Antiques Trade Talks – Swann Antiques

Hampshire-based Steven Swann founded his business in 2020 to follow his passion for working with and restoring quality, real-wood furniture, originally called Real Wood Revival. Rebranded as Swann Antiques in June 2021, Steven wanted to offer a wider selection of quality furniture and decorative antiques for stylish interiors. He restores items sympathetically using traditional methods to respect the original craftsmanship of pieces and preserve their story, often reviving them with beeswax polish from his own bees. 

How did you start in antiques?

I’m fairly green to antiques compared to many of the dealers out there, but I’ve been buying and selling on and off for years. This interest had a resurgence about five years ago after I developed a passion for all things woodwork. I love traditional hand tool woodworking and so, naturally, turned my hand to restoring pieces I found. I soon realised that I might be able to make a business out of my little side hustle, and I started Swann Antiques back in 2020 – although under a different name at first. Initially, I was selling whatever wooden furniture I came across, but it soon became apparent that I have a particular love for 17th to early 20th-century furniture. The traditional handcrafted element resonates strongly with me, along with quality design and sustainability. 

While I tend to specialise in antique furniture, I would never consider myself an expert – I still have so much to learn, and that’s all part of the fun. I’m based in Southampton, Hampshire, but predominantly sell online through my Instagram page, @swann_antiques, and my website. I also have a unit where I store and photograph my collections. Customers are welcome to visit by appointment to view stock. 

What is the unique appeal of antiques? 

I’ve always embraced a resourceful life – making do with what I have, fixing what’s broken, and creating what I can. My love for antiques naturally grew alongside my love for woodwork. It was a natural progression after I first learned to cut a dovetail joint. I’m drawn to finding pieces of furniture that showcase evidence of handcrafted carpentry and construction methods long since forgotten. 

Then there’s the question: Is it genuine? Sometimes, discovering a fake can be just as rewarding as finding the genuine article – it’s all about learning to spot the signs. There are plenty of clues out there, and with every new piece I encounter, I find myself with more questions than answers. That’s what I love most: uncovering those special pieces that ooze history and character.

What areas or items are currently selling well? 

Seating and storage have always done well for me. We all need somewhere to sit and, equally, somewhere to store our belongings. Both types of furniture resonate with the history of antiques, being among the earliest pieces ever created. Personally, I love a good primitive stool and a fine Georgian chest of drawers. These would be my desert island antiques – though I’m not sure how well the chest would fare soaking in salty water! 

As always, quality sells well. 

Which are the ones to watch/future sellers?

On a personal level, I’ve primarily sold furniture, with the occasional small item that comes my way. I’ve always struggled with ‘smalls’ – they’re too damn easy to keep! They’re also much easier to post than a large chest of drawers, though I always manage to get larger items delivered to customers. Recently, I’ve had great success selling smaller items and showcasing art alongside my furniture. My plan now is to expand beyond furniture to include more smalls and more art, whether modern or antique… and rugs. I absolutely love rugs, though I have no idea what I’m looking for – plenty of time to learn! 

What antiques do you have at home/collect and why? 

My house is relatively small, but on any given day, it’s home to numerous pieces I’m working on. Unfortunately, my unit isn’t large enough to host a workshop – though that’s the dream! Besides those works-in-progress, I have pieces that are here to stay and others that I swap out when I get bored. For example, I currently have a gorgeous pair of elm-seated Victorian kitchen chairs in my kitchen. Just two months ago, I sold my Victorian penny-seated chairs and needed replacements, so these made the cut. I’ll get a picture of them uploaded to my website when I get a chance. 

I also have some permanent antiques. My favorite is a beautiful country Chippendale oak lowboy in my bedroom. Another special piece is a rustic low stool with nowhere to go but my kitchen. Its underside was used as a chopping board, and it’s a real conversation starter – I often take it to fairs because it always draws people in. I don’t think I’ll ever sell that one. I also have a Georgian longcase clock in my kitchen. It came in as a temporary measure, but I’ve just not had a chance to get it moved – it has been there for three years now, and is too grand for my house.  

I also make furniture, so a few of my own creations are dotted around the house. The latest additions, however, are all art: a couple of milk glass paintings and some early, somewhat naïve oils on canvas. I love them all! 

What do you think will be the antiques of the future? 

Pokémon cards seem to be having their moment right now – they can fetch incredible prices! As for furniture, it’s harder to predict. We absolutely adore some of the mid-century beauties, but it’s tricky to say what will achieve true ‘antique’ status in the years to come. IKEA KALLAX units? Probably not – though that’s not a dig at IKEA furniture. It serves a purpose, is highly functional, and, dare I say it, a marvel of modern design. In fact, some of IKEA’s earlier pieces have already done surprisingly well on the resale market! 

How is the industry changing and are you optimistic for its future? 

As I mentioned earlier, I’m fairly new to the trade, but I’ve been around long enough to see some changes. I grew up pre-internet – didn’t even have it at home until I was 19! From what I’ve seen and heard, the internet has completely revolutionised the antiques industry, just as it has for so many other retail sectors. And that’s before even considering the impact of social media. In fact, that’s where I got my start. Without platforms like Instagram, I might never have ventured into this world. My page, @swann_antiques, actually began as a woodworking account, and I still share the occasional woodwork project or a joint I’ve discovered that fills me with awe. 

Back to the question, though – I’m told the industry has changed dramatically and is still evolving. Change is good! Let’s embrace it and see where it takes us. 

