Auctions are a fantastic way to snap up a bargain and experience the excitement of the gavel coming down on your winning bid. But no matter how many episodes of Bargain Hunt you’ve watched, the fast pace of a real-life saleroom can be an intimidating experience for the uninitiated.

The huge growth in online services – boosted during the pandemic – means that most people don’t attend auctions in person anymore, which may be disappointing for those who love the cut and thrust of the saleroom. But there’s still a thrill to be had in bidding in real time online while the auction is live, competing with rival bidders anywhere in the country, or even the world. It’s also a lot less intimidating to bid from home.

If you’re new to bidding at auction, here are our top tips for success.

View the lots

Unless operating exclusively online, most auction houses offer a pre-sale viewing, so you can examine items for maker’s marks, imperfections or take measurements. Although bids can be placed remotely, if you’re local to the auction house it’s always a good idea to go to the viewing. ‘There’s no substitute for examining items in the flesh before bidding,’ advises Guy Schooling of Sworders auction house. ‘You can also ask auction-room staff questions; reputable firms will offer genuine advice.’

Examine pieces carefully, request condition reports and always ask questions about lots you are interested in. If a piece is misdescribed or damage has not been accurately detailed, consumer legislation allows you to return the piece. But if there has been an opportunity to view and you have simply changed your mind, there’s no redress – so do your research.

Be open minded

So what should you look for at auction? From mid-century furniture to art deco lighting or movie memorabilia, there are auctions out there catering for specific categories and eras, as well as more general auctions, so whether you have a wishlist of pieces for a specific project or collection, or are an opportunistic browser waiting for something to catch your eye, auctions offer rich potential. The key thing is to keep an open mind and get inspired by what’s on offer on the day.

Experienced buyer Hannah Verrall has used auctions to furnish the bell tents on her glamping site, Warren Farm, in Pembrokeshire, and says the habit runs in her family. ‘Three generations of my family used to go to the auction every month: my grandparents, my mum and me,’ she says. ‘Mainly we saw it as a day out combined with a treasure hunt – we never knew what we might come home with!’

Check extra charges and security

Before bidding, check how much you might have to pay in additional charges, including the buyer’s premium (a commission charged to buyers by the auction house), VAT and shipping costs. And with online platforms, always check to see how your money is protected, with funds only released from a buyer to a vendor once the purchase has been received.

Consider your price limit

Perhaps the biggest risk of buying at auction is getting caught up in the moment and bidding too much, and this can happen just as easily in the saleroom as online. ‘Don’t get too hung up on pre-sale estimates – think about what that piece is worth to you,’ says Guy. ‘But equally, don’t get too carried away – fix your spending limit then add one or two more bids. Sometimes just one extra bid is all you need to secure a prize piece.’

Many people fear they might accidentally bid by moving their hand at the wrong moment, but Hannah is reassuring. ‘I’ve never accidentally bought something by scratching my nose! The auctioneers are used to people having different styles of bidding: they’ll only start taking smaller movements as bids once they know you. So start simple with just a flash of your paddle number.’

If you’re nervous, simply leave a commission bid, which is when you give the auctioneer a list of the lots you want to bid on and a maximum price for each lot. ‘You can either stay to watch the bidding, or leave and find out later what you’ve won and what slipped through your fingers that day,’ says Hannah. ‘If you really want to take the stress out of things, buy remotely – but still always try to view in person. And don’t worry that you’ll end up paying full whack: the auctioneer will only go to your bid after the last other person’s highest bid.’

Bidding online

If you’re concerned about getting carried away and bidding too much in a live auction, many online auctions now operate on a timed model, similar to eBay. This allows bidders more time to reflect on lots and their bids. And as eBay has now evolved into more of a marketplace in recent years, genuine online auctions have become increasingly popular. ‘We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service,’ says Robin Gray, managing director of online auction platform William George. ‘Plus, we have accessible humans on hand should anyone need any help!’

If you’re concerned about ‘sniping’ – where a last-second bidder can grab the prize before you have a chance to bid again – then look for auction platforms that offer preventative measures. ‘You won’t fall foul of sniping with our auctions,’ says Robin. ‘If someone bids on a lot when there are 10 minutes or less remaining on the clock, it will reset to 10 minutes again to give you another chance to bid if you wish. My tips for getting a bargain are to look out for “no reserve” auctions and always check how many competing bidders there are. Before you bid, check what similar items have previously fetched at auction so you can set a budget you’re happy with.’

