12–17 May 2026 | Stand B12
In May 2026, Shackleton Fox had the pleasure of exhibiting at the Battersea Decorative Fair for the very first time. Located at Stand B12, this marked an important milestone for our business and provided an opportunity to showcase a carefully curated collection of antiques, decorative objects, artwork and interior pieces to collectors, designers and visitors from across the UK and beyond.
Having visited fairs and exhibitions for many years, stepping onto the other side of the stand as exhibitors was both exciting and rewarding. The Battersea Decorative Fair has long been recognised as one of the leading events in the decorative antiques calendar, bringing together an exceptional mix of dealers and specialists from across the country. As first-time exhibitors, we were delighted to become part of such a respected and welcoming event.
Preparing for Battersea
Months before the fair opened its doors, preparations were already underway. Considerable time was spent sourcing, restoring, cataloguing and selecting pieces that reflected the style and quality associated with Shackleton Fox.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of preparing for the fair was curating a stand that combined decorative antiques, antique lighting, artwork and objects of interest from different periods and styles. Our aim was to create a display that felt inviting and inspirational while showcasing the individuality and character of each piece.
In total, we brought more than one hundred newly sourced items to the fair. From antique lighting and decorative accessories to artwork and furniture, every piece had been carefully selected with Battersea in mind.
As a business, we take great pride in preparing our antiques to the highest standards. Much of our restoration, rewiring and presentation work is carried out in-house, allowing us to ensure that every item is ready to be enjoyed in a contemporary home while respecting its history and integrity. This attention to detail is an important part of what we do and was reflected throughout the collection we presented at Battersea.
A Challenging Journey, A Wonderful Arrival
The week itself was not without its challenges. The weather was far from ideal and the closure of two bridges created significant travel disruptions throughout the fair, making journeys between Sloane Square and the venue considerably longer than expected.
However, any frustration quickly disappeared upon arrival.
The atmosphere inside the fair was warm, welcoming and inspiring. Visitors were greeted by an extraordinary selection of curated treasures spanning centuries of craftsmanship and design. From striking mid-century pieces to remarkable antiques dating back to the sixteenth century, the quality and diversity on display were truly exceptional.
The Spring edition of the fair felt particularly special. Beautiful floral displays throughout the venue added colour and vibrancy, complementing the antiques and decorative objects on show. The combination of flowers, antiques and carefully curated displays created an environment that felt both elegant and uplifting.
Showcasing Exceptional Artwork
One of the highlights of our stand was the opportunity to showcase the work of acclaimed British artist Harry Charles Tim.
We were delighted to welcome Harry to Stand B12 on the opening day of the fair, where visitors had the opportunity to meet the artist and view a selection of his distinctive paintings in person. The response to his work throughout the week was extremely encouraging, with collectors and interior designers alike drawn to his unique style and character.
As Harry's sole online international retailer, Shackleton Fox works directly with the artist and is proud to represent his work to collectors across the UK and overseas. We have enjoyed introducing Harry's paintings to clients around the world and continue to offer a carefully selected collection of his original works.
Alongside Harry's paintings, we were also pleased to present a collection of works by the late Derek Carruthers.
Derek's paintings continue to be highly sought after, and we are fortunate to have access to a significant collection sourced directly from the artist's studio. These original oil paintings and watercolours offer collectors a rare opportunity to acquire previously unavailable works. Each piece is professionally framed using specialist art glass, ensuring exceptional presentation and protection.
The positive feedback we received for both artists throughout the fair reinforced the growing interest in original artwork that complements traditional and contemporary interiors alike.
We continue to work with collectors, interior designers and trade clients internationally and are able to assist with larger acquisitions and consignments for both Harry Charles Tim and Derek Carruthers works.
Meeting Collectors, Clients and Fellow Dealers
While the antiques and artwork are naturally at the heart of any fair, one of the most rewarding aspects of exhibiting at Battersea was the people we met throughout the week.
It was a pleasure to welcome existing clients to the stand and to finally meet many customers in person who had previously only known us through our website or social media channels.
Equally enjoyable was meeting new visitors discovering Shackleton Fox for the first time. The conversations we had with collectors, interior designers, decorators and fellow dealers were among the highlights of the week. Sharing stories, discussing favourite pieces and hearing about future projects reminded us why we enjoy working within the antiques trade so much.
The fair also provided an excellent opportunity to build relationships with other dealers and specialists. Events such as Battersea bring together an extraordinary wealth of knowledge and expertise, creating an environment where ideas, experiences and insights can be shared freely.
For a first-time exhibitor, the welcome we received was genuinely appreciated.
Lessons from Our First Fair
As with any new experience, exhibiting at Battersea proved to be a valuable learning opportunity.
We gained a greater understanding of how visitors interact with displays, which pieces attract the most attention and how important presentation can be when exhibiting within a large and diverse fair environment.
The experience also reinforced the importance of offering a varied and carefully curated selection of pieces. Visitors were drawn not only to individual objects but also to the way antiques, artwork and decorative accessories were brought together to create an overall interior scheme.
Perhaps most importantly, the fair confirmed the value of face-to-face conversations. While online retail continues to play an important role in our business, there is something uniquely rewarding about discussing antiques directly with collectors and helping visitors discover pieces that resonate with them personally.
We left Battersea with new ideas, new relationships and a renewed enthusiasm for future fairs and exhibitions.
Over One Hundred New Arrivals Now Available Online
Many of the pieces exhibited at Stand B12 found new homes during the fair, which was incredibly encouraging.
However, a substantial proportion of the collection is now available to browse online. With the exception of a small number of larger furniture pieces, most of the antiques, artwork and decorative objects displayed at Battersea have now been added to our website.
For those who were unable to attend the fair, this offers an opportunity to explore the collection and discover many of the pieces that generated interest throughout the week.
As always, if you are searching for a particular item, whether an antique lamp, decorative object, painting, mirror, sculpture or furniture piece, we would be delighted to help. Through our extensive network of dealers, collectors and industry contacts across the UK and Europe, we regularly source pieces for private clients, collectors and interior designers.
If there is something specific you are looking for, please do get in touch.
Looking Ahead
Our first Battersea Decorative Fair was a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable experience. From meeting visitors and fellow dealers to showcasing new acquisitions and artwork, the week exceeded our expectations in many ways.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who visited Stand B12, took the time to speak with us, purchased from us, or simply stopped to admire the collection. Your support and encouragement made our first Battersea experience particularly special.
We are incredibly grateful to the organisers for delivering such a well-curated and professional event and to all those who contributed to the welcoming atmosphere throughout the week.
We look forward to returning to future fairs, meeting familiar faces once again and continuing to share our passion for antiques, artwork and interiors.
Until then, we hope to see you online or at another event very soon.
Jackie & Jonathan
