Preview: Ideal Home Show

By Jon Massey on March 19, 2010 11:57 AM |

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It's got a bit of history to it this Ideal Home Show business. Unlike many of the massive events gracing London's exhibition centres, this one has a lineage that goes back more than 100 years. It was founded by the Daily Mail in 1908, the same year Suffragettes were chaining themselves to railings in a bid to get the vote, Ford's first Model T rolled off the production line and work on the first tower in the UK to use reinforced concrete - The Royal Liver Building - had just begun.

Times were very different, not least in the property market.

The overwhelming majority of British citizens rented their homes.

But post-industrial revolution methods of mass production were starting to have an effect on society.

A rise in living standards and an increase in disposable income led to a demand for luxuries and eventually for private home ownership.

And the Mail sensed this change of mood and provided a forum for designers, architects and gardeners to show off their latest products and ideas to an eager public.

The paper also intended the show to be a publicity tool in a bid to boost circulation.

It took more than 3,000 men a week to set up the first exhibition at Olympia and the Lord Mayor of London turned up to cut the ribbon.

Since that first show, more than 60million people have attended at least one exhibition during its 102-year history.

The Queen has been 11 times. She first visited in 1949when she was still a princess, touring the fully furnished homes and stands.

While theses elements remain in the modern show, the cult of celebrity has become the dominant theme, with organiser Media 10 recruiting Fiona Phillips, Monty Don, Linda Barker, George Clarke, Gregg Wallace and Suzi Perry to help create this year's event.

Rather than a single exhibition, 2010 will see eight shows in one covering interiors, home improvements, food, gardens, gadgets, shopping, village and women.

So, if you're looking for a novel place to get your nails done, while perusing some cutting edge product design, head on down.

The Ideal Home Show 2010 takes place from Mar 20-Apr 5 at Earls Court. Go to idealhomeshow.co.uk.