1 What is one great discovery you’ve made?
A 17th century English glass dish now in a major US museum – a ‘feather in your cap moment’ – as well as other sales to the Corning and St Louis Fine art museums in the last year.
2 What is encouraging about the trade right now?
It is difficult to say, but ‘it can only get better’ would be a starting point. It’s been a tough couple of years for the trade but are starting to realise what good value antiques are.
3 What is one challenge in the market at the moment?
The relentless promotion of auction rooms by the BBC, even when they offer bad value, little service. In my experience, some offer almost no expertise and yet they are the public face of our trade. For example, my field of antique glass is considered slightly a black art and many auction rooms don’t have a specialist who can deal with it.
4 What is one question it is important to ask before buying?
‘Do I like it?’ – our job is to tell a customer what an item is, it is their job to live with it. An object might be rare and costly, but if you do not like it you do not want it.
5 Where do you go to see art and antiques?
I like to dip in and out of the Victoria and Albert Museum as often as possible.
If you would like to be featured in 5 Questions, please contact francesallitt@antiquestradegazette.com
