DAYSOUT
The Kent Collector cont...
WHERE TO BUY
Across the month of June, visitors travel to Kent from near and far in the search of antique and vintage pieces. Hunting through salvage yards, fairs and independent shops can be a daunting prospect, but there are a number of hotspots across the county that offer authentic, handcrafted pieces infused with historic Kentish charm.
For specific days tailored to antique and vintage events, Detling Showground Antiques & Vintage Fair( lovefairs. com / detlingshowground) is the largest of its kind in Kent. The event hosts over 400 stalls and outdoor sellers, with a variety of unusual and bespoke pieces. Whether it is unique furniture, ceramics, silverware or garden items, the space offers a chance to learn from seasoned collectors and explore trader stalls in a no-pressure environment, making it an ideal starting point for curating your collection.
If you’ re looking for specific pieces, auction houses offer the opportunity to bid from the comfort of your home, attend inperson auctions or visit valuation days. Found in the quiet town of Chislehurst, Catherine Southon Auctioneers and Valuers( catherinesouthon. co. uk) offer regular auctions in Kent, showcasing high-quality unique antiques and designer pieces, from decorative art and fine jewellery to intricate silverware. The auction house specialises in one-of-a-kind collector pieces, including a recent single-owner collection of Chanel handbags, as well as accessories and ready-to-wear fashion.
“ The Chanel collection is beautifully curated, capturing the essence of Chanel across different eras. Each piece has been carefully chosen and preserved, and together they tell a story of timeless design and enduring desirability. It is always a privilege to handle a single-owner collection of this calibre and we are delighted to bring it to auction at such an exciting moment for fashion.”
- Catherine Southon
Exploring across the county can lead you to the market town of Faversham, where the Faversham Antiques Market( favershammarket. org) is held the first Sunday of every month, featuring bespoke furniture, jewellery, collectibles and artwork. Heading further along the Kentish coast can lead you to discover hidden gems including Petticoat Lane Emporium( petticoatemporium. com), Kent’ s largest indoor marketplace of antique, retro and vintage goods, based in the coastal towns of Ramsgate and Folkestone.
STYLING YOUR COLLECTION
CATHERINE SOUTHON
Early summer embodies a sense of growth and renewal, a time to rediscover what inspires you, which can help in styling your growing collection. Shaping a space takes time and requires careful consideration. Focusing on intentionality and cohesion while letting your creativity flow can allow you to lean into your personal aesthetic while not forgetting the importance of authentic quality.
Harnessing your aesthetic taste can allow you to build a space that feels considered but also has a unique touch of eclectic flair. Blending styles that contrast can be a playful way to elevate your collection in your home. If you choose to pair, for example, a contemporary, low-profile, deep-seated sofa with a Victorian oakcarved sidetable, your collection can evolve to have a characterful impression while retaining modern comforts.
By blending contrasting pieces, you can begin to define your colour palette and integrating bolder colours can be a way to accentuate certain items in your collection. Pairing those elements with softer, neutral tones and textures can elevate a space to feel lived in; together with hand-knotted natural fibre rugs, rustic stoneware and layered cushions, these added touches draw attention to your collection while creating a personalised touch.
The space you create will evolve over time, allowing for pieces to come and go depending on how your style shifts. Choosing pieces that appeal to your personal taste but equally retain a valuable quality will allow you to benefit from items that no longer resonate with you.
Naturally, there is a fine line between curating for passion and long-term profit, but by refining your knowledge and investing in higher-value items, you can seamlessly expand and edit your collection to create a timeless space that grows and changes as you do. www. insidekent. co. uk • 77