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TOWNING'S TRAVELS CONTINUE
Chelsea jeweller Ian Towning travelled to Berkhamsted, north of Watford in Hertfordshire recently took part in another edition of ITV's Dickinson's Real Deal. It was filmed at Berkhamsted Sports Space just off Berkhamsted High Street which has a number of antiques shops. Filming took place all day and the public brought along items they would like to sell, for possible inclusion in the programme to be screened later in the year. Ian will be taking part in more programmes in this new series which are being filmed later in the year at Buxton and Sheffield. Watch this space for details!
ANOTHER REASON, ANOTHER SEASON TO BE IN CHELSEA!
The autumn Chelsea Antiques Fair returns to the Old Town Hall, King's Road from 23-26 September 2010. London's oldest annual traditional antiques fair has around 30 stands filled with the choicest items from the current stock of dealers from throughout the UK. First held in 1951, this show has been attracting collectors and dealers from around the world for well over half a century. Admission £5. Across the road from the Old Town Hall, Bourbon Hanby Arcade offers an eclectic selection of antiques and decorative things. Admission free every day. All adding up to another reason for collectors and dealers to be in Chelsea at the height of the London autumn antiques season.
TIMELY INVESTMENT
Following the latest UK government budget, clocks and watches remain exempt from Capital Gains Tax. HM Customs and Excise advises clocks and watches are regarded as machinery for Capital Gains purposes. As such they are deemed to have a predictable life that does not exceed 50 years and are therefore regarded as a wasting asset. Tell that to Mr Tompion and Mr Rolex. Click onto "Collectables" and then onto Watches and Clocks on this website or telephone 0207 352 2106 to enquire about latest additions to stock.
TRADE REACTION TO COALITION GOVERNMENT
Following the parliamentary election that resulted in the first UK coalition government for 65 years, the promise of harsh taxation and continuing low interest rates makes an alternative investment in antiques even more attractive. There has been a noticeable increase in interest from potential purchasers, especially in antique jewellery, silver and paintings. For the same reason, practical antiques, not least furniture, can provide a worthwhile hedge against inflation as they often appreciate in value whilst being appreciated in the home.
BADA MEMBERSHIP SURVEY
Almost half the 335 membership forwarded trading figures to July 2009 for inclusion in the 21st annual British Antique Dealers Association Survey. Overall a majority appeared reasonably resilient to the ongoing economic recession. 30% reported turnover the same as 2008, and 25% reported an increase. There is no indication of profits. 60% of sales were on dealers' premises, 24% at fairs and 4% via the internet
SAFE HAVEN FOR INVESTORS
The latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors UK Arts & Antiques Survey says silver and jewellery are safe havens for investors and remain strong sectors with 57% and 41% members reporting rising rather than falling prices respectively in these categories during the first quarter of 2010.
GOOD EGG - BAD EGG
Thought of as a good egg by many antiques dealers, north-east England independent auctioneer Jim Railton was fined £1000 for offering for sale a four-drawer Edwardian oak cabinet (estimate £30-£40) that contained 54 birds eggs of the same period. He fell foul of the Wildlife & Countryside Act of 1981 that makes it illegal to sell any British wild bird egg, whatever its age. The maximum penalty for selling British wild birds eggs is six months imprisonment and/or a fine of £5000 per egg.
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN CHELSEA
Now the only antiques centre in King's Road, Chelsea, London, is Bourbon Hanby Arcade on the corner of Sydney Street, opposite Chelsea Old Town Hall. Recent newcomers include some familiar faces who traded for many years at the nearby Antiquarius centre that closed last year. Sue Norman, dealer in blue and white transferware, Saint Esprit, antique and fine jewellery, Louis Vuitton luggage specialist Raker Ltd. Ferguson Fine Art, sporting and hunting art and Angelo Gibson antique silver and silver plate all add their wide selections of stock to augment that of the established dealers at this busy antiques centre in the heart of Chelsea.
UK SALES TO USA ON THE UP?
Last year British worldwide exports by value of antiques, defined as objects over 100 years old, fell by 37.8% based on annual overseas trade statistics reported by the Antiques Trade Gazette. Antiques exported to America fell by 25%, so the current much more attractive US dollar/£ sterling exchange rate bodes well for an upturn during 2010. In particular a rising demand has been noted recently for antique jewellery and paintings from American buyers.
OPEN AND CLOSED
In London, Bourbon Hanby Arcade in Chelsea is open seven days a week which is more than can be said for some of its approach routes from south of the River Thames. The Albert Bridge is closed until next year and Hammersmith Bridge is closed at weekends. So plan your journeys accordingly.
ANTIQUES BOUGHT ON TV - FOR SALE ON INTERNET
If you ever wonder where items seen and bought by dealers on ITV's "Dickinson's Real Deal" show are subsequently sold, Chelsea jeweller and flamboyant valuer on the show, Ian Towning is currently offering a wide selection of the purchases he has made online.
Click onto REAL DEAL from the HOME page of this website and find items acquired from shows town-by-town throughout the country. It is the first time antiques bought on a TV show by the Trade have been sold in this way coming with a written provenance and signed photograph. Ian has always been very open about his belief in a quick turnaround and reasonable mark-up buying and selling antiques. Now indexed town by town throughout Britain where items have been purchased, everyone has the chance to buy them rather than only those who visit Ian's showroom at the Bourbon Hanby Arcade opposite Chelsea Old Town Hall in King's Road, London.
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