THE KENT COLLECTOR

With brighter days and slower weekends well underway, Kent is jam-packed with stylish antique fairs and vintage markets, each offering an ideal opportunity to seek inspiration and begin a thoughtfully curated collection of antique treasures; whether you have an eye for the sleek curves of Art Deco cocktail cabinets or the intricate details of hand-stiched Persian rugs, each piece you choose becomes an expression of who you are.

If you’re considering starting a collection of timeless pieces, with the right approach, collecting can become an enjoyable and deeply rewarding experience. To help demystify the process, this tailored guide will explore what to buy, where to look and how to style your collection, with expert advice from across the county. Even if you’re at the very start of your journey or refining your collection, there is inspiration in every corner of the Garden of England.

How to Buy 

Every collection begins with inspiration and discovery; finding your unique style can evolve over time and refining your search will prevent you from chasing fleeting trends. When beginning to search for antique pieces, understanding your personal taste will naturally guide your instincts, whether it is mid-century modern furniture with a focus on functionality and organic shapes or an Art Deco style with bold geometric patterns and streamlined curves; sourcing will become easier when you have a specific style in mind.

Leaning into your style will help you to evaluate antique items and learn to identify authenticity. This is essential to collecting valuable pieces, as authentic age often leaves a mark; this can be anything from a maker’s mark and stamps to handcraftmanship. When searching for antique pieces, if it is 20th-century furniture, look for natural materials that align with the era, such as walnut, oak or mahogany and traditional woodworking techniques like dovetail joinery, which are key indicators of authenticity.

For textiles and fabrics, look for hand-stitched seams and natural materials, from wool and cotton to natural fibres. An uneven patina is often desirable, unlike modern fakes which noticeably use synthetic materials and appear overly uniform compared to bespoke antique pieces. Noticing these subtle characteristics will allow you to detect whether an item is worth investing in or leaving behind.

Understanding authenticity comes with recognising the condition of an item; each piece tells a story, and knowing where it has come from and how it has been cared for is an important element to curating a valuable collection. This is why it can be important to visit local antique fairs and interact with the dealers to learn about the history of each piece you’re taking home.

Donny Mann, organiser of Detling Showground Antiques and Vintage Fair said, “Antique and vintage fairs, especially the larger ones like our Detling fair, are truly amazing experiences with hundreds of dealers. There is truly nowhere else here you will find such a huge variety of incredible items in one place. But it’s not just about the thrill of the hunt or seeking the unique treasure; it’s about the people and the characters you’ll meet, the shared experience of being with like-minded lovers of antiques and vintage, and the knowledge and history you’ll learn from the sellers. Throw in some great stories from the dealers and before you know it, you’ll find yourself counting down the days until the next fair so you can enjoy it all over again.”

Where to Buy 

Across the month of June, visitors travel to Kent from near and far in the search of antique and vintage pieces. Hunting through salvage yards, fairs and independent shops can be a daunting prospect, but there are a number of hotspots across the county that offer authentic, handcrafted pieces infused with historic Kentish charm.

For specific days tailored to antique and vintage events, Detling Showground holds the largest antique and vintage fair in Kent. The event hosts over 400 stalls and outdoor sellers, with a variety of unusual and bespoke pieces. Whether it is unique furniture, ceramics, silverware or garden items, the space offers a chance to learn from seasoned collectors and explore trader stalls in a no-pressure environment, making it an ideal starting point for curating your collection.

If you’re looking for specific pieces, auction houses offer the opportunity to bid from the comfort of your home, attend in-person auctions or visit valuation days. Found in the quiet town of Chislehurst, Catherine Southon Auctioneers and Valuers offer regular auctions in Kent, showcasing high-quality unique antiques and designer pieces, from decorative art and fine jewellery to intricate silverware. The auction house specialises in one-of-a-kind collector pieces, including a recent single-owner collection of Chanel handbags, accessories and ready-to-wear fashion.

Catherine Southon, managing director of Catherine Southon Auctioneers & Valuers Ltd said, “This is a beautifully curated collection that captures the essence of Chanel across different eras. Each piece has been carefully chosen and preserved, and together they tell a story of timeless design and enduring desirability. It is always a privilege to handle a single-owner collection of this calibre and we are delighted to bring it to auction at such an exciting moment for fashion.”

Exploring across the county can lead you to the market town of Faversham, where the Faversham Antiques Market is held the first Sunday of every month, featuring bespoke furniture, jewellery, collectibles and artwork. Heading further along the Kentish coast can lead you to discover hidden gems including Petticoat Lane Emporium, Kent’s largest indoor marketplace of antique, retro and vintage goods, based in the coastal towns of Ramsgate and Folkestone.

Styling your Collection 

The month of June embodies a sense of growth and renewal, a time to rediscover what inspires you, which can help in styling your growing collection. Shaping a space takes time and requires careful consideration. Focusing on intentionality and cohesion while letting your creativity flow can allow you to lean into your personal aesthetic while not forgetting the importance of authentic quality.

Harnessing your aesthetic taste can allow you to build a space that feels considered but also has a unique touch of eclectic flair. Blending styles that contrast can be a playful way to elevate your collection in your home. Whether you pair a contemporary low-profile, deep-seated sofa with a Victorian oak-carved sidetable, your collection can evolve to have a characterful impression while retaining modern comforts.

By blending contrasting pieces, you can begin to define your colour palette; integrating bolder colours can be a way to accentuate certain items in your collection. Pairing those elements with softer, neutral tones and textures can elevate a space to feel lived in; together with hand-knotted natural fibre rugs, rustic stoneware and layered cushions, these added touches draw attention to your collection while creating a personalised touch.

The space you create will evolve over time, allowing for pieces to come and go depending on how your style shifts. Choosing pieces that appeal to your personal taste but equally retain a valuable quality will allow you to benefit from items that no longer resonate with you. Naturally, there is a fine line between curating for passion and long-term profit, but by refining your knowledge and investing in higher-value items, you can seamlessly expand and edit your collection to create a timeless space that grows and changes as you do.