Posted on April 29, 2022
Image credit: Brownrigg Interiors
The Cotswolds are filled to the brim with fantastic independent interiors shops, homewares emporiums and antiques treasure troves.
Many of the towns have over the years developed reputations as centres for particular types of arts or antiques - Stow on the Wold and Tetbury for furniture, Broadway and Woodstock for art - this week on the journal we will share 5 of our favourite haunts, plus tips on how to style your finds in your own home:
Pic credit: Original House
Archie Mackie sources brilliant pieces for The Original House in Cirencester that have real character and patina (clients including Soho House and Ralph Lauren) loyal shoppers seek out Archie's expert eye in sourcing unique and unusual interior objects, from vintage industrial furniture and lighting, to antique painted French furniture as well as some mid century pieces. Original House is open by appointment only and we'd recommend joining the mailing list to receive an updated stock list every month. Homepage journal cover pic credit: Original House.
Pic credit: Station Mill Antiques
Station Mill Antiques in Chipping Norton has been home to 80 high quality, reputable antiques dealers since 1997. It is a treasure trove of ever-changing finds - spread over two levels. Shop everything from furniture to ceramics, kitchenalia and collectibles. Chipping Norton is a top notch destination for antique shopping, check out our Area Guide for more recommendations on a day out to this Cotswolds destination!
Artique source antiques from Asia; including vintage rugs, architectural finds and objet d'art. From ornately carved Haveli doors from India, to authentic Kilim rugs, iron fire bowls for the garden and antique teak furniture - the perfect destination for wanderlust antiques hunters.
Pic credit: Lorfords
Lorfords in Tetbury is a great destination for a wide range of British and European antiques. Spanning three centuries it's also home to Europe's largest collection of decorative antiques. Nestled in the centre of town which also has fabulous shops and cafes (read our Tetbury guide here), its a true treasure trove of carefully sourced pieces and a great day out for interiors lovers.
Heritage antiques is the home to 12 established and experienced antique dealers located in a characterful, 15th century building in the heart of Woodstock. Focussing on mainly pre-1940s pieces, their stock ranges from British country pieces to arts and crafts, clocks, ceramics and mirrors. Great for those looking to create a classical, English home feel.
Specialising in furniture, art and decorative pieces, The Oscar Collective’s stock ranges from mid-century Europe and the glamorous Hollywood regency period to the 19th and 20th century French objets d’art. All curated by Lizzie Gorden, the antique collection is eye-catching, inspiring and wonderfully eclectic.
An antiques collection built from passion and inspired by their own personal journeys, Jorge and David of Brownrigg have pieces that span from 30 years old to a centuries old. The creative drive behind their curation process which results in such a diverse collection, has made Brownrigg a favourite for interior designers, decorators and private clients wanting to find truly special pieces.
Antiques found in their Tetbury, mid-18th century Georgian townhouse are sourced from across Northern, Eastern and Southern Europe, with even more curiosities available to browse online.
Cover photo credit: Brownrigg Interiors.
Situated in Tetbury, in a stunning 17th-century building lies Emma Lechallas' treasure trove of antiques. Emma is known for her ability to find unusual and beautiful pieces from both France and Sweden and finding antique upholstery allowing a focus on deconstructed seating.
For a festival celebrating the world of antiques in a truly opulent environment, put the annual Cotswolds Art and Antique Dealers Association Fair on your calendar! Always held at Blenheim Palace, 30 members come together to display a select collection of their finest items, with most recognised on the international antique stage. It's the perfect event to experience the best of Cotswolds antiquing all in one beautiful spot.
6 antiques styling tips:
Buy what you love
There are no hard and fast rules to buying antiques - just because you live in a Georgian property, it doesn't mean you can't love mid-century pieces. Invest in the pieces you are drawn to and that you can see being future heirlooms for your family.
Look for pieces with a story
One of the joys of buying antiques is the story behind them - look for pieces with a heritage, or a story behind them that you feel a connection with - be it geographical or personal - as you will treasure them all the more and they will bring a rich tapestry to your home.
Take care of them
When purchasing antiques, take the time to learn about how to care for them - whether that's how best to clean specialist materials such as wood, leather and crystal, or finding the experts you need to restore or service your new purchases. A little TLC will ensure they last and continue to bring you joy for years to come.
Layer up old and new
To stop your home feeling like a museum, don't be afraid to mix old and new. It might be an antique bed, layered up with beautiful new French linen and cushions, or a persian rug underneath your new sofas. To tie everything together, keep to one colour palette throughout the room. A good tip is to source antiques to create the 'bones' of a room, the bigger pieces of furniture, and then dress it with newer accessories and soft furnishings to give a modern classic feel.
Seek out the perfect piece
Buying antiques is a personal experience, make the time to get to know your local dealers and if you're looking for a specific piece to fit into your home - a dining table, for example or a rug to fit a certain space - don't be afraid to ask if they offer a sourcing service. Many experienced dealers will keep their eye out for pieces for you if you are a regular customer.
Antiques can be practical
The best antiques aren't the ones that need to be handled with kid gloves, but the ones you will use and love everyday, from a rectory table with a well-loved patina that you use in your kitchen every day, to a vintage French bed frame that transforms your bedroom into an indulgent sanctuary. Try not to be too precious and enjoy your antiques!