Is new technology good for the trade and buyers/collectors? 

Technology has been fantastic for the antiques trade. I buy a lot of my stock from auctions, and years ago, this process would have involved paper catalogues that you’d either receive by post or pick up by visiting the auction house – something you should still always do before bidding! Luckily, I’ve never had to sift through a text-only catalogue without photos, which is a blessing since many auction houses – though not all – don’t always know what they’re selling. 

Before I visit any auction, I always check their online catalogue first. Time is money, and driving a big van isn’t cheap – it adds up quickly if you’re visiting lots of auction houses with no clear idea of whether it’ll be worth your while. Thanks to online catalogues, I can narrow things down beforehand. If something catches my eye, I’ll go in person. And when it’s time to bid, I can do it all from the comfort of my office rather than spending an entire day waiting for that one item to come up – a fun experience occasionally, but not the most productive use of time. 

That’s just one example of how technology has made my life easier. It’s a multifaceted question, though, with endless possibilities for the trade. 

Tell us some trade secrets? 

Wax, wax, and wax some more! When I’m not out hunting for new stock, I spend a lot of my time waxing furniture. It’s incredible how many pieces I’ve bought from people who’ve said they don’t like a particular item anymore because it looks tired. If you’ve never tried it, give it a go – you’ll be amazed at the transformation a little wax can bring to a piece. 

Another tip: if you’re at an auction, always check out the mixed lot boxes. Some of my best finds have come from these hidden treasures! 

What antiques/artworks would you buy if money were no object?  

This is a tough one! As I’ve mentioned, my house is quite small, so I’d definitely need a bigger space – something I think about every time I fill up the van with new stock. I’m always “stealing” pieces for my own collection – that’s the dealer’s prerogative! If money were no object, I’d have to start with buying a quaint little cottage out in the countryside. I’d fill it with vernacular georgian pieces – simple, yet extremely functional. Maybe a hint of Regency’s finest. I also have a soft spot for primitive country house furniture. I’d obviously have an open fire to sit by on those cold winter nights, just admiring the beautiful pieces – maybe with a couple of glasses of wine… Okay, I’m getting carried away now! 

You’re down to your last 50 quid – what antiques/art would you buy? 

Exactly how I started. I put £100 in my pocket and played with that. I did well, but soon had to invest more because buying fine, quality pieces isn’t cheap. If I were down to my last £50, I’d buy a knackered Victorian stripped pine chest of drawers, restore it, and get some money moving.  

Where are your favourite antique hunting destinations and why? 

We all love a house call. I’ve always done well at these, and you can usually build up a great rapport with the seller while getting the tour. I love seeing other people’s houses – I’m a bit nosy like that. But sometimes, they can be truly special, and you come away feeling inspired. That’s true for both house calls and deliveries to customers. 

I’ve always loved antique and vintage emporiums – the messier, the better, in my opinion. I also love a good fair. Recently, I’ve discovered the Ford Airfield Car Boot Sale – it’s great for buying and selling antiques and collectibles, and it has a fantastic vibe too. 

What are some of the biggest mistakes that buyers make – what questions should they ask? 

My bread and butter is the auction house. It’s easy and comfortable – especially with modern technology – and, provided you get in there early enough, you have time to work on your buying strategy. And trust me, you definitely need one, along with a lot of self-discipline. Set your limits and stick to them. I’ve walked away with many items I’ve paid too much for, and sometimes that’s been because I didn’t properly check the item before bidding. As a dealer, the best feeling is that drive home, eager to show off your latest finds. The worst is when you’re driving home, wondering how you’re going to recoup what you just paid for a particular item. My tip? Always visit in person – never bid blind – and stick to your buying strategy. 

Any styling advice for using antiques in the home? 

Personally, I love mixing old and new. I have two young children who are often running around the house, and I wouldn’t want to live in a home where everything is the finest and in pristine condition – that would be anxiety-inducing! Mix your styles, colours, and textures to create a space that feels lived in and personal. And as always, who cares what anyone else thinks? You’re the one living there, so it’s your space that matters most. 

What do you consider the high point of your career in antiques? 

Getting this far in my career is already a significant high point – I never imagined I’d be living the dealer life 10 years ago. There have been many great moments along the way, from stalling at fairs and meeting new people, to connecting with other dealers and customers. I once did an Instagram Live with Drew Pritchard, which was quite exciting! But nothing beats the thrill of discovering a new killer piece of stock that sells instantly – though, when they’re that good, I sometimes don’t want to part with them! 

Are antiques attracting younger buyers and, if not, how can the industry reach out to them? 

Definitely. I’ve noticed this more at fairs than in my day-to-day dealings. While I don’t always meet my customers – sometimes they remain completely anonymous – there’s always a healthy number of younger buyers at fairs. That’s one of the reasons I love attending them. I’m planning to start stalling again next year after a brief hiatus.

What advice would you give to people new to antiques who want to learn more? 

As always, just dive in. It’s easy to start small and gradually work your way up. Get your name out there early, and most importantly, be honest – nobody likes a charlatan, and people appreciate authenticity. Over the years, I’ve met countless dealers and restorers who are always willing to help if you’re unsure about anything. And, as always, do your research – read, read, and read. Now is a great time to get started. 

A bit of a personal one, but my dad always used to say, “The only person stopping you from becoming what you want to be is yourself.” As I get older, this resonates more and more. So, just give it a go. We all make mistakes, and you’ve got nothing to lose.