As second-generation fair organisers, with the third generation in the making, and a history going back to 1990s we are a family-run business which takes great pride in creating and running events which offer both the trade and public excellent trading opportunities.
Hosting everything from fast-paced one-day markets and relaxed three-day boutique home shows at several locations around the UK, we are strongly focussed on the antique, salvage and vintage market. With quality, provenance, affordability and sustainability at the core of what our exhibitors offer, thousands upon thousands of wonderful treasures can be found at our events.
Taking pride in hosting some of the friendliest fairs, markets and shows in the country we welcome everyone, from collectors, dealers and interior designers to home renovators, props stylists and small business owners. We also welcome families and encourage the younger generation to discover the joys of hunting for beautiful old treasures, not to mention the environmental and financial benefits.
Peter Burgoin was a South Yorkshire lad who did his growing up in the steel town of Sheffield. He successfully traded antique jewellery from his shop in Buxton, Sovereign House, for many years until the 1980’s recession hit. Recession gave way to innovation and Peter sold his business and turned his hand to selling on the fairs circuit. In 1995 he launched Arthur Swallow Fairs – the first ever event was held in a disused hangar at an RAF Airfield in Lincolnshire. Around 50 dealers attended and it became a regular fixture.
Joining him on his journey were his then young sons Richard and Marc. From an early age they were involved in their father’s work and enjoyed the school of life aspect of shadowing their father. As they grew older, they would help at fairs with the setting-up, lifting and carrying and soon got a taste for the ‘trade.’
Soon after leaving school Marc and Richard worked alongside their father until 2008 when Peter became unwell and retired. The brothers took over the full-time job of running the family business and Richard’s wife Anna joined them. Although still young the third generation are growing up around the events and showing a keen interest in continuing the family legacy.
The team behind Arthur Swallow Fairs are a mix of family and good friends, from the directors down to the car park attendants, and that’s the way we like it. Our ethos has always been to work with people we get on with and care about, not just because it makes our work more enjoyable but because it sets the tone for all our events.
As a small team running a small business, we love what we do and very much hope that this comes across when you visit one of our fairs, markets or shows. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and we love a chat, so please say hello, be it on the phone or in person.
Growing up around antiques and fairs, Richard takes great pride – along with brother Marc and wife Anna – in continuing to build a business which his father Peter Burgoin founded in 1995. As much a buyer as he is an event organiser, Richard loves searching the fairs and markets for pictures, unusual signage and furniture for his home.
Running the business alongside brother Richard and sister-in-law Anna, Marc is passionate about running a smooth, clean and tidy event which can be enjoyed by both visitors and exhibitors. Always up for a chat and forever looking for pieces for his garden, Marc describes the events as ‘a shopper’s paradise.’
Having been part of the Arthur Swallow Fairs team for as long as she can remember, Anna can be found offering a warm welcome on the gate at all events. Loving everything about the fairs and markets, from the amazing stock to the wonderful stallholders, Anna has pretty much furnished her entire home with treasures found at the events.
When Alice isn’t flying around the shows taking pictures and chatting to dealers and visitors, or posting on Instagram, she can be found styling beautiful homes and writing antique, salvage and vintage based editorial – including fairs features – for a variety of interiors, antiques and lifestyle magazines. Alice joined the Arthur Swallow Fairs team in 2014.
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