David Juran of Magus Antiques in London was a fourth generation antique dealer. In 2008 he and Jane, his wife, bought the Battersea Decorative Antiques Fair which is normally held three times a year in an elegant marquee of 50,000 square feet with an airy foyer used for themed exhibitions. This is the fair of choice for interior designers and stylists which is usually attended by high-flying celebrities and has a loyal following of eclectic dealers.
 
Quoted in a recent piece in Antique Collecting, David Juran said, "I love the energy that the new generation brings to the antiques business. Young buyers are now dictating the look. As dealers we need to remain adaptable to change - or sink without trace."
 
He disliked the plethora of antiques programmes on TV encouraging the public to ignore the asking price and make a ridiculous offer. "Dealers work very hard to source the best and, to use us as entertainment, I find difficult to swallow," he said.
 
"Buying is a passion. My family and colleagues call it an obsession. I travel to as many fairs across Europe as my marriage allows. As well as running it, I've exhibited at all three Battersea Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fairs for more than 20 years. You'd have to go a long way to find a harder-working group of dealers."
 
On 21st July David Juran died, after collapsed near the family holiday home in Majorca, leaving his wife Jane, children Ruth and Joey, his sister Helen and her family, and his beloved mother Karin.
 
Battersea regular Guy Trench of Antiques By Design said, "What a great fair organiser, with enormous energy and nearly always had a smile on his face. We shall all miss him."
 
Funeral arrangements in England will be confirmed later. Contact the Decorative Fair office at 4 Church Street, London NW8 8ED for further details.
 
The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair will proceed in Battersea this Autumn as planned.
 
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