Roo Irvine specialises in glass, jewellery, silver and decorative items.
1 How did you get your start?
My husband and I were both in the corporate world, but 10 years ago both our fathers passed away within weeks of each other and we stepped away from our businesses to look after our mothers. Our house had been furnished with antiques and we frequented weekly auctions, so we started to sell antiques and collectable items online, which then turned into opening our own shop in our village. I have a keen eye for what our customers like, whether locals or tourists.
2 What is one great discovery you have made?
Although not antique, we bought two pieces of Keiki Mukaide glass (Japanese glass artist) at a small rural auction house and later realised they are one-off pieces with her work appearing in various art galleries around the world. We also bought a rare type of double goffering iron (used for crimping ruffs), which sparked a bidding frenzy online back in our ‘early days’.
3 What is one thing you couldn’t do without?
I have a stunning gold Georgian mourning ring, with woven hair among the gold and closed with a gold heart. I fell in love with it at a fair and I was drawn to it all day… like it was calling me! So I bought it and I wear it every night from when I go to bed until I wake up. It feels like butter and just feels right on my finger - I feel like I have a connection to it, so I wear it when I sleep!
4 Do you have a collection in your home?
We used to have more antiques when we lived in our Victorian home, but since moving into a modern home, looking out over the Clyde, we have changed our interior style to suit the place we are in. We still have a few key pieces, but we had to be sympathetic to the style of our home. In our previous home, we had whole displays set up of various antiques. I can relate to the Victorians in that sense. A collection or display is almost set up like a still life. Every piece has its place, carefully chosen for balance!
5 Real ale or espresso martini?
Hah! Water all the way! Give me ice-cold Scottish water straight from our bonnie land.
If you would like to be featured in 5 Questions, please contact francesallitt@antiquestradegazette.com
