13th Cambridge Glass Fair

It may have been the 13th Cambridge Glass Fair, but the only people who were unlucky were those who didn't visit! But there can't have been many of them, as this fair was amongst the very busiest I have attended - and I've been going since the first.
The queue began to build an hour before the opening, and from the moment the doors opened until they closed, the aisles were crammed with buyers and browsers, with the door even running out of tickets after lunch!
They crossed the country to see some 50+ specialist dealers selling pieces from 'over 200 years of glass' history and, judging by the number of bags seen leaving the hall, they liked what they saw.
Attending these events is always enjoyable for many reasons, one of them being to catch up with friends. James Bassam, 20thC Design specialist at auction house T.W. Gaze & Sons, was one, and he echoed the impression I was rapidly building. Despite the truly awful economic climate, many are turning to, or increasingly, buying art, antiques and collectables. Not only does one's home become more important than ever when we can't afford to go out, but they also make a far interesting and enjoyable form of investment than stocks and shares.
Speaking of friends, I was honoured to have been asked by Kevin Graham, who runs the excellent Pottery & Glass Forum, to join him on his stand. Kevin is a specialist in West German ceramics and is on the verge of publishing an 'encyclopedia' to makers, designs and designers, having researched the area for nearly a decade. Above you'll see me with Kevin (second from right), and major 'Fat Lava' collector Martin Rosam and his partner Karen.
I really can't recommend joining the Pottery & Glass Forum enough. Membership is free, and you'll find an amazing array of fascinating and practical facts and tips for identifcation, as well as being able to participate in the friendly and fun banter.
If you do one thing today, visit, join and browse!