Coming antique rug and textile fairs

There will be several interesting antique rug and textile fairs in the coming months both in Europe and USA. These fairs include BARE, KARMA, Sartirana Textile Show and ARTS SF.

Berlin Antique Rugs & Textile Exhibition 31 May – 2 June 2013

The very first edition of BARE, Berlin Antique Rugs & Textile Exhibition, will open for the public Friday 31 May 2013 at 11.00 am, and run through Sunday 2 June. The intentions with this fair are both to create a new venue for collectors and antique rug dealers in the Northern part of Europe but also to attract the public in Berlin and introduce them to the exciting passion of rug collecting. This fair is organized by Carpet Collector so expect a professionally organized and friendly event.

James Cohen will exhibit this circa 1850 Karachopf rug at BARE

The BARE will be held at the ‘Alte Münze’ and the former Berlin mint has a good reputation as an excellent exhibition building. The vaults in the Alte Münze are of historic significance. A special documentary photo exhibition will be devoted to their history. 17 important oversize carpets from the Bode Collection were stored in the ‘deep vault of the Reich mint’, but were destroyed following a bomb raid on 11 March 1945 and this was the end of the Bode Collection. Guided tours with small groups to the exhibition ‘The Fateful Night in the Old Mint‘s Vault – The End of the Major Bode Collection’ will be offered several times a day.

Beside the circa 25 dealers the “carpet press’ will be represented by Hali, Carpet Collector and Jozan Magazine which have stands on the first floor of the exhibition building.

While you are there a visit at the famous Museum for Islamic Art, located 20 minutes walk from the BARE, is a must.

KARMA London 6-8 June 2013

After Berlin next stop for the passionated collector is London where KARMA, Kensington Antique Rug Mercantile Association, from 6 to 8 June 2013 will hold the 6th edition of their small boutique fair with 10 antique rug and textile dealers. Once again this event will take place at 202 Kensington Church St. in London and will be concurrent with the Olympia Fine Art Fair. KARMA is organized by Rupert Smith.

Rupert Smith will exhibit this early 17th century Imperial throne rug at KARMA

Besides the dealers fair KARMA also includes a small lecture program. One of the lectures ‘Collecting rugs’ is given by James Cohen. James is truly ‘a nomadic dealer’ and will in 2013 exhibit at most of the mentioned antique rug fairs in this article BARE, KARMA and ARTS.

Sartirana Textile Show 19-22 September 2013

Alberto Boralevi has been organizer of Sartirana Textile show since 2005. This years show, with circa 25 International and Italian antique rug dealers will take place 19-22 September 2013 at Sartirana Castle, Sartirana, Lomellina, one hours drive from Milan.

Mirco Cattai in front of a 17th century Ushak Lotto. Archve photo Sartirana 2012

This show is known for the high standard of exhibited rugs and carpets and for it’s relaxed atmosphere.  So expect plenty of time to pleasant conversations about rugs and life in general with the attending dealers.

Antique Rug & Textile Show 17-20 October 2013 in San Francisco

Since it’s start in 2009 ARTS, held at the Motel Capri, has become one of the major rug and textile event of the year and an important venue for collectors and antique rug dealers from around the world. The concept for ARTS is the same as for KARMA to keep dealer expenses low by exibiting in the dealers hotel rooms. This creates a special informal atmosphere appreciated by many of the dealers.

ARTS at the Motel Capri (archive photo)

A special opening reception will take place 17 October at 2.30 pm and the fair will be open for the public 18-20 October daily 10 am – 8 pm.

Expect world class tribal rugs and textiles at this fair and meetings with hardcore collectors. San Francisco in October is also world class.

More articles: More news about BARE, Berlin Antique Rugs & Textile Exhibition, Carpet Collector Fair in Berlin, KARMA antique rug show 2013, Sartirana Textile Show 2013, Visitor satisfaction at ARTS 2012