WORDS: LINDSEY HARRAD

The post The ultimate guide to bidding at auction appeared first on Reclaim Magazine.

Why should I choose reclaimed lighting over new? 

Buying reclaimed isn’t just about sustainability, it’s an investment in preserving, protecting and celebrating the heritage – and uniquely worn aesthetic – of each vintage piece. Vintage lights come with real character, often featuring original, authentic details such as maker’s marks and interesting storied patinas that only come with age, care and repair.

When looking to install reclaimed lighting, what should be considered initially? 

Take time to study the different styles and types available, as well as classic designs and lighting brands (at Skinflint we research and provide information on each product on our website). Where do you intend to put the light and what purpose will it serve? Planning ahead will make sure your light is functional as well as complementing your interior.

If lighting has been salvaged from a building and is very old, might it be dangerous? 

In its initial salvaged form, yes. We’ve all heard stories of people purchasing vintage desk lights at car-boot sales and then plugging them in only to blow the circuits at home! That’s where we come in. Buying from a reputable company is always the safest and easiest option.

How do I know if they have been restored to modern standards?

When buying a salvaged light, always check that it has gone through rigorous testing to ensure safety and functionality. Look for LIA (Lighting Industry Association) approved dealers, in-date PAT certifications, and if the dealer offers a guarantee (we offer a lifetime on all of ours).

Will an electrician need to install it? 

As with any light, always get a qualified electrician to review, rewire and install. Never attempt to do this yourself!

Do modern bulbs work in vintage lighting?

At Skinflint all of our lights are rewired and updated with the latest technology ready to accept LED dimmable bulbs, which are extremely efficient and environmentally friendly. There are some great vintage-style ‘filament’ LEDs on the market which offer the same traditional effect.

Do industrial reclaimed lights work in a home environment? 

Most definitely. Provided they’ve been professionally adapted for domestic use they make ideal task lights for desks, kitchen counters, armchairs or bedside tables. Over the years we’ve salvaged a wide variety of machinist lights that once lit up the benches of factory workers, through to medical UV and heat therapy lamps once used to treat ailments, and even operating-theatre lights from hospitals!

Any styling ideas?

Vintage lights are incredibly versatile and we love seeing the inventive ways our clients and interior designers incorporate them into a wide range of schemes. Cut-glassware and opalines are an elegant choice and help create ambience – think entranceways and lounges, or suspended in rows above dining tables and kitchen islands. Large industrial lights also work well here as a statement piece. Alternatively, bulkheads are great for creating impact in small spaces or if your ceilings are low.

WORDS: AMY BRATLEY

The post Advice on using reclaimed lighting in the modern home appeared first on Reclaim Magazine.

If you love original home shopping it would be impossible to go to Islington and not visit neighbourhood vintage lifestyle store After Noah. It’s a furniture store, antique restorer, toy shop and gift boutique all rolled into one. The shop is a real Aladdin’s cave, with every nook and cranny overflowing with products – the basement level is home to an unparalleled collection of vintage furniture, specialising in mid-century pieces, all restored in-house by specialist team members. With great attention to detail throughout the shop, it makes for a truly unique and pleasurable shopping experience.

Lovely & Co

The stock at Lovely & Co is very much a personal selection, inspired by Enzo and Lucy Amico’s love of sourcing for their own home. Mid-century pieces feature Danish and Italian design, a wealth of Eames furniture, vintage and modern lighting, plus haberdashery units and plan-chest storage. While they stock many design classics, there is no design snobbery here and you’ll be able to pick up other basic accessories like old soda crates and milking stools. Stock is all online, but you can visit their warehouse in Lewes by appointment too.

Retro Cactus Furniture

Son-and-father team Ben and Tony at Retro Cactus Furniture specialise in restoring and selling mid-century wood furniture, drawing on years of hands-on experience and a genuine enthusiasm for classic design. Rather than see high-quality wood furniture lost beneath layers of stain, lacquer and varnish, their restoration techniques let the beauty of the grain shine while protecting the surface for years to come. Ercol furniture is a favourite – restored with their special refinishing process.

