Variety truly is the spice of life. In late 2022, I was delighted to be asked by my Antiques Roadshow friend Eric Knowles to join the roster of dealers at The Pantiles Arcade housed in the Corn Exchange in the heart of the historic Pantiles. I’m no stranger to having a shop, but my roots are in the auction world, where I started in the mid-90s working for Bonhams and then Sotheby’s. Following that, I co-founded and managed an exclusive deal with eBay Live Auctions’ and their live-bidding technology. I then worked with Judith Miller on the world-famous Miller’s price guides, whilst also founding my own publishing company. As a long-time hat wearer, I like to have many hats! “Wherever I lay my hat, that’s my home” as Paul Young sang. And my home is now in The Pantiles Arcade.
Variety is also the spice of life at home too. Many people think of antiques as dry, dusty, staid – and not for them. Not true! Even younger generations are seeing the inherent quality in buying something with age, quality, a story – and meaning - behind it. Individuality is taking over from the homogeneity of high street and retail park mass-production - it’s hard to feel nostalgic about, or love for, a flatpack bookcase. Tell the story of your life, loves and interests by mixing and matching. Maximalism and the freedom of expressing yourself and your journey through life with how you decorate your ‘nest’ are the new way forward.
There’s also a financial aspect – your high street or retail park homewares are unlikely to be worth a great deal if you tire of them and fancy a change, or want to sell when you upsize or downsize. That’s not the case with antiques or vintage pieces, which typically hold a considerably higher residual value. Without wanting to be holier than thou, environmental aspects are important too – antiques are green.
Speaking of the roster of dealers at The Pantiles Arcade, who did I join? Scottish Antiques offers the finest and widest selection of Georgian and Victorian drinking glasses and Tunbridgeware in the country, together with colourful 20th century art glass including Lalique, and a smorgasbord of fine 18th and 19th century porcelain and superb silver. Stylish Art Deco furniture and works of art are offered by Jacob Luc, and keep track of time with fine clocks and watches, including repairs and restoration, from my Antiques Roadshow colleague Richard Price. Joseph buys and sells stunning jewellery, and toys and nostalgia can be found with Peter Redman at Hope & Glory. Royal Warrant holder Wilkinson crowns the roof with stunning chandeliers. Quite literally it’s four centuries of art, design, culture and history all under one roof.
This already makes The Pantiles Arcade a major hub for fine antiques and interiors in the South East. However, in May this year, it will be bolstered with the launch of a boutique auction house called Mark Hill Auctions – I’m delighted to be going back to the auction world where I started.
We believe in serving you, the seller, the best way possible. To do this, we’ll have some of the lowest commission rates in the industry, and can also offer a retail sales channel if we feel that that’s best suited to realising the best price for your item. All lots will have a full condition report, and a trouble-free shipping service will be available.
Visit The Pantiles Arcade at 49 Lower Walk, The Pantiles from Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am – 5pm. More details can be found at thepantilesarcade.com, or by calling 01892 322 777. To buy online, visit scottishantiques.com.
For valuations or to consign items for auction, email mark@markhillauctions.com or call 01892 574 310 to set up a free appointment.
This article first appeared in Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine in May 2024.
