Antiques Trade Talks – The Clarkson Collection
George Clarkson runs The Clarkson Collection, an antiques and vintage business based in Cottered in Hertfordshire but primarily operating online. The venture grew out of a childhood spent exploring car boot sales and flea markets with his father, where George says he developed a deep appreciation of objects with history and character that sparked a lifelong passion for antiques and the thrill of uncovering hidden treasures. Today, the Clarkson Collection is gaining a growing audience for its unique, handpicked pieces – ranging from medieval antiques to sleek, mid-century Danish design. Explore more on Instagram @Clarksoncollection and Facebook Clarkson Collection.
What is the unique appeal of antiques?
What I love most about antiques is that they have real character and a story to tell—unlike so many things made today. There’s something special about owning a piece that’s had a life before yours. On top of that, I like how most antique and vintage furniture are built properly, using solid materials and proper craftsmanship, so it’s made to last. You can really feel the quality. We also hate waste—we live in such a throwaway culture now, and it just doesn’t sit right with us. By giving these old pieces a new home, we’re not only enjoying their beauty and history, but we’re also doing our bit to keep things out of landfill. It’s a win-win: you get something unique and beautiful, and hopefully help the planet a little along the way.
What areas/items are currently selling well?
Right now, mid-century modern furniture is definitely having it’s moment. People are really drawn to that clean, minimalist style, especially Danish pieces from the ’60s. For example, solid wood furniture, like teak sideboards and chairs, are flying off the shelves. We’re also seeing a growing interest in medical antiques, like old surgical instruments and apothecary jars—there’s something kind of fascinating about their history.
A big seller for us at the moment is home office desks—especially ones that can double as both a desk and a table. With so many people working from home now, multi-purpose furniture is in high demand, and these desks are perfect for those looking to save space without sacrificing style. Overall, people are looking for pieces that not only look good but have a story, something that adds personality to their homes.
Which are the ones to watch/future sellers?
Looking ahead, Victorian antiques have always sold but have become more popular in recent times and are definitely ones to watch. We’re seeing more interest in quirky, characterful pieces—like ornate furniture, vintage mirrors, and decorative items that bring a sense of history and individuality to a room. It’s interesting to see how brown tones, once thought of as outdated, are slowly creeping back into design. With the new trend of creating cosy, lived-in spaces, people are embracing a mix of styles rather than sticking to just one. It’s all about blending the old and new, and Victorian pieces fit perfectly into this approach. They are also so much easier to live with and can handle little dinks and bumps which just happen in our day-to-day lives. They add that warmth and personality, making spaces feel more personal and inviting. I think as people move away from rigid, uniform design, we’ll see more Victorian and eclectic pieces becoming central to creating these unique, comfortable, lived-in homes.
What antiques do you have at home/collect and why?
I’m a serious hoarder, I just love collecting! I’ve always been drawn to Art Deco Chinoiserie for its unique blend of Eastern and Western design elements. The craftsmanship, particularly the intricate hand-painted gilt details, is something I truly admire—it’s a level of artistry you don’t often find in modern pieces. I love how functional these items are too; they’re not just beautiful, but practical and easy to live with in any space.
On a more personal note, I also collect Chinese Netsukes. These small, hand-carved figures were originally used on money pouches and each one represents something such as good health, wealth, fertility etc. They fascinate me with their delicate details and rich history. Each one feels like a tiny sculpture, and I enjoy how they capture a moment or scene in such a compact form and can be both silly and serious depending on the sculptor. Both collections bring me joy because they’re not just about owning antiques—they’re about surrounding myself with pieces that are both visually stunning and full of stories.
What do you think will be the antiques of the future?
I think the antiques of the future will be a mix of what’s popular today, but with a growing focus on sustainability and craftsmanship. As people become more conscious of the environment, I see items that are well-made, long-lasting, and recycled or upcycled becoming future collectibles. Furniture that’s been thoughtfully designed, built with solid materials, and made to stand the test of time will likely be highly valued.
