The Blind Mole

Vicki and Bre! Sco! turned a hobby collecting antiques and vintage pieces into a business and opened The Blind Mole in Sheffeld last autumn

Tell us about your background

We’ve always had an interest in antiques and interiors, albeit originally as a hobby. The concept of things having had another life is so appealing to us. Vicki has a real love of design and interiors too, and the business has been the perfect way to take advantage of this.

Starting this business has been a total career change. I was a manager within a national crime reduction charity and, before having children, Vicki worked for a drugs and alcohol agency.

What made you decide to open The Blind Mole?

We launched the website about three years ago and opened the new shop in Kelham Island, Sheffield, last October. After selling online, we really wanted to meet our customers face to face, talk with them, find out what they liked and to have a bricks and mortar shop for people to browse our quirky wares.

What do you sell?

We sell what we like, so we’re not stuck on a specific design or era. We buy things with a story to tell. You will typically find curious objects – mirrors, furniture, industrial pieces and antique flags. At the moment, we’re in love with old chemistry/laboratory equipment – we have a huge collection of it. Our prices range from around £10 to £500.

How do you source your items?

We obtain our stock from all over the country, at fairs, markets, house clearances and through private contacts. Favourite recent finds include an old painted George Potter & Co guardsman’s drum, an early Welsh blanket and some huge Whitsun church banners. The Blind Mole, Caretakers Cottage, 124 Albyn Works, Burton Road, Kelham Island, Sheffield, S3 8BZ. 07712 674345; theblindmole.com