Treasure trove of antiques that offers a window into the past
SHOP’S OWNER HAS BEEN TRADING IN ‘FRIENDLY’ CITY FOR 15 YEARS
IF you’re on the hunt for an elegant Georgian sideboard, a quirky piece of pottery or some sparkling silverwear in Hull, then look no further than this little shop in Beverley Road.
The aptly named “Antiques” is filled with a treasure trove of furniture, jewels, ornaments and more from a range of different time periods.
The items provide an insight into history – they are relics of the past and carry the weight of bygone conversations, obsolete customs and etiquette.
Such pieces are a reminder of the extravagances and the hardships of another era, and they are fascinating to find and likely to retain or increase in value. And the goods that people used to use and enjoy many years back that are still fashionable today.
Owner of Antiques, Hubert Olczak, 41, has been in the business all his life, with his father teaching him the trade from a young age.
“My dad is French-polish and I’ve grown up with the buying and selling of antiques, meaning all my life has revolved around antiques,” said Mr Olczak.
“Antiques are my passion and it makes me happy to be able to make money from something that I love.
“We get our antiques from a wide range of places such as auctions, house clearances, charity shops, car boot sales and fairs and then bring the items back to the shop to sell them.
“Over the years, I’ve developed an eye for spotting antiques and finding new pieces to add to the collection in the shop is really exciting.
“Here we sell a mix of everything from tables and chairs to door handles and ornaments, so there is plenty for people to come in and have a look at, and our door is open throughout for customers to pop by and have a browse, and we deliver as well.
Mr Olczak’s shop has been open for more than six months now in Beverley Road, near Blundells Corner, after he relocated from another premises in the city.
The antiques seller has been peddling his goods in Hull for the past 15 years, and he says it’s the best place he has ever worked.
“Hull is such a friendly city with such nice people, I haven’t met lovelier people really,” said Mr Olczak.
“I’ve been all over the country buying and selling goods, as having to travel around to get the antiques is a big part of my job, and I can definitely say that Hull has the friendliest people about.
“It’s a great city. I’ve been here 15 years and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I always get a lot of repeat custom, which I really appreciate.
“The people in Hull also love to barter when buying in my shop, they really do love a bargain, but I think that applies to everyone in Yorkshire really.”
So if you fancy bagging yourself a bargain or just having a browse, take a trip to Antiques, where Mr Olczak will be more than happy to barter with you.