We’re also seeing a resurgence in interest for vintage electronics and technology—things like old radios, typewriters, computers, and early tech gadgets. People are starting to appreciate these as artefacts of our past, and I think they’ll hold sentimental value in years to come.
On top of that, many of the things we couldn’t afford as children—or that our parents couldn’t afford to buy us—are becoming more desirable and valuable. Items that were once considered out of reach are now being seen as treasures. We see this trend happen with classic cars all the time! One thing I’ve noticed is that all trends seem to go around in a circle. What was once considered outdated often comes back into style, and the antiques of the future may very well be pieces from our past that are being rediscovered and re-appreciated. Ultimately, I believe the future will place a premium on objects that are built to last, have a story, and reflect a certain quality—much like the antiques we cherish today.
How is the industry changing and are you optimistic for its future?
The antiques industry is definitely changing for the better, and I’m optimistic about its future. I remember when I was a kid, over 20 years ago, being a dealer had a bit of a bad reputation. There was this assumption that dealers were out to rip people off and make a quick buck, which simply isn’t true. I even remember my dad telling me not to tell anyone that he bought and sold antiques because people would frown upon it. In my years of buying and selling, I’ve had a totally different experience. Now, I never hide what we do at Clarkson Collection—if anything, the vast majority of people are intrigued and inspired by it. In recent times I’ve even started making videos on our Instagram @clarksoncollection, showcasing and talking about the things we buy and sell and I’ve had a really positive response. Overall, we have seen a real positive shift in the public’s opinion about the people who deal in antiques. More and more, people are seeing the value in well-crafted, unique items and appreciating the history behind them. I think the industry is growing and evolving, and as long as we keep focusing on authenticity and quality, the future looks really promising.
Is new technology good for the trade and buyers/collectors?
New technology has been a game-changer for the antiques trade—for both dealers and collectors. These days, we can buy and sell completely online, which makes the whole process so much more flexible and efficient. In the past, you’d have to rely on having a physical shop or spend your weekends travelling to fairs to find or sell stock. Now, with online marketplaces and social media, it’s like having a virtual shopfront that’s open 24/7 and reaches far beyond your local community. At Clarkson Collection, we regularly sell pieces to customers all over the world—something that just wasn’t possible years ago. It’s also made valuing items so much easier. We don’t have to rely on guesswork or spend hours trawling through books—there’s a wealth of information at our fingertips. That means we can price things fairly and accurately, which benefits everyone. Overall, technology has really helped open up the trade and made it more transparent, accessible, and exciting.
Tell us some trade secrets?
Simply always keeping your eyes open—literally all the time. You never know where you’ll find something special, and often it’s in the places you least expect. A big part of the job is being able to look at things differently, seeing potential where others might not. Something might look rough or completely out of place in one setting, but take it out of that bad environment, clean it up, and style it right—and suddenly it becomes the standout piece. It’s all about having that vision and knowing how to bring the best out of an object. That’s where the magic happens, and we can add value! Another big one is networking—just talking to people. You never know who might know someone, or what they might have hidden away in their loft or shed. A simple conversation can lead to the most unexpected and brilliant finds. Sometimes it’s not about luck—it’s about staying curious and connected.
What antiques/artworks would you buy if money were no object?
If money were no object, I’m going to go totally off piste now, but I’ve got a real addiction and fascination with classic cars and 50s/60s music and film, so rather than an antique sideboard or artwork, I’d go straight for a Porsche 550 Spyder—the one made famous by James Dean. It would have to be silver with red leather interior, too, just like James’s, I would probably even get his racing livery with the 130 and “little bastard” decals. It would be completely useless for picking up furniture, but, wow, I’d look cool driving it! There’s just something about that era—the style, the attitude, the design—it all feeds into what I love about antiques too: timeless beauty, great craftsmanship, and a bit of rock ‘n’ roll spirit.
You’re down to your last 50 quid – what antiques/art would you buy?
