Rosey Ford of Serendipity.
1 How did you get your start?
I bought and sold small items while I was at college in Cheltenham as I loved anything old, and then got a holiday job with an antiques dealer in Ross-on- Wye where we lived. I loved working with fabulous antiques and was so successful at selling that I ended up taking over his shop aged 19. The rest is history. I now deal from one of the largest stocks of period furniture in the country and with our in-house interior decoration service can furnish any period home to perfection.
An example of stock from Serendipity.
2 What upcoming events do you have planned?
Having exhibited at fairs for over 50 years including 44 summer fine art and antiques fairs at Olympia – something of a record – I am not sure what to do this year now that fairs are re-happening. We hope to have an exhibition at my showrooms to celebrate 50 years in the trade, delayed by two years due to lockdown.
3 Have you noticed any collecting trends in the last few months?
Luckily we have remained busy selling Georgian furniture, especially four poster beds, and are thrilled to have some young clientele.
Many people have bought country houses and always want a farmhouse dining table and chairs initially.
4 What is one great discovery you have made?
I bought a Fabergé gold charka inset with large precious jewels. I entered it for auction and sadly the important London auction house lost it – I had a minimal payout.
5 One item you couldn’t do without?
My large home and buildings incorporating my shop where I can house all my acquisitions.
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