Former colleagues Emma Townshend and Simon Carter launched Wyke House this summer in what used to be a grocer’s store.
Carter, who is currently living above the shop, has a museums and galleries background including advising on the government’s Parliamentary Art Collection, while Townshend’s career path includes design, exhibitions and merchandising. They left their roles at the start of the pandemic and, having always wanted to work in the antiques trade, grabbed the opportunity that came up in Dursley.
Townshend said: “It was a challenge opening a retail business during the pandemic, especially being new to the area and the first antiques shop the town has ever had.”
Carter added: “I’m feeling my way as I get into the trade from the dealing end but we have been selling well in the shop and online including small furniture, handpainted ceramics and studio pottery. I’ve been buying at auction and plan to stand at fairs.
“Dursley is a really nice town on the up with plenty of people relocating here. Everyone has been so encouraging from the moment we started work on the shop.”
