buying antiques & vintage - edition III
Buying antiques and vintage has always been a slower, more considered part of my design process. It asks you to look extensively, to notice proportion, surface, wear, and the subtle details that only time can create. These are the pieces that resist trends, that sit comfortably in a room without explanation, and often end up anchoring a scheme in a way nothing new quite can.
Over the past year, through the first two editions of this journal, I’ve shared some of the dealers I return to most; sources that value restraint, quality, and character over novelty. The conversations that followed, about favourite finds, long-held pieces, and the quiet satisfaction of discovering something just right, stayed with me. This third edition feels like a natural continuation of that dialogue: an expanded, carefully considered edit of dealers whose collections I admire for their depth, integrity, and sense of permanence.
1. TALLBOY INTERIORS
Tallboy Interiors brings together antiques and newly made pieces with a quiet confidence, creating collections that feel both grounded and relevant. There is a clarity to the way objects are chosen, an emphasis on craftsmanship, proportion, and materiality, resulting in pieces that honour their origins while sitting comfortably in contemporary interiors. For example, I adore this lovely piece of wall art made from an original two‑panelled 19th Century Chinese silk screen.
Photo credit: @tallboyinteriors
2. BROWN RIGG INTERIORS
Set in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, Brownrigg is a treasure trove for antiques and decorative pieces from the early 17th Century to the mid 20th Century. The owners, Jorge and David, are always bringing a fresh perspective, supporting clients in their quest for something different. This 18th Century French Louis XVI period mirror is no exception, in moulded, carved, and gilded wood.
Photo credit: @brownrigguk
3. THE OLD CINEMA, LONDON
Established in 1978, this wonderful department store in Chiswick was recently listed in the ‘100 best shops’ in the world by Retail Week. I can understand why this is the case. The store has incredibly diverse stock, from kitsch Americana to period antiques, Asian arts to French decadence. This ever-changing inventory makes The Old Cinema an exceptional shopping destination. An example of exemplary design, I stumbled across this delightful pair of large mid-century French sconces.
Photo credit: @theoldcinemalondon
4. DREW PRITCHARD
Drew Pritchard founded his antiques and interior business over thirty years ago, focusing on conservation and restoration projects alongside the antique business. To quote, “His interiors are put together in a way that creates a comfortable, ever-evolving natural home, avoiding overly perfect styled rooms, designed with an eye to a life lived”. This 19th Century mahogany locker cupboard has a stunning moulded cornice and sprung brass locks on all fifteen doors.
Photo credit: @drewpritchardantiques
5. HOME & FOUND
Leading interior designer, Tamsin Saunders, founded her studio Home and Found in 2013 and consistently demonstrates her incredible ability to create effortlessly beautiful interiors which are described as ‘seamless’ and ‘undone’. In addition to her design projects, she sells 'Finds’ on her website. This pair of Gothic revival oak side chairs have a bold, masculine form and have been newly upholstered in a rich honey-coloured velvet.
Photo credit: @homeandfound
6. LORFORDS
As Europe’s largest collection of decorative antiques, Lorfords is a wonderful place to explore for small and interesting pieces. Nestled in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, Lorfords also has a sister company, Lorfords Contemporary, making handmade upholstered seating close to their Tetbury roots in the Cotswolds. My favourite from this collection is the TP Modern Sofa, which has a wonderful straight skirt as the finishing touch to this delightful, simple and elegant sofa. When perusing their antiques today for a client project, I came across the most beautiful 19th Century English mahogany chiffonier. The top has a glorious glazed bookcase, and beneath is a two-door cupboard, flagged by carved columns.
Photo credit: @lorfordsantiq
7. RETROUVIOUS
A repeat favourite of mine is Retrouvious, led by Adam Hills and Maria Speake, who bring salvaged, reclaimed and vintage materials back into circulation through their shop and studio. If you are looking for furniture, lighting, accessories or architectural salvage, Retrouvious is a brilliant, creative destination. I stumbled across these small grooved alabaster pendant lights and instantly fell in love. These are dated from the 20th Century, the scuffs and chips commensurate with age, adding to the character of any interior.
Photo credit: @retrouvius
8. ALICE CRAWLEY
Alice Crawley is a leading interior designer who also sells antiques via her online shop. Having spent time living in Hong Kong and Saigon, she has a distinctive style which fuses a Western aesthetic with Eastern design. Alongside antiques, Alice has developed a range of ottomans, wallpaper and a successful collaboration with Layered, a Swedish rug brand. Amongst the antiques, I found the most wonderful Vico Magistretti midcentury chairs pictured.
Photo credit: @alicecrawleyinteriors
9. Litten Tree Antiques
Litten Tree Antiques, founded by Elizabeth Leaver, sells the most wonderful decorative antiques and textiles. There is a reason she has been featured regularly in interior publications. I wait with bated breath for her new pieces to arrive, as each piece is distinctive, individual and packed with character. There is not a piece I don’t like. I currently have my eye on this specimen top octagonal table, for one of my client projects; the detailing and edging are perfect.
Photo credit: @littentreeantiques
10. VINTAGE ON THE VINE
Vintage On The Vine is an antique and decorative interiors business, which is based at Northbrook Vineyard in Bishops Waltham, Hampshire. Dealing mainly in European furniture, aged painted pieces with patina and a unique story behind them. This unique panelled 18th Century hallway bench is incredibly characterful with brass castors and buttery soft wood showing the many years of wear.
Photo credit: @vintageonthevine
