Stuart Murray of Retrovintage.
1 How did you get your start as a dealer?
Strange one this. I only discovered my passion for Mid-century design around four years ago. I suppose it was kind of love-at-first-sight. Then I wondered if I could make enough of a living from dealing in these wonderful items to allow me to indulge my own love of design. Thankfully, after four years, I’m getting to do both.
2 Have you noticed any collecting trends in the last few months or so?
The demand for Mid-century Modern pieces continues to grow and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. Magazine and TV features continue to educate and inform furniture buyers and there seems to be a greater awareness of Danish furniture in particular. All that said, dining tables remain ever so popular. I guess largely because everyone needs a place to eat!
3 What is one great discovery you have made?
Interestingly enough, for all the wonderful Danish pieces available, my favourite piece is a breathtakingly beautiful crossframe sideboard (shown below) by the famed Mid-century maker Beithcraft, manufactured in the little Ayrshire town of Beith – around 10 miles from where I was brought up. It lives in my hallway at home now.
A crossframe sideboard by Beithcraft.
4 Something you would like to get your hands on – a ‘holy grail’ in your area?
I’m always looking for a 1960s Herman Miller Model 670 Lounge Chair by Charles & Ray Eames. Who isn’t, mind you? Probably the most famous lounge chair ever produced – when I find one, it’ll definitely be a ‘keeper’.
5 What is one thing you couldn’t do without?
Teak oil! It’s such a fantastic product for reviving teak furniture. It evens out marks and colour differences as well as restoring some lustre to those beautiful grain patterns.
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