Mark Holden, Eddie Hawkins and David Whalley, who between them cover antique maps, period furniture, silver and glass, decided that an empty Victorian building in the antiques-rich Surrey town was an opportunity not to be missed.
A former antiques centre itself, the building was refurbished and opened as Dorking Antiques on Saturday, August 1, with 20 dealers.
Holden said: “If the first day is anything to go on it should be a huge success. We will certainly work to make it so. Dealer Gill Coe was just as enthusiastic, saying: “I’ve been dealing for 30 years and am really happy to be in this super new centre. I sold lots of items on the first day so was very pleased.”