The Sydney Fair Experience

by Australian Country Team May 10, 2021

Unique décor, designers and dresses collide at The Sydney Fair

Words by Lauren McKellar

There’s magic in the air inside the Kensington Room at the Royal Randwick Racecourse. Mystery abounds in every corner, with trinkets and treasures simply waiting to be discovered. Yes, this is no ordinary day at the races. Instead, it’s The Sydney Fair.

The Sydney Fair is a must-visit event for any history lover, vintage collector or modern-day design enthusiast who is searching for a unique curiosity. More than 50 of Australia’s best dealers have converged to feature a variety of furniture, art, lighting, jewellery, couture and decorative objects for your viewing (and purchasing!) pleasure.

This is your chance to get your hands on a one-off engagement ring, a designer bag with a difference or the unique glassware collection that will suit your bar.

One item that’s a must-see is a rare Jindrich Halabala Spider Table, as used in The Queen’s Gambit, on display thanks to Artdeco and Online Antiques. If the popularity of the show is anything to go by, we’re sure it will be snapped up quickly.

Another favourite is the antique 9K yellow-gold card case from Antiques Art Design. This charming piece of Australian history was awarded as a prize from the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club of Pitt Water Newport to the yacht “Rawhiti” in the 1912-13 season.

But you don’t have to be a serious collector to attend. The Sydney Fair is open to everyone, with items spanning all price brackets and accounting for a variety of tastes.

If you need a break from shopping, The Sydney Fair has many options. Be inspired by a talk on collecting art, enjoy a free art appraisal from Leigh Capel of Belle Epoque, or experience some real soul-searching with the two-part presentation entitled The Art of Mourning Jewellery.

The roaring 20s are being celebrated at this year’s Sydney Fair event. A curated series of original 1920s dresses will be on display at the entrance to the fashion parade lecture theatre, and the models on the runway on Saturday and Sunday will be wearing gorgeous gowns from the era.

All this fabulousness may leave you a little fatigued — but never fear. There’s a café on-site with food and beverages, including alcoholic options for those who’d like to celebrate their impending acquisitions with a glass of sparkling or two.