A new life for old treasures
The Sydney Antique and Collectables Fair was one of the largest and most popular antiques markets in the city. It was founded 23 years ago by antiques lover, Joe Percival and a bunch of friends and ran as a monthly market at Wentworth Park Greyhound centre until only recently.
Percival, who has been in the antiques business for 43 years, was ready to retire but not ready to let the prominent antiques and collectables market he’d helped build up over the last two decades simply disappear. Fortune put Percival in touch with Michael Vardakis, co-owner of the online antique and collectables marketplace, The Collectors Mark.
Vardakis thankfully shared Percival’s vision to have the Sydney Antique and Collectables Fair continue and enthusiastically accepted responsibility for the legacy.
“Joe literally handed over his laptop and gave me the password” Danny Tomic of The Collectors Mark said. “He walked us through everything – and he was there on day one to make sure everything went smoothly.”
The Collectors Mark Antique and Collectables Fair, Wentworth Park. Image: Facebook
Each month, the fair was attended by regular buyers and sellers as well as attracting new-comers from near and far. Experts, novices and casual browsers enjoy the cornucopia of delightful relics from the past.
“The fair is a place where people meet and share their passion. I love it” says Percival.
The Sydney Antique and Collectables Fair will continue under the name: The Collectors Mark Antique & Collectables Fair, and be held on the third Sunday of the month at the indoor Wentworth Park Greyhound’s Function Centre.
