Buying Sustainably: Shopping Antiques and Vintage in England

There’s a myriad of reasons to buy vintage and antiques: pieces are on the whole cheaper, it means you can find unique decor that no one else will have, antique pieces are often made with exquisite craftsmanship and it’s more sustainable than buying new.

Our ‘buy quick buy cheap’ culture has led us to a situation where mass-consumption is doing severe damage to our environment. For this reason, consumers are beginning to become more conscious in what they purchase, even huge fashion brands such as Mango, H&M and Zara have launched their own sustainable collections.

Thinking sustainable when buying home decor and collectibles doesn’t only help the environment around you by eliminating unnecessary consumption. It can help a local trader run their small business, it can help you spend less and enjoy your possessions more and above all, it’s fun! A morning spent mooching around a vintage fair, latte in hand, is a pleasant past time enjoyed by many, this, coupled with up cycling possibilities could take up an entire weekend. Have a look below for some upcoming fairs where you can shop the best vintage and antiques, perhaps combine one with a summer road trip?

Upcoming Antiques & Vintage Fairs:

Ardingly, West Sussex
The biggest fair in the South of English with a distinct European flair due to it being so close to the Channel, sells just about everything but best for European decorative arts.
Ardingly International Antiques & Collectors Fair, South of England Showground (https://www.iacf.co.uk/ardingly)
Next show: Tuesday 19th & Wednesday 20th June 2018

Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex
Easily accessible by train from London, free parking and free entry, selling antiques and vintage, with a good mix of collectables and furniture. Arrive early as it gets super busy!
Sunbury Antiques Market, Kempton Park Racecourse (https://www.sunburyantiques.com/)
Next show: Tuesday 26th June 2018

Malvern, Worcestershire
A sprawling fair in a beautiful setting, sellers at this event are hugely varied and eclectic.
Malvern Flea and Collectors Fair, Three Counties Showground (b2bevents.info)
Next show: Sunday 22nd July 2018

Lincoln, Lincolnshire
One of the largest in Europe, it’s a well-organised fair offering just about everything, furniture, fine collectibles and smaller decorative items.
Lincolnshire International Antiques and Home Show, Lincolnshire Showground (http://www.asfairs.com)
Next show: Monday 30th & Wednesday 31st July 2018

Newark, Nottinghamshire
With a higher entry fee than most (£20), this fair is a magnet for knowledgeable and experienced sellers. Good quality pieces can be found here spanning a variety of niche and specialized categories.
Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair, Newark and Nottinghamshire Showground (https://www.iacf.co.uk/newark)
Next show: Thursday 2nd & Friday 3rd August 2018