Edinburgh antiques shop celebrates half century

A stalwart of the Edinburgh antiques and art scene, Unicorn Antiques, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Since being established in 1969, the shop is still in its original location, a former dairy where against a backdrop of Dutch tiled walls, pieces selected for authenticity and craftsmanship are displayed on the original 19th-century marbled shelving.

Many of the items are sourced from Scotland by the family business, including founder Nancy Duncan, who has recently been joined by her son, David Secchi. The pair are both experts who have trained and studied with some of the foremost antiques dealers in Scotland and enjoy over seven decades of on-the-ground experience between them.

The shop stocks a wide array of items, ranging from the early 18th century to mid-century items. Stock includes antique architectural fixtures and fittings, high quality furniture, cutlery, china, and chandeliers, to rugs, paintings and historic maps.

Explaining his philosophy for buying antiques, David commented, “There is no right or wrong way to buy antiques. I would always suggest you buy what you love and not to consider its value. If I was to predict future trends, perhaps mahogany furniture will make a comeback. Anything from the 1920s continues to be popular.”

Nancy elaborated, “We are always looking for items to sell, but once in a while you discover something that you decide is not for sale, it is for keeping for yourself. I still have a fabulous clockwork Santa Claus that makes its annual appearance during the festive season. I have never seen anything like it before
or since.“