Antique Dealers celebrate 20 years

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

You would be amazed at what people will sell. And even more astounded at what people will purchase.

It is these two unique groups that have allowed the antique and collectible dealers in Jamaica to sustain a rather intriguing fair for 20 years. However, unlike previous years, number 20 was ushered in with newness. There was a fair preview marked by an opening ceremony wrapped in a wine and cheese reception.

The Antiques & Collectibles Fair Preview and Wine and Cheese Reception took place on Friday. Not only were patrons given the opportunity to preview a wide array of collectibles, but they were treated to live performances from Faith D'Aguilar and Ozou'ne, as well as a brief but informative speech from Vivian Crawford.

A founding member, Ainsley Henriques acted as MC. He got the rather short and informal ceremony going after and while some patrons browsed and sampled the offerings. Sandwiched between the bars on the stage, and the collectibles on the lower level, he spoke of how the antique fair started.

Inspiration from bbc

"It started in 1992 after the Antique Road Show from the BBC crossed the Atlantic for the very first time. And it took place in Kingston, Jamaica ... and it gave us some tremendous encouragement."

And while the venue, (Lindo Auditorium at Campion College), of the fair has remained the same over the years, the organisers settled for November after other months proved to be unsuitable.

In addition, Henriques said he was happy that people came out "to look at what is our heritage. In many regards these are things to be cherished and kept for posterity, to be enjoyed, to be put on display and also to be used as you wish."

On the other hand, Crawford, in a speech that was at times sprinkled with humour, congratulated the dealers on reaching "the twentieth anniversary of their antique and collectibles fair. Twenty years of continuity should not go unnoticed. Highest commendations to the founders and to the pioneers ... . They are contributing to the intangible heritage of Jamaica and we must commend them."

The guest speaker continued with what he called a 'did you know' feature, wherein he gave precious information on the origins of some of Jamaica's treasures that are housed at The National Institute. Among the 'did you know' facts was that the late Jamaican gospel singer Adina Edwards' accordion is at the Institute. And before declaring the fair open, Crawford said all schools in Jamaica should establish museums as "the past is history; the future is a mystery and the present a gift".

Crawford's departure from the stage gave way to the Antique and Collectibles fair's first live performers. They were Ozou'ne and D'Aguilar. Ozou'ne accompanied D'Aguilar on keyboard, and during her acts continued the entertainment.

D'Aguilar gave a stellar performance. She began her musical package with People. This was followed by another jazz item, I Do Not Care. And without much warning, the talented Jamaican vocalist segued to a dialect poem. Not only was her performance of Louise Bennett's 'Kass Kass', entertaining but her impersonation of the Jamaican cultural icon was also impressive. The dynamic performer completed her first stint with her Christmas classic Santa Ketch Up Inna Mango Tree.

D'aguilar's final appearance

On making her final appearance of the evening, the Clarendonian treated the wandering patrons to Jamaican folk songs such as Yellow Bird and Evening Time.

But the evening belonged to the dealers and their wide array of collectibles. The collectibles ranged in sizes and materials and were astounding. And they came from as far as Mali, were as intriguing as the Taino artifacts, and as mystic as the religious icons.

Colette Garrick specialises in religious icons. She told The Gleaner: "[Religion] is very important. And people tend to forget it." She personally collects such items while for antique dealer Paul Banks, collecting Taino artifacts is a speciality. In his collection was a set of musicians founded by Alfred Brown in the Dallas Mountain in St Andrew.

And before you begin the research to find out whether it is illegal to sell such treasures, listen to what the dealers have to say. Andre Latty is one of the organisers of the three-day event. He explained that selling such artifacts is allowed as long as they remain in Jamaica. The Antique & Collectibles Fair Preview preceded the actual fair held on Saturday and Sunday at the same venue.