“We emphasise with our members that we give a detailed description with every antique purchased, so that you will have written document stating that your piece is made of mahogany, oak, teak, and so on is a bowfronted desk and Victorian. This kind of approach gives people a sense of security.”

Mr Galea says that some years ago, after a boom in antiques “people started investing in shares and property and, generally, there was a slump in the antiques market.” He also pointed out that people started losing faith in purchasing a genuine antique. “First time buyers, for example, were worried about the authenticity of the purchase. This was due to the fact that with many imports, once levies were removed – that was about three or four years ago – people were importing reproductions which to the untrained eye, were passed off as antiques and unfortunately, there were people who were mislead into thinking that their purchases were authentic.”

Could he say something about the market price of antiques? “Antiques do not have a specific market value. The price of each piece is established by the price which the purchaser is willing to pay.” However, Mr Galea points out that Maltese antiques are constantly increasing in value “due to the fact that demand is greater than supply. There is only a limited amount of genuine Maltese antiques and they are much sought after.”

We speak about collectibles. What would he say is collectable? “Items which are considered ‘icons’ of their period. In fact a football magazine and a vinyl record e.g. the Beatles, are both collectibles. It is difficult to predict. It depends on people’s interests above all. As we know, for example Dinky toys now fetch an excellent price because Meccano was dissolved. If we go back to antiques in general during the fairs we try to cater for all interests and we don’t just provide furniture.” He elaborates: “At the Fair you will typically find any of the following: continental furniture, memorabilia, objets d’art, fine arts, paintings and engravings, silverware, jewellery, Persian carpets and so much more.”

He emphasises that although antique dealers go there primarily to sell, however the Association is always keen to educate and give a service “so we also do approximate evaluations at the Fair based on photographs. One can eventually view the actual item and obviously make a more precise evaluation. We would encourage the general public to come and see all the beautiful items we are exhibiting in one area, so that those interested in purchasing a genuine piece of furniture or other collectible item will find a great selection under one roof.”

MB

The following antique dealers are participating in the Fair: Andrew Antiques, Antiquaria, Charles Azzopardi Antiques, Collectibles, Collectors Den, Eureka Antiques, Heritage Antiques, Past-Times Antiques, Sciberras Antiques, Tanti Antiques, Touchwood Antiques, Verdala Antiques and Victoriana.

The Antiques and Fine Arts Fair and Exhibition is being held at St Dorothy’s School Auditorium in Zebbug. It starts on Friday 29th October and ends on Sunday 31st October. On Friday it is open from 6pm to 10pm; on Saturday from 10am to 10pm and on Sunday from 10am to 9pm