OUR STORY
ALSO Antiques grew out of a simple idea.
When we began restoring our own period home, we quickly realised that modern furniture rarely had the character, craftsmanship or sense of permanence we were looking for. Antiques did. We are drawn to old furniture not simply because of its age, but because of everything that comes with it: the story it carries, the patina acquired through years of use, the quality of its materials and the craftsmanship that has allowed it to survive. Every piece in our collection is chosen individually because something about it catches our eye. Sometimes it’s the colour, sometimes the proportions, sometimes the craftsmanship, or simply the feeling that it belongs. Above all, we choose pieces we genuinely admire and would happily have in our own home. Our tastes are broad, and we’re happy to be led by the furniture itself rather than a particular period or style. From early oak and Georgian elegance to beautifully made Victorian and twentieth-century pieces, what matters to us is the quality, character and individuality of a piece – and that it has plenty of life still ahead of it. For us, that longevity is part of the appeal: good furniture shouldn’t need replacing simply because fashions change. Condition matters, but with old furniture we don’t expect perfection. The marks of age – old repairs, knocks, wear and occasional historic woodworm – are often part of a piece’s story and, provided they don’t detract from its integrity or usefulness, are something we’re happy to embrace. Where restoration has been carried out, we believe it should respect the original piece rather than disguise its age. We describe condition openly and accurately, to the best of our knowledge, so you know exactly what you’re buying. Some pieces pass through our workshop in the Yorkshire Dales, where any work is undertaken sympathetically, preserving the marks, patina and character that make old furniture what it is, while allowing it to continue to be used and enjoyed for years to come. We hope you’ll enjoy browsing our collection as much as we’ve enjoyed finding it – and perhaps find something worth living with for many years to come. ALex & SOphie
WHY CHOOSE ANTIQUE?
01
It was made to last.
Much of the furniture we sell has already been in use for a century or more. Good materials, skilled craftsmanship and traditional construction are why it has survived – and why it can continue to do so.
03
It's already sustainable.
The most sustainable piece of furniture is often one that already exists. Keeping well-made furniture in use extends the value of its materials and craftsmanship for another generation.
02
No two pieces are the same.
Mellowed timber, worn edges, old repairs and variations in colour give antique furniture the character and history that make each piece unique. These details develop through years of use and can’t be replicated in something new.
04
Quality that proves itself.
A piece that has survived generations of use has already proved the quality of its materials and making. We look for good construction, pleasing proportions, useful design and character.
05
Furniture for living.
We don’t believe antiques need to be treated as museum pieces. They were made to be used and enjoyed. Part of their pleasure is living with them for a while, adding to their history before – hopefully – they continue on to another generation.
ALex & SOphie