Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2008 | Page 32

life

INTERVIEW

an expert. But to be an expert in
so many fields – furniture, china,
glass, deadstock (the opposite of
livestock, farm machinery) – is
quite a feat. “There are always
telltale signs: a Victorian chest with
walnut veneer and pine carcass
is the cheaper model, a similar
Georgian piece is heavi er with an
oak carcass. That’s just the start of
the investigation.”

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To celebrate his 40 years, a friend
suggested an auction. Tim and his
wife Sue invited over 130 friends
and long-standing clients, including
a former auctioneer colleague from
Devon, to join the period costume
themed event earlier in July.
Thanks also to a very good artist
friend from Derby who especially
commissioned a picture of a local
steam age scene with personalised

cameos (topping the bill by realising
£440) and other generous donations
from clients and restaurants, 140
lots were auctioned. Donations
of £1,500 from Lloyds TSB and
Barclays Bank followed, raising a
total of over £7,500 for the IoW
MS Society and the Hampshire
and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
“There was food and drink aplenty,
and lots and lots of laughs,

everyone entered into the spirit
and had a really enjoyable evening.
That’s what an auction should be
all about, whether it’s serious or for
charity.”
“The fun has been removed from
too many jobs.” Tim concludes.
“I’m lucky – antiques are my life
and I’ve got a job I love to bits.”

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