Wentworth Park Collectibles, Vintage and Antiques Fair--Sydney, Australia.

So this monthly Fair is on every 1st Sunday of the month as mentioned before hours 9am-3pm with Early Birds allowed in from 8am. Dealers are allowed in from 7am if they hire 3 or more tables and 8am if they hire 2 or 1 table--which is most of us. What happens on entry can be chaotic with dealers rushing in fully loaded and Early Birds trying to buy from those already nearly set up from 7am. In any case there is a buzz and excitement in the air as the anticipation of finding a great treasure or selling a good find to an appreciative buyer grips you.

We (hubby and I) were off at 6.30am. The trip is an hour for us through Menangle, Macarthur and down the M5 to Glebe. This morning was frosty but a beautiful sunrise with it. Here is a photo taken driving down our street looking towards the east. Straight across on the other side would be the Wollongong coastline. That 2nd grey line of ridges is not hills as it looks, but clouds. The stark line with the sun rising behind it was so deceiving at first but intensely beautiful. Even the telegraph line looks good in this photo I think.

The Wentworth Park Greyhound Track Function Centre is the venue for this Fair. There are at least 140 dealers each month with a smaller downstairs area full as well. It is a great place for a fair--being inside is perfect for collectibles but there is also plenty of parking, flat access, air conditioning, carpet in places, good lighting and food and drink available. The place had a revamp about 8 months ago and now has lovely decor as well with the real treat being.....the pub style carpet gone!

Below is a photo of the cafe and food bar. It's looking unpatronised because I took the photo just after they had closed at 2.30. You can buy a good basic range of food and drink there--examples being the usual hamburgers, fish and chips, pies, ice creams as well as bacon and egg rolls, generous sandwiches, a range of cakes and of course coffee, tea, soft drinks and alcohol.

There's lots of variety for sale at "Wenty Park", as it's known for short. From pottery to pictures, glass to masks, kitchenalia to garagenalia, clothing, jewellery, shoes, hats, toys, books--it's nearly all there. Most first time visitors are amazed, firstly, at the size of the place, and secondly at the variety for sale. I have had a stall there for over 3 years and it has always been enjoyable and profitable. There is a relaxed social atmosphere and a type of weird feeling of bonding with people who may look and act completely different to you. We are all one in the love and appreciation of old stuff!

Below are some photos of what was for sale. This is from my stall. As you can see I have a penchant for selling mushroom things. I'm not real sure why but it could be that I love mushrooms to eat, to look at, I like their shape and curvy lines and my hubby is a trained mycologist ie he specialises in the science of fungi. These canisters are ceramic and were made in Japan in the 60s through the 70s. They are so cute and whimsical--I adore the mushroom shape knobs.

I am also amused by a bit of kitsch in the form of figurine shaped planters. This one was obviously meant to be given as a get well gift. Can you believe they made something like this?? A comical hound lying down with a hospital hat and thermometer in mouth with "Get well soon" in relief on the side. This would be from the 60s--a time when society had a slightly offbeat sense of humour I think. So you would put a small plant in there --commonly a cactus or succulent or small fern. I know there are many who collect these planters and I have sold many but today this one stayed there.

I thought this picture was interesting too. Ducks were a popular motif for the home in the 50s and 60s. There were flying duck figurines on the wall, table, as dishes and images on crockery and ashtrays. I remember my Mum had a set of 3 flying wall ducks in the dining room. This picture is made of coloured foil on a black background which I think is glass. Just another something different to add to the wall.

Across from my stall a lovely lady sells classic vintage and retro clothing/textiles etc. This photo is from her stall. She is always popular with ladies looking for something elegant but a little different. I loved the cardy with the blanket stitch applique.

Another lovely lady near me sells an array of retro and oriental decor items. She had a "blue" shelf today of quality pottery and glass.

Browns are underrated I think. Imagine this on a big white heavy cloth tablecloth or even on black with splashes of rich blue or green thrown in here and there.

The canisters below are from the 70s by the Australian potter John Kemety. He did very good quality work and his pieces are becoming more collectible as time goes by. They are usually signed "Kemety" on the base so are easy to recognise unlike many others.

The glass bottle you see is a fridge water bottle maybe from the 60s --but it could even be the 50s. The ridged and rippled glass is typical of that post deco era. The lid has a flip opening spout.

There is also a white and brown folk motive salt canister--I have attached a salt canister to the wall for holding elastic bands at arms reach. I hardly use salt but I like the look of it on the wall. I find it hard to believe how much salt was used in everyday cooking prior to our little health revolution in the 80s, that these were stocked full. It's ironic that we stopped using salt in home cooking, but over consume it in general processed and takeaway foods.

I hope these photos give you a bit of an idea about this great Fair and a hint of what's for sale, and why so many love it all. It is still undiscovered by so so many lovers of Vintage. I have not heard a negative about it yet from a new shopper or collector and once discovered many just keep coming back for that something different to put on the table, to cook with, to decorate with and just to enjoy.