Passion for the PAST
PIETER VAN HOUTEN from The Past Perfect Collection discusses his love of antique colonial furniture and why he feels these pieces have enduring appeal.
Where does your passion for furniture stem from?
During our five-year posting to India, from 2002 to 2007, my wife Marie-hélène and I “discovered” antique colonial furniture and started collecting it for our home in Mumbai. We both left our jobs in India to pursue it full-time, and we set up a store in Singapore in 2007, now nine years ago; what began as a hobby for us turned into an exciting new career.
How have you acquired your knowledge of antiques?
Really, through trial and error over the years. I’ve learned the topics to focus on, and I keep focusing on them every time I select a new piece for our collection. I think the beauty of antique colonial furniture from India lies mainly in its historical background, its uniqueness and, above all, the quality of the craftsmanship and the materials used. Born of the meeting of two different cultures, these so called Indo- European furniture pieces are elegantly sumptuous; their surfaces are often elaborately decorated with both Western and Indian ornamentation, characterised by the use of lavish materials such as ivory, tortoiseshell, horn and ebony.
How do you ensure quality control?
Quality, while difficult to define, is an extremely important element in the value of antique furniture. Quality may be seen as a level of excellence – in the concept of the piece, in the design and in the execution. A well-built cabinet, for example, will advertise its quality by its stability and function. The doors will open easily and the drawers will operate smoothly. The finish is clean, the colour is good, the joinery is well done, the choice of materials is sound and the scale is correct.
Quality implies attention to detail in the production of the item; it implies caring on the part of the maker and it carries a pride that shows in the finished product. Most of us know quality when we see it. It’s my passion for a bygone era that inspires me to rescue these pieces of colonial heritage from obscurity.
Talk us through the selection and restoration process.
Quality comes first, and we personally select our antiques with great care. We work in close cooperation with professional and experienced
suppliers across India and pay special attention to the condition, rarity and origin of each piece. Some may need some restoration, which is expertly done in India by a team of dedicated craftsmen. Only genuine antiques of the highest quality are included in our collection.
Once selected, an antique from our collection typically undergoes a restoration process of stripping, repairing and sanding, before the highly skilled French polishing technique is applied. The piece is finished off with a protective layer of beeswax. The result is a gleaming treasure with a refined, matt finish that enhances and preserves the beautiful wood grain, and is smooth to the touch.
Why do you feel antiques have such an enduring appeal?
Antique furniture is generally very well made. If it has lasted this long, it will likely withstand the daily routine of modern life. Antique items also tell a story, and it’s fascinating how they are a reminder of the extravagances – and sometimes the hardships – of another era.
Antiques retain their value remarkably well. Most, in fact, represent a good investment. That’s because antiques appreciate over the years, and in today’s atmosphere of conservation and sustainability, the antique is an important factor in preservation and recycling.
If you buy an object of quality and beauty, it will always be in demand, and it will be a great long-term investment that you can admire and enjoy in the meantime!
What kinds of pieces are popular at the moment?
Collectors eagerly pursue all three Indo- European furniture categories: Indo-portuguese, Indo-dutch and AngloIndian. Portuguese and Dutch collectors continue to seek out rare pieces from their own country’s colonial days, while Anglo-indian furniture is favoured by Singaporean, British and American buyers. We also enjoy a vast Indian clientele, as during the colonial times a lot of furniture was also made for the local Indians who embraced Western influences.
Why do Indo-european boxes and chests hold so much appeal for you?
They not only reflect an important and fascinating custom of the colonial era in India, but they demonstrate the best craftsmanship in the use of practically every decorative material and technique of that age. It is this, together with their endless variety, that makes them so attractive. They are just fascinating, and I go that extra bit to find that one, single, unique box to add to our collection.
What advice would you give yourself if you were starting out again?
When I started the business, it was at a time in my life when I had the chance to take risks and to be a little adventurous. After all, that is the admission fee of entrepreneurship! I’ve learnt how to assess the risks and move past them. In hindsight, I would’ve invested in commercial property.
What job would you be doing if you weren’t doing this now?
My life could well have been less exciting, and most probably I would have continued my career in corporate law. Launching a company is an intimidating process, requiring tons of hard work, but I’ve never for a day regretted this drastic change in my life.
What five words would you use to describe The Past Perfect Collection?
Antique, passion, quality, service, unique.