As many people did at the time, I went overseas in the early 1970s. I settled in London, opposite the Ealing movie studios. I worked at Harrod’s of Knightsbridge in the furnishing fabrics department. I still have the Harrod’s pin entitling me to enter the staff cafeteria. I also did a stint with a furniture manufacturer at West Hounslow. I managed to get time touring the Continent during the summers, getting an idea of what existed in the various countries. One of my favourite items was bought at a roadside stall in Spain. Other favourite items are alabaster cups bought in Istanbul’s Bazaar. I returned home in late 1974.
As an upholsterer it has involved me in antiques from my first day on the job as a lad. I have learned all facets of that trade, from the new to the ancient ways as well as motor trimming. I have also been involved in furniture design and manufacture – I had a factory manufacturing furniture. It involved wholesaling to all corners of South Australia and Broken Hill and as far north as Darwin. I even sent some designs to Japan. I sold the factory back in 1997. I continued re-upholstery and repairs at Strathalbyn, dabbling in antiques as a sideline.
When I retired in 2010 I was not about to just sit on my hands. I decided to join the fun with the other dealers up the road. As I already had the premises, it was just a matter of changing direction. I already had the skills to do restoration and repairs so it was not a huge leap to change direction. I can and do restore and repair many items for the shop.
Strathalbyn is an area that dates back to 1835 and has farming in the outlying areas. It has a Scottish heritage and a lot of interesting items can be found within a short distance. Naturally a great number of items locally are from the UK and the Continent. Interestingly I have found quite a number of items from Africa in the district. Unsurprisingly, a lot of Australian-made items also find their way into the shop.
I don’t specialise in any one thing and consequently everyone will find something of interest to them. The items have ranged from very early Geiger counters to Port Elliot pottery, a Nuclear Fallout computer to boomerangs, sheets of music or good old Carltonware and Shelley. What’s more, I’m just as happy buying as I am selling.
Everyone is welcome to come in and have a look, or just for a chinwag about your favourite item.
