Oh so retro...

On the Telegram today, guest blogger and photographer, Stuart Atwood, reports on the Retro Fair that was...

​On the Glory Days Telegram, the Auckland Retro Fair was described as iconic and this years fair lived up to its reputation. I got the chance to speak to a very tired Brian Mossong, who had been up for the better part of 24 hours setting up and coordinating the event. He was very pleased with both the turnout and quality of the vendors tables, some of whom had come from as far away as Otago to display their wares.

There was something for everyone if retro or modernist design is within your sphere of interest, with some amazing mid-century pieces on offer. Vinyl was well represented for the music fans with plenty of records up for grabs from the good folks at Northland Auctions and from Matt who is the proprietor of Fly By Night Vintage. Matt also had a beautiful Bolex Super 8 camera for sale that came very close to coming home with me!

There was a fantastic array of glass and ceramics on offer. I spotted some wonderful examples of Kosta Boda and Orrefors glass from Scandinavia along with Murano from Italy, and some equally high standard West German Ceramics in all shapes and sizes all looking very ecclectic, beautifully glazed and so very retro! 

Crown Lynn was available of course with some lovely pieces on the Rose and Crown table.

​I had a conversation with Tasha and Mark from Retro Addiction. They are opening a new store in Mt Albert on the 2nd of December and a visit to their facebook page will give an idea of their great range of furniture and collectibles.

On the clothing front, there was a lot of choice as well, Cockspurs Vintage with Johnny and Labretta's American sourced gear. Gracie from Clevedon Costume and Vintage Apparel, Bronwyn and Amber from Viva La Vintage, as well as the cool ladies from the Art Deco Society who I spent a good long time discussing all things Deco.

It was great to see costume represented at the fair, thank you to Rowan and Annie for posing!

There really was so much to see and it was difficult to cover it all, but hopefully the images will give an indication of the variety of items on offer. This would be a 'must do' event if you are renovating and wish to be sympathetic to the age of your home if you have a period place.

I'd like to thank all of those who allowed me to get the photos of their stands, especially Graham Clark with the great record players...

 Kurt Newby who supplied the taxidermy and cool scooter, and Raewyn of Ritzy Bits who brought in the German ceramics. ​I will certainly be back again next year for the fifth anniversary, and I can assure you it's well worth the wait.

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The Retro Fair is held each year in November at Alexandra Park Raceway in Auckland. For further details about the fair please visit their Facebook page.