Committee of Taste

Focusing on mid-century and post-war utility furniture, owners of this north London shop Lorna Douglas and Dale Stephens juxtapose modernist and antique in an uncluttered, pared-back space ideal for appreciating the virtue of good design. They describe their taste as ‘restrained not minimal’ and as a rule of thumb stick to useful wooden furniture, selling mainly British mid-century to keep prices affordable. With stripped-wood floorboards and white walls, Committee of Taste is effortlessly understated yet inspiring – the perfect place to think clearly about what would look good in your home.

Chase & Sorensen

You’ll find this gem of a shop at the Pembury Circus end of London’s Dalston Lane, where Chase & Sorensen offer the best in original 20th-century Scandinavian design and contemporary home products. Opened in 2010 by American Brett Chase and Dane Signe Sorensen, both with a strong design ideology, you’ll be offered a warm welcome and plenty of advice about what would suit your home. With a wealth of affordable vintage items sourced directly from Denmark and Sweden, which have been expertly restored, this is the place to shop a ready-to-use, authentic Scandi look.

Vintique London

Run by husband-and-wife team Howard Roach and Amira Tawfieg, Vintique London started as a hobby and grew organically. Essentially a warehouse rather than a shop – in order to keep costs low – with new stock sourced regularly for an ever-changing inventory. Based in Peckham, it’s the local go-to for those wishing to furnish their homes with cool affordable pieces in good condition, or to find furniture to pimp up themselves. Stocking up to 100 sideboards from Ercol and G Plan to a range of Danish-made pieces, the wealth of choice here is excellent.

Retrovintage

A handpicked selection of the best mid-century and Danish furniture from well-known manufacturers and designers, the stock at online store Retrovintage includes sideboards, tables and chairs – with excellent five-star customer service. Established by Stuart Murray, the business is a labour of love with a passion for sourcing, where his mantra is ‘if it doesn’t sell, we’ll take it home and keep it forever.’

The Vintage Hub

Situated within a 17,000-square-foot corrugated-iron barn in North County Dublin, The Vintage Hub is a large retail outlet born out of 30 years supplying the film, TV, theatre and events industry with furniture and small prop items. With a range of vintage stock that represents the international world of design, it’s skewed towards British and Scandinavian designs. As huge fans of quality design and original craftmanship, the owners have a ‘restore but don’t over restore’ policy ensuring everything is ready to use while retaining a truly authentic feel.

WORDS: ALICE ROBERTON & CASSIE FAIRY

The post Where to shop for mid-century vintage appeared first on Reclaim Magazine.

The River Somme does more than wind through Amiens in northern France. It fragments and spreads out to create one of the urban wonders of the world in the shape of the Hortillonnages, a unique watery filigree whose myriad little channels create hundreds of tiny islands, ‘floating gardens’ cultivated and lived on since medieval times.

Today, the capital of the Picardy region relaxes off radar, its waterways complemented by a townscape of pleasing architecture lining the streets running off the main pedestrianised drag that runs through the heart of the town, from the train station to the steel-and-glass Palace of Culture (think concerts rather than exhibitions). Looming over the station, the striking Perret Tower is an icon of mid-century modernist architecture that for some time was considered Europe’s tallest skyscraper. Appealing 19th-century red-brick apartment blocks line many streets, complemented by centuries-older woody facades in enclaves like St Leu. Lovely details adorn buildings throughout the town, alongside surprises like the cluster of eye-catching art deco buildings on Rue Ernest Cauvin.

The star architecture turn, though, is Europe’s largest Gothic cathedral – the UNESCO-listed Cathedrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens – which has provided a ravishing landmark across the city since the 13th century. Its stunning facade is decorated with thousands of statues and carvings, from standard-issue saintly dudes to people going about ancient occupations like weaving, as well as stony depictions of ‘sins and virtues’. Inside, be properly awestruck by a nave twice the size of the piddling Notre-Dame in Paris.

