By Katrina Ffiske

There is word on the street that, during the past months, people are thinking ‘out with the new, in with the old’.

New Valley News chatted with Andy Percival from Salisbury Antiques Market to hear first-hand what Salisbury people are buying.

“Nostalgia is driving the antiques and collectable markets like no time before,” said Andy. “The trend towards some ‘retro’ and vintage items has been progressing a pace, as tastes change and new generations bring new ideas to the concept that is fashion.

“Go back to before the millennium and a trip to any small town or village may well have included a visit to the local antiques shop or market. “There, the floors would have been crammed with beautifully polished Georgian furniture, walls full of watercolours and oil paintings, and shelves creaking under the weight of Susie Cooper china, Sylvac vases, brass candlesticks and Staffordshire figures. Times change and the post-war babies, in their affluent fifties then, are now enjoying retirement – and bright, new and young ideas and money bring changes.

“The unfortunate fact is there are fewer places to buy antiques. Many of the retail outlets have simply gone, owners themselves retiring or selling up, for their premises to become Starbucks, a charity shop or converted into residential. We can see that for ourselves in Shaftesbury, Wilton and Salisbury.

Those that are left – we have Hingstons, Wilton and Salisbury Antiques Market in the city centre, both celebrating more than 40 years of continuous trading. We have adapted and moved with the times. While at both of these outlets, it is possible to find the very finest antiques and furniture, they are also places to find items that would have seemed out of place not so long ago.

“The interest in vintage collectables has risen tremendously, and now vinyl records, toys, analogue cameras, militaria, 50s dresses and handbags, and other jewellery by recognised designers, are now among the best sellers.

As a generalisation, plates on walls, brass bedwarmers, trinkets in cabinets, and large items of ‘brown’, formal furniture have made way for Led Zepplin, Dinky, Pentax, WW2 medals, Chanel and G Plan. These can now be found in the more affordable sections of antiques retailers alongside the higher-end antiques – especially silver, gemstones, arts & crafts furniture and oriental porcelaine which all continue to appreciate and be appreciated.

“I am often asked: ‘What should I be looking to buy to make a profit? I would start by asking your children what they are interested in now. You might get something that you can flog back to them in 20 years’ time!

Salisbury Antique Market, 37 Catherine St, Salisbury SP1 2DH
01722 338 487