Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2009/January 2010 | Page 54

life ANTIQUES Antiques and Collectables - Rooms at the top! By Philip Hoare - F.T.V.I During my many years as a valuer and beauty and quality is, for me, a far more on the best methods of sale, research or advisor on Antiques, I have been privy inspirational environment which promotes acquisition. to some of the finest houses in the land, a feeling of well being and positivity. from fine Country Mansions to splendid For many years I have been sourcing Philip Hoare is a Fellow of the Trade Valuers Institute London Town Houses. I was privileged antiques for clients and advising them indeed to spend just under a year creating on interiors. I have completed many Mob: [phone] an inventory for the contents of Althorp; successful projects, from Substantial Email: [email protected] the Seat of Earl Spencer. Reflecting on period houses, to contemporary Tel: [phone]. these interesting experiences it strikes apartments and, me that, traditionally, architecture this month I have alone does not fully reflect the status, included some success or character of the individual, photographs of my interior furnishings and embellishments finished work. are of equal if not greater importance. I have spent the I personally believe that modernist last few months minimalism is now approaching its end; organising and it is with the juxtaposition of the old and preparing a new the new that the future of interiors really show room in finds its footing. By drawing on the finest Newport with the elements of the past without overlooking focus on traditional the now in fashion and culture we can interiors, lighting, create a synergy of pastiche that is truly furnishings and post-modern. One can sympathetically fabrics - both combine the old with the new, which contemporary works extremely well! and antique it Antique furniture of high quality has is called ‘Rooms never been more affordable than in the At The Top’. The last twenty years and I am convinced shop located at there will shortly be a renaissance; people St James Street, of discerning taste will again start to Newport will be appreciate the intrinsic quality of Fine Art open on Saturday and Antiques. Of course, it is true that 28th of November, the extremely high quality pieces are still and every Friday commanding vast amounts of money, but I will personally the middle market has been lack-lustre be there for for a considerable time. Sitting in a valuations and lavishly decorated room surrounded by to advise clients 54