The Museum of Picardy was the first purpose-built museum in France. Set inside a palatial edifice built over a decade in the mid-19th century, its collections range from 5,000-year-old Egyptian artefacts to modern art, including work by Francis Bacon and Picasso. There’s inventive curation too, with 21st-century pieces displayed alongside ancient works to strike up intriguing aesthetic discourses across the millennia.

For vintage hunters wanting their history in purchasable form, twice a year Amiens also hosts two of the largest antique flea markets in France. Known as the Rederie, there is a spring outing in April and then a wonderful autumn follow-up in October – expect up to 2,000 sellers, with stalls filling dozens of the town-centre streets.

To attract design-savvy visitors year-round, Amiens has also instigated two new monthly outdoor markets. Running from June to September, the Designer Market showcases work by over 50 local modern designers on Place Dufau near the cathedral, while on the third Saturday of each month from June to October, Les Puces Amienoises brings together around 20 leading antiques traders from around the region to sell everything from deco desirables to old textiles on Place Friant.

Must-see

• Maison Jules Verne The famed 19th-century author and adventurer Jules Verne fled Paris to settle in Amiens, where he wrote renowned novels such as Around the World in 80 Days and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. His elegant house at 2 rue Charles-Dubois is now filled with memories of his life and travels, and the 34 novels he wrote here.
• The Hortillonnages Carved from marshland in medieval times, this wondrous urban archipelago of around 1,000 miniature islands makes for a wonderful exploration by boat – though you can access certain sections on foot. Nose along 40 miles of slender channels known as rieux, either on a traditional barque à cornet (a flat-bottomed vessel with one raised pointed end) steered by a local guide or hire your own electric boat.

Where to shop for vintage

• Diabolo Vintage 2 rue Dusevel – Clothing from the 1960s and 70s
• L’imprimerie 10 rue Dusevel – Contemporary painting, vintage posters and old art books
• La Fleur de Lys 4 rue de Beauvais – Art deco lighting and Lalique perfume containers
• Le Diable Bouilli 48 rue du Hocquet – Silverware, glassware and dishes
• Le Grenier 9 rue des Cordeliers – Maps, lighting, ceramics and furniture from the 20th century

Where to stay and eat

• Les Orfèvres Set near the 12th-century belfry, this gourmet beacon majors on local produce both from the Hortillonnages and the wider Picardy region, from asparagus to sheep’s cheese. If you’re here in autumn, expect gorgeous game dishes and upscale ways with pies. Well-priced set menus too.
• Hotel Marotte Fashioned from an elegant 18th-century house, this chic bolthole retains a sense of intimacy with upscale artfully styled rooms, including ‘sauna suites’ with Roman-style baths carved into rock, complementing a superbly equipped spa. The excellent La Galerie des Recettes restaurant is open to guests and visitors alike.
• Hotel Ibis Styles Opened in 2019, this modern-design hotel combines a sense of contemporary-style touches ­– graffiti decor in the foyer – with a laid-back vibe and a great central location tucked down a hideaway lane across from the train station. Top floor rooms also offer some great city views towards the cathedral.

Tips for the first-time visitor

• On the third Sunday every month, the market gardeners of the Hortillonnages don traditional costume to bring their produce by water on old-fashioned barques à cornet for a quayside market on Place Parmentier.
• Amiens may be the home town of the French president, but for many visitors macarons are a bigger talking point than Macron. That’s because Emmanuel’s spouse Brigitte is part of a baking dynasty going back six generations, whose artfully branded boxes of macarons d’Amiens attract buyers to shops around the city trading under the Jean Trogneux banner. The most famous is at 23 rue André near the cathedral.
• For an evening out with a difference, pay a visit to the Hippodrome race track a short trot outside the town centre, where idiosyncratic Gallic horse-drawn chariot races nod back to the days of Roman Empire.
• If you want to catch some distinctive local entertainment, check what’s on at the Marionette Theatre tucked into an alley off rue Vanmarcke, to see Picardy puppetry in action.

The post Amiens: Flea markets, macarons and floating gardens appeared first on Reclaim Magazine.

Located in the centre of Hurst Green, East Sussex, the beautiful Georgian building which houses this stunning antiques lifestyle shop entices you in with its French-grey and white double shop frontage and eye-catching window displays of 18th- to 20th-century Swedish and French antiques. With an emphasis on Gustavian pieces, folk art and furniture with original patina, there is plenty here to add interest to your interior. A family-run business, with a home behind and above the shop, a warm and helpful welcome is always offered.