Funny enough, this is actually how I started. Like most people, I had very little knowledge when I first got into antiques, and I was in a position where I needed to pay a bill. So, I took a risk and spent my last £50 on a push bike (I know, not exactly an antique!). But I managed to sell it the very next day for £125, and that’s how it all began. I probably wouldn’t buy bikes now, but the lesson was simple—just start. The key is to research everything. Nowadays, everything is A quick internet search away, and with a little bit of time, you can learn a lot and find items that can turn a profit. It’s all about taking that first step and trusting that with a bit of effort, you’ll find your way.
Where are your favourite antique hunting destinations and why?
One of my favourite places to hunt for antiques is actually recycling centres. I absolutely love buying from them—people go there to throw things away, and the onsite shops often pick out bits that still have life left in them. One man’s trash really does become another’s treasure. Not only is it a great way to find interesting pieces, but it also feels good knowing I’m doing my bit for the planet by rescuing things that would’ve otherwise ended up in landfill. Hopefully, by the end of it, I’m selling someone something they’ll love and treasure for years to come. I also really enjoy a good house call. There’s usually no pressure, you get to meet interesting people, have lovely conversations, and you often come across some amazing things that are fresh to market and haven’t been seen by anyone else. It’s a proper old-school way of buying, and I love it.
What are some of the biggest mistakes that buyers make – what questions should they ask?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is actually what not to buy—and the power of just walking away. It’s so easy to get caught up in the moment, especially when you think you’ve found something exciting. But that adrenaline can cloud your judgment. I’ve learned to take a breath and give things a proper second, third, even fourth look. Usually, if something has been donated, sold off, or thrown away, there’s a reason. That reason can mostly be sorted or fixed—but not always. So, my advice is to take your time, look carefully, and don’t be afraid to walk away. Ask yourself: is it solid? Is it original? Can I live with the flaws or realistically repair them? A bit of patience can save a lot of hassle later on!
Any styling advice for using antiques in the home?
Just buy what you like and don’t worry too much about sticking to one style or era. If you love sleek Danish furniture but also have a thing for 1900s artwork, then mix the two! I’ve found that with the right accessories and a bit of thought, pieces from completely different time periods can look amazing together. It’s all about creating a space that feels personal and lived-in, not like a showroom. Trust your eye, surround yourself with things that bring you joy, and let your style evolve naturally. That’s when a home really starts to feel special.
What do you consider the high point of your career in antiques?
I’d say one of the high points of my career so far has been starting to make Instagram videos through @clarksoncollection. I use them to show off our stock and to try and teach people a bit about why I buy what I buy, and what to look for. We recently did a local antiques and vintage fair, and I had so many strangers come up to me and say how much they love watching the videos—that felt really good and gave me a lovely little boost to keep going with them. Another personal milestone has been building confidence in what I buy. In the beginning, I used to feel physically sick every time I took a risk and spent money on something. That feeling’s gone now—I’ve learned to trust my eye, and it’s made a huge difference to how I work and enjoy the job.
Are antiques attracting younger buyers and, if not, how can the industry reach out to them?
Yes, absolutely—antiques are definitely attracting younger buyers, and it’s brilliant to see. I think younger generations are starting to realise that buying antiques isn’t just for collectors or people with huge houses. You can often get something better made, with more character and history, for the same price—or less—than something flat-packed and mass-produced. On top of that, it’s way more sustainable. There’s a growing awareness around waste and the impact of fast furniture, and antiques offer a really smart alternative. It’s not just about style anymore—it’s about value, quality, and doing things in a more thoughtful way.
What advice would you give to people new to antiques who want to learn more?
If you’re new to antiques and want to start buying and selling, my advice would be to simply buy what you like. Trust that if you’re drawn to something, someone else will be too. You don’t have to overthink it. The more you buy, the more you’ll start to see patterns and learn what works. Also, follow people in the industry on social media, like Drew Pritchard. He’s a great example of someone who shares his knowledge and gives insight into what’s selling. You’ll quickly start to get a feel for the market and what’s popular right now. It’s all about learning through experience and staying curious. Also, if someone tells you they never make a mistake when buying they are a liar! We all make mistakes, its natural and you will make them, so don’t worry when you do!