Antiques fair embroiled in 'genocide' row as Nazi memorabilia spotted on display

An antiques fair was forced to defend flogging Nazi memorabilia as a 'part of history' when an outraged shopped publicly accused it of 'profiting off genocide'.

Natasha Doran was shopping at an antiques and collectors fair in Bexley, London, last month when she was 'disgusted' to stumble upon a time piece embossed with a swastika at its centre.

Shocked, the 29-year-old told the event organiser about her concerns that the 'offensive' item could be triggering to members of the community.

But the mum-of-one claims the fair organiser - A&R Events - said the stall-holder has a right to sell the item as it's a part of history.

It is not illegal to sell Nazi memorabilia in the UK but such sales are banned in other parts of Europe, including in Germany and Austria.

Natasha claims the organiser is profiting from the sale of an 'extremely antisemitic' item, insisting that Nazi memorabilia should only be seen in museums or educational settings.

The mum, a non-profit manager, went on to say that the object is particularly disrespectful in light of recent marches and unrest taking place across the UK regarding immigration.

The customer shamed the fair online where she accused them of 'profiting off a genocide'.

A&R Events said they were 'shocked' by the backlash over the selling of the timepiece and have apologised for any offence caused, but reiterated that they believe it is 'part of our history'.

Natasha, who lives in Sidcup, London, said: "I was going through where the fair was taking place and just saw the sign outside and thought I'd go have a look to see what was there.

"As I walked to the back of the room, there was the largest stall in the room. I went to have a look and my partner actually tapped me in the shoulder and said 'have you seen that?'

"As I looked down there was a massive bright red swastika clock. It was very in your face.

"I was very shocked. It felt very strange to me that an organiser would be allowing someone to bring and show and make profit from memorabilia like that.

"I decided to chat to the organiser and ask what's going on here. I told him this could be considered extremely offensive or triggering to members of the community.

"It represents a really violent and raw time in history that devastated the lives of so many, including potentially local citizens who fought in the war.

"It's extremely antisemitic. It represents an entire Nazi regime that murdered millions of people."

Natasha claims the organiser said the object was a 'part of history' and the timepiece would not be removed from the event.

But Natasha believes no one should be making money off the sale of an item that presents such a dark chapter in history.

Natasha said: "My point wasn't that we shouldn't be able to store history in museums or in safe spaces where people can access them with trigger warnings or text to accompany the items.

"It's the fact any person could've stumbled into the event that day and saw that swastika staring them in the face.

"Especially in light of the current moment where people aren't feeling protected in their communities and to have that displayed in an antiques fair just felt totally unreasonable and unfair.

"Why does this need to be sold? It's just so blind to everything that's happening across the UK right now and the world.

"Their business is selling things that represent hatred and racism and if you're not mindful of that, how can you say you're working in the service of the local community? I felt like that was ironic.

"They are making money off this and don't care about who they're offending in the local communities.

"They are historical facets, they're not things that should be flogged for profit. It's important for history to be told meaningfully and safely, not when you're walking into an antiques fair right in people's faces."

After sharing her views online, A&R Events responded to Natasha's complaint to say they were 'shocked' over the backlash surrounding the timepiece.

An A&R Events spokesman said: "We've seen all the comments and remarks about the militaria memorabilia that was on sale at our fair today. The item in question was a WWII Nazi militaria time piece.

"As I explained... this is part of our history, and neither we (or the dealer) wishes to offend anyone. We are certainly not profiting from Nazi propaganda or promoting antisemitism.

"We understand and agree that everyone is entitled to their opinions and we sincerely apologise if we have offended anyone.

"However, we are providing a service where everyone can come and see the wide variety of antiques, collectibles, vintage, retro and militaria memorabilia that we have on sale every month.

"We have worked hard to become part of the Bexley community over the last year and appreciate all the support from our regular customers.

"We're shocked with these negative comments about our fair over this item and have taken these on board."

Natasha shamed the antiques fair in a furious online post, where she wrote: "Feel absolutely shocked and disgusted to see this N*zi memorabilia on full display and for sale at the Old Bexley antiques fair today.

"This is antisemitic and extremely offensive to so many people. People should not be profiting off a genocide."

However her complaint divided other visitors' opinions, with some backing her stance while others believed there was no issue as these were historical artefacts.

One person said: "Very well said - totally agree with you."

While another said: "Part of history, can't be ignored, nothing wrong with this kind of thing to be for sale at an antique fair."

A third added: "It's an antiques fair, it's not as though the National Front (NF) or the British National Party (BNP) are out recruiting.

"I've seen memorabilia at an auction that's what you get old things that people want to sell. It's not as though you're going to kill someone or start another genocide by selling or buying a Nazi item."

Another said: "It's history, if people are buying this stuff to support, Nazism, that's another question, however, if people are selling/buying this stuff for historical purposes, I see no problem."

One told Natasha: "Grow up. There is plenty of British Army war paraphernalia at most boot-sales and markets... [...]

"I really hope you never visit the many war museums we have here. You will have a full-on mental break down.

"Literally full of machines, vehicles, weapons for k*lling and the medals people got for doing it. Their stories heralded and celebrated. Again.... grow up."

The comment prompted Natasha to reply: "Imagine being more offended by someone opposing N*zi memorabilia than by N*zi memorabilia itself, yet I'm the sensitive one.

"Calling someone a snowflake for showing basic human decency is hilarious."