Winning stock on show at RDS fair

During what is traditionally one of the quietest months for dealers, the antiques fair associated with the Dublin Horse Show comes as a welcome opportunity to offer stock to buyers and collectors. In particular, here is a chance to display larger and more important pieces than might otherwise be the case. Paul Sturgess, one of the exhibitors at this year's fair which opens next Wednesday, says he now keeps specific items for such occasions since they would be less likely to find a ready market in his Kilkenny shop where demand is for small, easily portable goods.

Mr Sturgess is by no means exceptional in finding that consumer demand regularly changes and so the smart dealer needs to keep a close eye on what is currently in vogue. For interested observers, this is one of the other great merits of a good fair; it offers a guide to present trends and fashions. Right now, for example, Paul Sturgess says that partners' desks are much in demand, because these offer a convenient work surface for computers and laptops. On the other hand, being less practical for the same purpose, bureaus are proving not to have the same appeal.

Among the items Mr Sturgess's Fine Art Antiques will be showing is a Regency brass-inlaid card table dating from circa 1815. Such pieces are also highly popular because they can expand or fold up as required by their owners. "There's demand for all occasional furniture if it's small and dainty," says Paul Sturgess, citing Pembroke and hunting tables among especial favourites.

The same point is made by another exhibitor at the RDS next week, Dublin-based Jane Forsyth. "The smaller pieces are selling really well," she concurs. Among the other most popular goods, she notes, are old chandeliers and over-mantle mirrors, especially those of the Regency period, although Ms Forsyth will also be showing some Victorian examples. And, she believes, "bookcases are very good sellers". As if to underline this point, Fine Art Antiques is carrying a large George IV mahogany breakfront secretaire library bookcase dating from circa 1825 and measuring more than 10 ft wide and almost 8 ft high.

Similarly, Castlelodge House Antiques of Co Laois is to display a large Irish Regency four-door breakfront bookcase as well as a William IV D-end wind-out extension table. "Big tables are always a great seller for us," explains the company's Kerry Mullaly who adds that he has also found of late that smaller pieces are particularly in demand among collectors, presumably because so many of them live in smaller homes than used to be the case. "Price isn't so important now," he explains. "People are looking for small, quality Georgian and Regency items presented in perfect condition and ready to go into a house."

Among the more unusual items shown by Castlelodge House Antiques are a Georgian mahogany gentleman's linen press and a rare George II mahogany gentleman's dressing compendium with double fold-out top including original brasses and adjustable mirror.

Dublin dealer Roxane Moorhead, who is also showing at next week's fair, agrees that at present small is considered best. Showing a wide selection of 19th century furniture, she believes "decorative tables are selling well and a lot of people seem to be looking for bookcases, especially nice Georgian ones." Ms Moorhead's stand at the fair will feature an Edwardian open bookcase, as well as a set of 18th century forkback dining chairs, along with a Regency convex mirror - like so many other dealers, she finds demand for the last of these never flags.

These are by no means the only familiar names who will be present at the RDS during the coming week. Others include Antiques by Adrian of Bray, Co Wicklow, which will be bringing such pieces as a pair of Victorian mahogany tub chairs and an Edwardian rosewood side cabinet with marquetry inlay. Well-known Dublin dealer John Farrington intends to offer his usual broad choice of diamond rings, bracelets and necklaces plus an assortment of Victorian gilt overmantels. And Kieran Morrin, who is also based in the capital, will carry a wide variety of furniture, ranging from a Victorian chaise longue to a Georgian chest of drawers. The Horse Show Antiques Fair opens next Wednesday and runs through until the following Sunday.