical fairs remains as strong as ever. The growing presence of US buyers at Newark is a positive sign for the future, and one we are proud to be part of.
