The introduction of our new competition to find the ‘Best Dressed Stall’ at Ardingly started beautifully with some really wonderfully presented stalls all around the showground.
Both the interior and exterior stalls were of a very high standard indeed, and the glorious sunshine, which the fair was lucky enough to experience for both days, really made the whole showground a beautiful, colourful location to hunt for antiques and other unique items.
Though there was quite a big short-list, after much ruminating and cogitating, the difficult decision was made, and the winner was chosen to be Lynda North and her English Garden Antiques stall.
Lynda has been exhibiting at many of the iacf run fairs for some time, and her flair for presentation and decoration has long been admired by the organisers, fair-goers and other stallholders alike. Her attention to detail is superb, with flowers, mirrors and other quirky items adorning her stand.
The extra effort Lynda puts into presentation at the fairs is appreciated by all, and Lynda often goes to the trouble of getting her reclaimed garden fountains to work at the fairs, filling them with water and floating rose petals; the sound of the trickling water as pleasing for the ears, as it is for the eyes.
Celebrities are often spotted at Ardingly International Antiques Fair, and this time the actor Richard E Grant (Withnail & I and Bram Stoker’s Dracular, to name just two of his many films) was visiting the fair with his wife Joan Washington. The pair were charmed enough by the presentation of Lynda’s stock to buy two large items – “I don’t usually allow people to pay by check, but did in this case.” Lynda joked.
Though obviously the largest congratulations go to Lynda for winning, special commendation should also go to some other well presented stalls, most notably Mangan Antiques – Julie & Rudi.
Pictured above: Mangan Antiques Stall at Ardingly International Antiques Fair June 2017
Please keep up the good work and the next chance to win ‘Best Dressed Stall’ will be at Shepton Mallet Antiques Fair on Fri 30th June – Sun 2nd July.
Pictured below are some of our favourite stands:
