Winter Art & Antiques Fair, Olympia London

Even though the art world champions contemporary art, nothing beats a good, much-loved antique. The history, the singularity, the workmanship, even the smell sets the imagination into overdrive. The idea of an object's life over generations – the hands that have held it and the women that have loved it – appeals to something deep within the human psyche.

This autumn, following a string of international art and design fairs including Frieze, PAD and LAPADA, the acclaimed Winter Olympia Art & Antiques Fair returns to West London. Antiques enthusiasts and amateur collectors alike will have the opportunity to see pieces from a range of periods and countries. Everything from fifteenth-century furniture and Art Deco clocks to Asian carpets and Old Master paintings will be exhibited by 70 of the UK's most respected dealers. Highlights on display this year, include an extremely rare pair of large Regency Period circular gilt-wood convex mirrors with original mirror plates at S&S Timms and an exquisite oil on canvas featuring tulips by British artist Ivon Hitchens at Haynes Fine Art.

If you are a first time buyer or would like advice on antiques collecting, attend one of the free highlights tours curated by art advisor Vanessa Curry, who will guide you through a selection of exemplary pieces. If you want to explore the field a little further, sign up for one of the accompanying talks given by industry experts; for a detailed overview of the programme click here.

With prices starting as low as £100, Olympia Art & Antiques offers a great way in to the world of antiques collecting.

Winter Art & Antiques Fair, Olympia London: Opening Times

Monday 29 October (Private Preview) 6pm - 9pm; £35

Tuesday 30 October 11am - 6pm

Wednesday 31 October 11am - 6pm

Thursday 1 November 11am - 9pm

Friday 2 November 11am - 6pm

Saturday 3 November 11am - 6pm

Sunday 4 November 11am - 5pm