Petworth Park Post-Fair Report

The Petworth Park Antiques and Fine Art Fair was back for its eighth edition, set amidst the Capability Brown landscaped parkland of Petworth House in West Sussex. The enthusiasm for in-person fairs was strong after months in lockdown; despite the social distancing rules, the fair was thriving with several hundred people queuing in the pouring rain on the first day, eager to view the 60 exhibiting stands. Thomas Spencer Fine Art exhibited for the second time and experienced one of the most successful fairs we’ve ever participated in! Pent up demand resulted in us selling out of almost two stand’s worth of stock, across a wide scope of styles, price points and by a diverse range of artists, from Stanley William Hayter to Mary Fedden.

The appetite for established 20th Century figurative artists remained strong, with successful sales for some well-known names, such as this delicate and subtle Woodland Study by John Nash. Interest in works by Mary Fedden was as strong as ever: a favourite Fedden work at TSFA, this intriguing modernist Windowsill Still Life drawing was one such work which found a buyer over the weekend. This lively and uplifting oil of Summer Flowers in a Staffordshire Jug by the lesser known but highly underrated Kitty Church also proved popular and found itself a new home.

Conversely, works by some of our emerging contemporary artists also attracted plenty of attention. Mark Burrell’s playful and captivating mixed media works provoked a great deal of discourse from visitors to the stand, with his harmonious work Sorrento Daydream selling well. Abstract works by Paul Anderson Morrow also caught interest, following on from his exhibition Letters From a Strange Year in April, in collaboration with fellow TSFA artist Sarah Needham. Morrow’s work Lots Road sold; a layered, textural work which combines deep blue pigments with more muted tones to form this absorbing work.

It was a pleasure to be back at an in-person fair and see some familiar faces, as well as meet many new clients. It’s a promising sign that all areas of the market are so healthy after lockdown, from early 20th Century to modern-day contemporary works.

We are constantly updating the website with new artworks, so if you have any enquiries please do get in touch and we will be happy to arrange a viewing. Our next in-person fair will be at Bath Decorative Art and Antiques fair in October: please join our mailing list to receive tickets.

By Flavia Deakin