TREASURES of all kinds are on display at an art and antique dealers’ fair expected to attract visitors from across the South East.

The Cotswold Art and Antique Dealers’ Association Fair started at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock yesterday and runs until tomorrow.

The association was launched in 1978 and now has 37 dealers from across the region as members. This is its first major fine art and antique fair.

Chairman John Howard said Blenheim Palace was an “incomparable setting” for the fair, taking place in the “stunning settings” of the Colonnade, The Marlborough Room and the Orangery, which overlook the Italian Garden.

Mr Howard said the best and rare examples of every discipline would be showcased by members, revealing a rich tapestry of history and culture.

Items for sale include a £130,000 silver gilt ladies’ travelling dressing table, from Hampton Antiques, which is returning home to the palace as it was commissioned in 1844 for Jane, Duchess of Marlborough, Sir Winston Churchill’s great-grandmother.

Blenheim Palace is now the home of the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough.

The fair will be open from 10am to 5.30pm today and tomorrow.

Witney-based antiques dealer David Harvey said: “An hour after the fair opened it was packed. There could be thousands of visitors by the end of the weekend coming from London and across the South East.”

Palace spokesman Hannah Payne said: “We are delighted to have the dealers here and it’s wonderful for our visitors to be able to come and see the antiques.”

For ticket information visit cotswolds-antiques-art.com