All antiques tell a story: whether that is simply your tale of search and discovery or that of the life the piece has led so far. Antiques were made to be used and repaired, to be adapted and repurposed. These possibilities only add to the thrill of the chase when sourcing. But knowing whether the piece you are buying is a true gem or something best avoided can be tricky, and in order to save yourself time and money, it is important to consider a number of factors before buying something.
My advice is to study the story that runs behind each piece. Learn about the makers, the materials, the process and the design. This knowledge is not essential, but it all adds to the joy and the richness of having these pieces in your life. Sourcing and using antiques is all about a love of learning, the enjoyment of the unknown, the thrill of the chase – hunting down the right piece for the right place, being open to alternatives and what might fall into your path. If you get stuck, the below guide should remind you what is important to consider before making a purchase. I wish you happy hunting.
Is it joyful?
We always try and bring a playful element into our designs, whether it’s a wobbly jelly mould for a pantry or a Staffordshire cow creamer for a dresser. They balance well with more academic pieces, and the antiques fairs are perfect for these more characterful items – like the giant toleware fish we bought recently in the south of France.
Is it too good to be true?
Look for signs of wear. With carpets in particular, some light wear throughout can sit beautifully in a house. A very bright and fluffy pile, on the other hand, means it may not have much age to it.
Can it be wired?
Whenever I attend a fair, I set myself the target of finding ten antiques that can be wired for lighting. Often these are not lamps yet, so you have to look at the ceramics and even brass candlesticks and see their potential.
How versatile is it?
Trunks and chests are a good example. I’ve had to resist some of the most beautiful lacquer trunks because they’ve had domed tops, which don’t lend themselves to use as something like a side table, whereas flat-topped trunks are an ideal purchase.
What do you like about a piece of art?
Is it the picture, or is it the frame? You can sometimes be put off a picture because of its frame, but sometimes it helps to mentally separate the two. Antique frames can be picked up very reasonably, particularly at fairs, and bearing that in mind might make all the difference to a piece you’re on the fence about.
Do all the parts belong together?
Some antiques – tripod tables, made up of tabletop and base, being a regular culprit – are often a marriage of different parts. It’s always worth looking underneath and asking whether they belong together.
How much work will this need to make it suitable?
Often the cost of restoration can far outweigh the cost of the original item, especially when it comes to upholstery. You might buy something thinking ‘oh, I’ll just redo it’ but the cost of reupholstering can quickly climb into the thousands, so try to think beyond the initial outlay.
Are the basics right?
Another question that we often ask ourselves when it comes to upholstered items. If you’re going to spend a lot of time, money and energy getting something to a place where you’re completely happy with it, you’ve got to be in love with the unchangeable elements of the piece, too – like the form, the shape, the construction.
I am always seeking authenticity and purity, a little quirk in each piece so that they are not stale but rich, well patinated and amusing.
