A Weekend at Westpoint — Antiques, Collectors & Balance Sculptures

Earlier this summer we spent the weekend at the Westpoint Antiques & Collectors Fair, held at the Devon County Showground just off junction 30 of the M5 near Exeter. Run by Continuity Fairs, it's one of the largest antiques events in the South West — up to 400 stands packed into the arena over two days, drawing dealers and collectors from across the country.

Our stand sat under the LuckyCoin sign: a corner of curated antiques, enamel signs, vintage petrol tins, old toys, phrenology heads and the other odd, characterful things we've been collecting for years — alongside a small selection of our handcrafted metal balance sculptures.

It might seem like an unusual mix. In fact it's the whole idea. LuckyCoin Curio grew out of a lifelong habit of hunting down and living with mechanical objects, folk art and pieces with a story. The balance sculptures are a natural extension of that world, not a separate business bolted on. They belong on a table next to a 1930s Redex sign and a Hudson's Soap enamel; that's the company they're designed for.

The weekend was a good one. What we always enjoy about Westpoint is the crowd — collectors who know their subject, ask the right questions, and take the time to stop and watch a piece move. Several people had never seen a hand-forged balance sculpture before, and spent a good while gently pushing them to see how the counterweighting works.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by, said hello, or took a piece home. It was good to meet fellow collectors.