I began selling antiques when I was eight years old. I would rummage through the clutter at my Grandmothers’ house, then search out and then sell anything that caught my eye (of course, mother took a cut!).
I then graduated to helping at school fetes which, in the 1970s, were a great way for the parents and grandparents to get rid of their old junk. Of course, that’s where I hunted for anything I liked the look of.
Next, a rather exciting spell as a grocer’s boy. I would get paid to deliver groceries to the elderly and occasionally come away with old bits and bobs they no longer wanted.
Then at 15, a chap I met through my interest in antiques introduced me to the world of house clearances. I couldn't believe how much hard work they were, but I loved the sense of adventure (in fact, I still clear houses as they keep me fit, keep me busy, and help me meet the most fascinating people).
Next, a succession of stalls in Antiques Centres followed, as did some rather more unusual career choices, followed by the eventual realisation that my true vocation was in the world of antiques and the people who buy and sell them. I opened up a shop in sunny Worthing doing the job I love most. And nearly 30 years later, I am still here.
I have since been approached by several production companies and have appeared in a number of TV antique shows from Trash to Cash and ITV's Secret Dealers to Dickinson’s Real Deal which I still do to this day and love every moment of it. All of these have been great fun to make and it is a real joy to work with all the dealers, presenters and crew.
For the last 10 years, I have had the privilege of having my son Peter working along side me. His knowledge has been built up from his years as a young boy helping me out at various antiques fairs, rummaging through boxes of newly purchased stock picking out the objects that fascinated him & as a Saturday boy doing restoration of furniture for me. He now specialises in Oriental antiques and mid century contemporary jewellery but has great knowledge in many fields. Peter’s passion for this wonderful trade rivals my very own and his contribution truly makes us a family run business. I am very proud of this and indeed him.
And there is a postscript to all this. Mine and Peter's love and fascination for antiques is not so much about the money. It is about the discovery, the unknown, the history we can hold in our hands. Every day we learn something new about another period, artist, occupation or fashion. And every day we look forward to going to work as we never know what will happen, what we will see or who we will meet.
And that brings us on to you. We only ever buy antiques from private individuals. So if you have something you would like to know more about, get valued or simply sell, then do get in touch.
You can pop in to our shop and say hello, call us on 07866 436371 or email us at ask@henrynichollsantiques.co.uk. Follow us on facebook, Henry Nicholls Antiques Ltd, twitter, @henrypnicholls or instagram, @henrynichollsantiques.
And remember, to save you time, you can photograph or video your item and send it to us via mobile or email.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
