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Rowland Leach of French Loft.

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A selection of his stock will be for sale this month at the Bath Decorative Antiques Fair (October 21-24).

1 How did you get your start?

We had just finished our last project creating and designing our restaurant Amelie and Friends in Chichester and I took a space in an antiques shop also in Chichester.

From there we found an old brewery building in Arundel to create our own space for selling antiques.

2 What challenges are facing the trade in the coming months?

Following Brexit, obtaining stock from France is more challenging for small to medium-size dealers.

3 Have you noticed any collecting trends in the last 6-12 months?

There is still a strong desire for original painted furniture.

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An English cast-iron Regency-style urn priced at £1100 from French Loft.

4 One lesson you would pass on to others in the trade?

Stay true to yourself and trust your own eye.

5 Who do you admire the art and antiques world?

The person who inspired me when I was 18 years old: my then boss David Taylor, who had an incredible eye.

frenchloft.com


If you would like to be featured in 5 Questions, please contact gabrielberner@antiquestradegazette.com