1 How did you get your start?
I was a collector from a very young age and was brought up surrounded by antiques. Antiques dealing is in my family. My mother used to take us to auctions from a very young age (in our prams).
I started dealing in a small way while at university, but then other business and family took up most of my time.
Over 20 years ago I wanted to deal full time and when I was made redundant, I decided to take the plunge and my first fair was a Galloway fair in Harrogate. You can talk about it and plan it but sometimes you just have to go for it.
2 Have you noticed any collecting trends in the last 6-12 months?
Collectors are happier to buy online.
3 What is one great discovery you’ve made?
I was at a major auction many years ago, everyone was up from London for the sale and I assumed I didn’t have a chance with anything. I found a banana box catalogued as ‘mixed glass’ tucked away on a shelf.
Everything was wrapped in newspaper and I think I must have been the only dealer who went through it. I bought it for a song. It was full of Gallé and Daum glass.
'Sevilla', c.1920 Art Deco bronze of a Spanish dancer by Josef Lorenzl (1892-1950) – £3500 from Solo Antiques.
4 Who do you admire in the art/ antiques world?
At this current time, I admire the entire antiques trade. Everyone has got on with trying to make a living during the pandemic. Online fairs, virtual fairs, Facebook fairs, new websites, easier online payments, online-only auctions, zoom, couriers, shippers. BADA has been incredibly supportive. I have had help and support from dealer colleagues, and I have provided the same.
5 Real ale or espresso martini?
A large gin and tonic or a glass of champagne.
If you would like to be featured in 5 Questions, please contact gabrielberner@antiquestradegazette.com
