A SOMERSET couple are preparing to showcase their antiques at the NEC Birmingham.

Adrian and Amelia Holt from Levels Antiques will feature among top dealers at the Antiques and Fine Art Fair from December 1-3, 2023.

The couple, who were one of the first to book their exhibit, are celebrating their 20th anniversary in the antiques trading industry.

Their specialties include items from the Arts and Crafts movement and South Asian artefacts such as Indian Silver and Bombay School Ceramics.

In honour of their return to Birmingham, the Holts are taking a rare brooch by George Hunt, a 1920s silversmith who trained in Birmingham, and an Arts and Crafts brooch by Bernard Cuzner, former Head of the Metalwork department at Birmingham School of Art.

Somerset County Gazette: The couple were one of the first to book an exhibit at the prestigious antiques fair

Mrs Holt said: "We are thrilled to be able to take some of our collection to the event in Birmingham next month.

"It promises to be a bumper fair at such an iconic venue, thanks to Classic Antiques Fairs for bringing this event back to the NEC.

"It’s a perfect time just ahead of Christmas to buy a special gift, or invest in a unique piece and Adrian and I look forward to welcoming many collectors and enthusiasts."

The man behind this venture is ceramics specialist John Andrews, who has exhibited at the NEC for 35 years.

Disappointed when the event’s organisers cancelled fairs in 2023 due to an economic slump, John saw this as an opportunity and switched his career from a restauranteur to a ceramics dealer.

Mr Andrews said: "While many dealers in antiques and decorative arts have a presence online these days plenty of us feel there is no substitute for customers being able to examine items and hear from trusted sellers all about their prospective purchases.

"We have done all the work for them in bringing leading, trusted national and international dealers together in one place."

Additional highlights promised by the fair include rare enamels, signed pieces by Doulton, Clarice Cliff and William Moorcroft, and an assortment of Art Deco and Art Nouveau sculptures.

To attend or book an exhibit at the fair, visit https://www.classicantiquefairs.co.uk.