Some days he sports a long Teddy Boy jacket and suede creepers which he wears to flamboyant effect in the shop and as a dealer on Dickinson’s Real Deal since the show’s inception 15 years ago.
Hofgartner said: “It’s encouraging to see more of the younger generation taking an interest and buying pieces for home and garden renovations. And copper is coming back into fashion – definitely a noticeable trend for kitchen and home use.”
He added: “Hungerford is looking great and is thriving with its three antique centres and many specialist independent shops. Business is excellent for me with particularly good international sales both online and visitors to the shop.
“Lighting and interior fittings are always good throughout the year and this is the best time for selling fireside items.”
Before he opened his shop nearly 40 years ago selling vintage and antique pieces from five rooms and a courtyard, Hofgartner, a collector of domestic and kitchenware, had a unit at Hungerford Arcade which had just opened.
