I met Richard many years ago when he was running a winery and tea room with his lovely wife Gillian in an old river mill in North Yorkshire. We would meet in the winery and after sampling the wine he would lead me into another room which was full of the finest collection of ‘country antiques’, all for sale at very reasonable prices – a lethal combination – and I would always spend a lot of money, but go home very happy with my purchases and usually a case of fine wine…!
Richard was one of those special people you meet in life – one of the good guys, so full of life and enthusiasm for the antiques he sold. It made him a very good dealer and a lovely person to be around with a wicked sense of humour and love of life, which was very infectious.
I always looked forward to seeing him and Gillian. Only a few weeks ago at Holkham Hall fair we shared a lot of laughs and of course I succumbed and bought a superb 18th century cricket table!
I was so shocked to hear of his untimely passing and I have lost a lovely friend and the antiques trade has lost a very good dealer. My best wishes and condolences go to Richard’s wife Gillian and his family.
Mark Seabrook
