Hundreds flock to Himley Hall as antiques fair returns
Hundreds of people flocked to an antiques fair at Himley Hall following the easing of lockdown.
Paul Rowson, from the organising body, said there were smiles all around, with customers and trade happy to be back.
Around 50 traders exhibited a wide range of items, from military memorabilia to pottery from Stoke-on-Trent and old toys.
Mr Rowson, of the firm Antiques At, said he has lost 24 fairs in the past 12 months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He was only able to hold two events at Himley last summer.
But on a return to the picturesque grounds in Dudley on Sunday, he said: "It has been very well attended and well received.
"Traders were very happy to be back selling again, in the wonderful backdrop of Himley Hall.
"It was really busy and there was a steady flow of people throughout the day.
"I had people leaving and thanking us for the event we put on."
Other items on sale included silver, jewellery, coins and oriental screens.
"It was so varied," Mr Rowson continued.
"There is a guy that does an antique toy collection, he has been busy all day.
"We have had traders come from Stoke-on-Trent and the Potteries, they have all been busy.
"I have not spoken to a trader that has not done well today."
He added: "Everybody adhered to Covid regulations, even though we were outside.
"Everybody did track and trace, even though we don't have to as we are outside.
"People didn't have to wear face masks but they were."
The fair will return to Himley Hall on May 23. That is when traders will be able to sell their items within the grounds of the hall, under more easing of lockdown measures.
The firm that runs the fair, which is also known as P & V Rowson, are looking to set up a fair at Bantock House, in Wolverhampton, at some point too.
Mr Rowson's company brought back antique fairs to Himley Hall in 2019, after a 30 year hiatus, he said.
