Vogue traders
Jeremy Bowker and Phoebe Nicol of vintage emporium The Vault Sydney keep their eyes peeled for conversation
starters and wares with a storied past.
WHAT WERE YOUR EARLY CREATIVE INFLUENCES? Phoebe Nicol: I had creative freedom and was aware of design from a very early age. My mother is an interior designer so decorating is in my blood. She allowed me to furnish and decorate my own bedroom. I remember the pure excitement of such freedom and banging furniture together at all hours. Jeremy Bowker: Before moving to Australia I never imagined I would end up an antiques dealer. The late Martyn Cook is the person I owe for what I am now. He provided a great framework for me in understanding art and antiques. He was an incredible mentor and one of Australia’s most respected dealers. WHAT INFORMS YOUR APPROACH TO COLLECTING? PN: We’re a good team. I’m an emotional buyer and fall head over heels. Jeremy is more considered; he likes to know the provenance of a piece and its integrity. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH TO INTERIOR DESIGN? PN: I respect tradition but have a desire for modernity. A home needs to have soul. My basic checklist is style, comfort and quality.
IS THERE A COMMON ETHOS THAT RUNS THROUGH YOUR WORK? PN: It’s about curation, the juxtaposition of ideas, styles and materials; crosspollinating the past with the present; keeping the eye interested. People want pieces that create conversation. JB: We aspire to build a collection of interesting and eclectic pieces, and we aim to be approachable.
WHAT APPEALED TO YOU ABOUT YOUR SPACE? PN: We quickly saw past the hideous purple walls and grey carpet. The vast space and high ceilings really appealed – and the rent was cheap!
YOUR FAVOURITE PIECES ON THE FLOOR? PN: The 19th-century green and gilt columns (pictured opposite) I had to beg the dealer to sell to me. JB: The Italian Charles X painted dresser. It’s a fun and unusual piece. ARE THERE ANY PIECES YOU WOULD LOVE TO SOURCE? PN: My eyes are peeled for an Italian neoclassical painted bookcase. JB: I’d love the François Xavier Lalanne ‘Hippopotamus Bar’ – something to aspire to! IS THERE AN ERA OR STYLE THAT RESONATES WITH YOU? PN: The symmetry and elegance of Georgian architecture. JB: The Directoire period with its elegant lines; it’s a little more humble than Louis XVI. WHICH DESIGNERS, ARTISTS AND ARCHITECTS DO YOU ADMIRE? PN: Both our contemporaries and the icons of our profession, including Sister Parish, Mies van der Rohe and Joseph Dirand. I have always adored Axel Vervoordt. JB: Carlton Hobbs, a New York antique dealer, is particularly inspirational. He offers museum-quality pieces that are often whimsical or unusual with a sound academic footing.
WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO? PN: The complete renovation of a terrace on Queen Street. We’re also getting married in May – that’s a project in itself! JB: We are looking forward to returning to France and, with hope, Italy. thevaultsydney.com