The rise and rise of antique shops

Who would have thought that old things could be so popular amongst almost every age group?  In recent years, antiques and antique shops have become increasingly popular and not without good reason. Television programmes such as Flog It!, The Antiques Roadshow and Cash in the Attic have gained a lot of kudos and, therefore, even more viewers over the years. They are now considered "hip" enough to watch by the younger generation; in fact, The Antiques Roadshow even has a whole programme dedicated to young antiques fanatics.

It is estimated that about a quarter of the population collect something, so in a way it is not surprising that the hobby of antique collecting has grown exponentially. Antique shops are the ideal place to find the next item for your collection. Why all the interest, though? As people become more educated and experience a greater expendable income, they look at the purchase of antiques for investment, security and aesthetic appeal.

People collect antiques for all sorts of reasons:

• Investment – Lots of people see the collecting of antiques as a form of investment for the future. Antiques are one of the few things that appreciate over time, so it is very likely that if you hang on to your antique item for a while it will be worth significantly more

• Practicality – Antiques, especially antique furniture are often extremely practical despite their age. This fact accounts for a large part of the reason why people like collecting antiques; the fact that they can still use a 17th century dining room table, for example, reflects the quality of workmanship that went into the making of that table

• Aesthetic appeal – A lot of antique collectors are lured by the beauty of the objects. Wooden furniture can be beautifully ornate and it is often carved and shaped in a way modern furniture is not

• Passion for history – Technically speaking, an object has to be 50 years or older to be an antique. It is the history of an antique object that captures the imagination, too, and makes a collector want to buy it. They are intrigued by the idea that a particular item may have been owned by someone famous or been in a place of great historic importance.

For antiques enthusiasts, therefore, antique shops are like sweet shops for children. There is so much potential and so many treats crammed into one place. And there's always the possibility of coming across a real bargain. With no sign of this fervour for antiques abating, it seems that antique shops are here to stay.

At Sunnyside Antiques we specialise in 17th – 19th century furniture and objets d'art. We also offer a fully comprehensive and professional restoration service. Call us today on 01899 850 552 for more information.