The Thames Valley Antiques Dealers Association has moved its annual fair from autumn to spring and from Radley to The Swan at Tetsworth. Most readers will know the beautiful old coaching inn with its 40 showrooms.

TVADA will house the 35 stands in a large marquee adjacent to the antiques centre.

Chairman Nicholas Arkell says: “Exhibitors include William Cook Antiques from Hungerford, Alan Walker Barometers, Cambridge Fine Art and Art World; the rest are predominantly LAPADA and BADA dealers including Books Illustrated, Rowles Fine Art, Mark Seabrook Antiques, and Simply Antiques.”

I find illustrated books attractive; it is possible to discover gorgeous illustrations by fine artists at affordable prices. Books Illustrated also sell the originals, and one for sale is Edward Julius Detmold’s (1883-1957) Watercolour on Paper Tales from a Thousand and One Nights, which depicts Sinbad on one of his adventures in the ‘Seventh Voyage of Sinbad’ (pictured). This original illustration was commissioned by the publishers, Hodder & Stoughton, for their 1924 edition of The Arabian Nights.

The fair coincides with the 150th anniversary of the Australian opera soprano, Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931).

The Peach Melba was created in her honour by Auguste Escoffier at the Savoy Hotel, London, in 1892.

The Swan at Tetsworth has a fine and friendly restaurant whose chef has recreated his very own Peach Melba, which will be available throughout the weekend.

So, once you have had a feast for your eyes on the wonderful antiques on offer, why not be tempted to a fruity feast?

This year the Country Seat, well known for their Arts and Crafts and Aesthetic Movement designs and Whitefriars Glass, will not be exhibiting, as the fair coincides with their May Madness, which runs until May 31. Call 01491 641349 for details.

The TVADA Fair runs from Friday to Sunday. Friday 10am-8pm; Saturday 10am-6pm Sunday 10am-5pm (www.tvada.com).

Entry is £5 per person, or free to anyone carrying a copy of the article printed in this week's issue of The Oxford Times.