The weekend of November 4-5  is set to be a busy one as the Antiques Fair and Vintage Market returns to the National Botanic Garden of Wales, following on from the fair’s huge success in January when thousands of visitors flocked to the fair after a break of three years.

The success of the fair has been mainly down to the diversity and quality of the antiques on display in the splendid setting of the garden.

Fans of classic antiques should make their way to the various garden venues – including the Great Glasshouse - for displays of Welsh art and pottery, jewellery, outstanding militaria collections and impressive displays of clocks.

Step next door to Principality House which is now known as Ty Melyn and discover displays of quality antique furniture, Welsh textiles and a superb array of books, jewellery and silver.

Tucked away beside the Millennium Courtyard is the large marquee  where you will find a large range of furniture, art glass and some vintage delights.

The recently transformed Theatr Botanica will be exhibiting old favourites such as silverware and collections of Moorcroft, Lorna Bailey, Beswick and Doulton, art and treen, plus collections of Welsh furniture and textiles.

Millennium Courtyard will be filled with a Vintage Market housing smaller marquees displaying vintage toys, clothing, retro and upcycled furniture, gardenalia and tools.

The fair has had a reputation for showcasing Welsh areas of collecting including Welsh pottery, Welsh blankets, Welsh art and furniture. Again, true to form, there will be an amazing display of period Welsh oak furniture, from Welsh child's chairs and milking stools to much larger pieces including dressers and linen press cupboards. Richard Bebb’s collection of Welsh artists is impressive and a stand not to be missed.

Welsh pottery has also been keenly collected, especially rare examples of Llanelly pottery. Alistair and Helen Crawford have built up a reputation of having an impressive stand that showcases rare Llanelly Pottery including the coveted Cockerel plates, that were produced in the Llanelli.

One of the most iconic images in Welsh fine art is the striking Llanelly ‘cockerel plate’. The single blue cockerel surrounded by a continuous sponged floral border,  with a unique distinctive style. When you see a collection of cockerel plates grouped together, particularly on a Welsh dresser, the effect is stunning.

The iconic Cockerel plates catch the eye and remain as Llanelly pottery’s trademark. You can see that the decoration to each cockerel plate varies, with smudges and mis-centred decoration adding to the appeal.

Hand painted cockerel plates and bowls are said to be the work of one woman, namely Sarah Jane Roberts (1859-1935). She was one of the daughters of Thomas Roberts and was known affectionately as Aunty Sal. The cockerels always face to the left and stand upon a tear drop-shaped piece of ground. However, the sponge decorated borders vary considerably; butterflies and flowers and leaves were popular border designs. It is thought that Sarah was left handed and produced all the cockerel plates from the pottery. These primitive and vibrantly decorated plates have made Sara Jane Roberts one of Wales’ most iconic folk artists with her unique and distinctive style. She worked at the South Wales Pottery for over 40 years.

Alistair and Helen will be displaying these attractive plates alongside other rare pieces of pottery at the National Botanic Garden of Wales fair .

The fair has a rich cross section of antiques and vintage items on display, including jewellery, watches, books and silver, ephemera, vintage clothes and accessories. Militaria will again be heavily represented at the fair with rare medals, ceremonial swords and suits of armour. There will also be collections of art glass and up-cycled and pre-loved furniture, plus interior design pieces including French brocante. Visitors will not be disappointed with the selection on offer at this popular fair.

All this is set in and around the magnificent grounds of the National Botanic Garden of Wales, nestling in the Carmarthenshire countryside, on the outskirts of Carmarthen and conveniently situated just 15 minutes away from the end of the M4.

The Antiques Festival and Vintage Market will take place on Saturday and Sunday, November 4 and 5, 2023.

With the same high quality of stands, the fair opens at 10am and closes at 4pm.

Admission is £12 for a weekend ticket allowing you to enjoy two full days at the Antiques Fair plus a further five days’ admission to the Garden. The tickets last for seven days which is very good value.

Dogs are now welcome over the Antiques weekend.

For more information contact Derwen Fairs on 07790 293367 or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.