In March, Jay and I travelled to Parma for the Spring 2026 Mercanteinfiera, held at th Fiere di Parma – a vast 300,000 square metre exhibition complex. It was immense. The scale was unlike anything I had seen before.

To anyone who thinks antiques are a dying trade, think again.

There were hundreds of dealers showcasing everything from Venetian furniture to luxury 1980s and 90s haute couture. For us, it was something close to Disneyland… although Jay would say with better stock and fewer queues.

We landed in Bologna and drove down to Parma on day one. I was behind the wheel, giving Jay some well-earned rest after a 3am start. Driving in Italy is not for the faint-hearted—indicators appear to be optional—but we arrived in one piece and met our wonderful guide, Gemma. Neither of us speaks Italian, so she was invaluable. Gemma runs a beautiful hotel, Villa Campestri, where she also produces her own olive oil.

Hotel, Villa Campestri:

We spent our first evening exploring Parma. Even the post office, surrounded by such beauty, felt like a destination in itself. It’s hard to imagine anything being marked “return to sender” in a place like that—most people would happily stay put. The architecture was extraordinary—a blend of Gothic revival and high church aesthetics with Art Nouveau detailing. Jay was particularly taken with the detailing… although he did say I would probably have tried to turn it into a console table.

The following day, we visited the Duomo, Parma’s cathedral. Quite simply, breathtaking. The painted interiors, the intricate marble floors, and the sheer scale of the building were awe-inspiring. It is without question one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen. The architect, Benedetto Antelami (1150–1230), defined much of the Northern Italian style, and the sculpture at the Baptistry was a particular highlight.

We ended the evening with what can only be described as a perfect Italian meal. The produce alone tells you everything about the country—simple dishes elevated to something exceptional. Even Gemma, who produces her own olive oil, remarked on the standard. And the Parmigiano… dangerous. We both agreed it would be unwise to try and import it by the kilo.

Day two was spent entirely at the fair. We walked for hours, stopping constantly as pieces caught our eye. The quality was exceptional—truly second to none. It was exhausting, but completely exhilarating. Jay moved slightly faster than I did—he knows exactly what he’s looking for—whereas I was occasionally distracted by things that, in his words, were “absolutely not coming home.”

One piece in particular stood out: a large pair of marble Roman Gods, each standing tall with a gemstone set into their shields. They felt almost mythical—exactly as I had imagined such figures as a child. Powerful, intricate, and deeply atmospheric. Sadly, transporting them back to Finchley might have required a different kind of budget—and possibly a different house.

By day three, we returned with more focus. We revisited key stands, reassessed pieces, and—thanks to Gemma—began conversations about potential acquisitions. Nothing rushed, nothing forced. But we may well have secured some remarkable items, particularly Venetian works… more on that very soon.

What surprised me most, though, was how much Gemma changed the way we looked at things. Her love of antiques was shaped by her father, the founder of Villa Campestri, who restored and revived the estate piece by piece. Listening to her speak about growing up surrounded by craftsmanship, patience, and preservation reframed the fair entirely. She made us slow down, look closer, and consider not just the object but the life it had lived. It was a reminder that this trade isn’t only about finding pieces—it’s about understanding the hands, histories, and intentions behind them.

Because of her, the fair became more than a buying trip. It became a lesson in perspective. A reminder that the future of Arenski is shaped not only by what we choose, but by the people who help us see differently. And speaking of what we chose: several exceptional Venetian works are now on their way from Parma, and I look forward to sharing them with you very soon.