June is the season when the champagne corks start to pop, what with Wimbledon and of course the Olympia International Art & Antiques Fair and the Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair. Tavernicus visited both these fairs on the 10th of June in the middle of Olympia and on the opening Press Day of GroHo. Alas, Olympia was very badly affected by the tube strike on the 10th/11th. The metaphorical tumbleweeds were all too evident but Richard Price the Dorset clock dealer who was the only dedicated clock dealer was having a good show. In contrast GroHo has three dedicated top-end clock dealers and Press Day was packed notwithstanding the tube problems. Amazing what free champagne will do as a crowd puller. Business was apparently brisk with ATG concluding that this fair was a "recession buster". Good news.
Alas, no new tavern clocks in evidence and the only TC news for June was the re-offering of the Hancock of Bath white round dial on ebay for £9000. One interesting ebay lot was a so-called Tavern or Norwich clock case of probable 20th century origin and neither fish nor foul really, but, the movement was pure 18thC tavern clock with very nice curved cut plates. Sold for £485 and sniped in the last second, plus £50 delivery. Interesting as it puts a price tag on a genuine movement of £500-600.
Tavernicus is currently confined to barracks with the after effects of a knee operation but is fighting back and weaning himself off the crutches as there is a special lot coming up at auction in July. This will require a herculean effort to get back into his stride. Fair game!!
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