79 London Road, Hurst Green TN19 7PN decorativeantiquesuk.com

C’est Tout Interiors

This fabulous store opened at the end of 2020 in the West Oxfordshire village of Milton-under-Wychwood in an old wood store which forms part of the Groves Estate, owned by the same family since 1660. A building earmarked for demolition, the place has been given a new lease of life by Kathryn McFall who has renovated and filled it with the most beautiful rustic French homeware – a touch of chateau grandeur with an industrial twist to echo the history of the building. A taste of France in the Cotswolds where you’ll be greeted by an authentic smell of coffee wafting from the resident café.

Unit 7, Groves Industrial Estate, Shipton Road, Milton-under-Wychwood OX7 6JP; @cesttoutinteriors

Mason & Painter

Owned by Michelle Mason – designer, stylist and author of Vintage Shops London and Love Vintage – her perfectly curated shop of treasures has moved from its Columbia Road location to a Sunday pop-up, London showroom and online store. Michelle’s pieces have a wonderful way of sparking the imagination and leaving you wanting to add some joie de vivre to your own living space.

See Michelle’s Instagram for details of her pop up and showroom, and her online store here

Belle Epoque

Belle Epoque stocks a delightful mix of age-worn furniture, lighting and home accessories for those who like a touch of French bygone luxury in their modern day home. The owners have an eye for beautiful decorative salvage and source delights such as French shutters, carved column’s, iron urns and pediments, so that you don’t have to do the leg-work. If you really want to add a spot of decadence to your home then take a look at their selection of chandeliers, they’ll brighten your day no end.

88 Walton Road, East Molesey KT8 0DL, belleepoque.me.uk

Mews Emporium

Hidden away in the rural Lincolnshire village of Donington, this yard and barn combo, run by mother and son duo Lesley and Danny Goodacre, is a gem of a find if you love vintage, antiques and salvage. The ultimate one-stop-shop for the decorative home and garden lover, you’ll find a strong focus on French brocante finds: outside offers up delights such as delicate garden furniture, rustic carts and olive jars, whilst inside you’ll find chunky farmhouse tables, pretty glazed cabinets and old bottles. With prices ranging from £1 to £6,000, there is something here for every budget.

Church Street, Donington, Lincolnshire PE11 4UE; mews-emporium.co.uk

Old Whyte Interiors

Located in the centre of the historic Staffordshire market town of Leek, Old Whyte Interiors sells the most beautiful array of elegantly knackered French brocante furniture, decorative antiques, architectural salvage, one-off home accessories and divine chandeliers. Opened in 2017, this family-run shop spread over three floors is one of a kind with its wares creating a complete look, pulling at the heartstrings of anyone dreaming of a French chateau interior. Once through the door you’ll struggle to leave without a piece of treasure.

63 St Edwards Street, Leek, Stoke-on-Trent ST13 5DN;  @oldwhyteinteriors

Rustique & Country Home

Based in a stunning 16th-century listed building in the centre of the Cotswolds market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, this welcoming shop specialises in selling stylish rustic French, Dutch and Hungarian furniture and homeware. Its exposed stonework and ancient timber beams provide an exquisite backdrop to the curated items handpicked by Naila Emmett on her buying trips to Europe. Naila offers a personal furniture sourcing service and is more than happy to take enquiries on Instagram.

1 Church Street, Stow-on-the-Wold GL54 1BB; @rustique_country_home

Hoof Brocante

Hoof Brocante is a traditional French-style brocante in Kent – a real treat for anyone with a love of weathered and worn, patina-rich European homeware and gardenalia. The close proximity to the English Channel and frequent crossings mean that owners Adi Higham and Tara Franklin keep their import stock fresh and interesting. With five rooms to peruse and some outside salvage, the pair deal in all manner of French decorative antiques, from country furniture and pretty textiles to galvanised buckets and architectural pieces.

The Old RAF Base, Brookland, Kent TN29 9TF;  @hoof.antiques_brocante

The post Where to shop for French brocante appeared first on Reclaim Magazine.