DAYSOUT
The Kent Collector cont...
GETTING STARTED
If you’ re considering starting a collection of timeless pieces, with the right approach, collecting can become an enjoyable and deeply rewarding experience. To help demystify the process, this tailored guide will explore what to buy, where to look and how to style your collection, with expert advice from across the county. Even if you’ re at the very start of your journey or refining your collection, there is inspiration in every corner of The Garden of England.
HOW TO BUY
Every collection begins with inspiration and discovery; finding your unique style can evolve over time and refining your search will prevent you from chasing fleeting trends. When beginning to search for antique pieces, understanding your personal taste will naturally guide your instincts, whether it is mid-century modern furniture with a focus on functionality and organic shapes or an Art Deco style with bold geometric patterns and streamlined curves- sourcing will become easier when you have a specific style in mind.
Leaning into your style will help you to evaluate antique items and learn to identify authenticity. This is essential to collecting valuable pieces, as authentic age often leaves a mark; this can be anything from a maker’ s mark and stamps to handcraftmanship. When searching for antique pieces, if it is 20th-century furniture, look for natural materials that align with the era, such as walnut, oak or mahogany and traditional woodworking techniques like dovetail joinery, which are key indicators of authenticity.
For textiles and fabrics, look for hand-stitched seams and natural materials, from wool and cotton to natural fibres. An uneven patina is often desirable, unlike modern fakes which noticeably use synthetic materials and appear overly uniform compared to bespoke antique pieces. Noticing these subtle characteristics will allow you to detect whether an item is worth investing in or leaving behind.
CATHERINE SOUTHON ENAMEL VASES
Understanding authenticity comes with recognising the condition of an item; each piece tells a story, and knowing where it has come from and how it has been cared for is an important element to curating a valuable collection. This is why it can be important to visit local antique fairs and interact with the dealers to learn about the history of each piece you’ re taking home.
“ Antique and vintage fairs, especially the larger ones like our Detling fair, are truly amazing experiences with hundreds of dealers. There is nowhere else in Kent you will find such a huge variety of incredible items in one place. But it’ s not just about the thrill of the hunt or seeking the unique treasure, it’ s about the people and the characters you’ ll meet, the shared experience of being with like-minded lovers of antiques and vintage, and the knowledge and history you’ ll learn from the sellers. Throw in some great stories from the dealers and before you know it, you’ ll find yourself counting down the days until the next fair so you can enjoy it all over again.”
- Donny Mann, co-organiser, Detling Showground Antiques and Vintage Fair
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