He stressed to ATG that this is not the end of the road for him as a dealer, and he has already bought a new barn near his Dorset home where he will start his next studio. He added that he will continue working with staff on their next steps.
However, in recent years Bolan found that activity from buyers had slackened.
“It’s not the money – it’s about being active and having enough to do. It’s become a bit dull over the past few years and there’s not the level of excitement that we enjoy,” he said, pointing to the rise of online buying and the impending Brexit as two recent impediments to business.
Furniture focus
Bolan first opened Talisman in the West Country in 1982 before moving it to Chelsea in 2008. Though the initial focus was antiques, it moved on to focus on 20th century furniture.
“Prior to starting this sale I wouldn’t have known if there was the same level of interest in this furniture,” he said. “But we’ve sold hundreds of items this month so it’s definitely not over.
“I’m not sure what I’ll do with my future, but I’ve been dealing since 1973 and I suspect I’ll keep doing that. In the meantime I’m going to sit back and take the time which I’m fortunate to do.”
