Amy Perry Antiques

Tetbury is a hub for antiques dealers. But Amy Perry’s array of quirky decorative nds, inspired by her passion for rehoming discarded historic items, stands out from the pack, nds Sophie Hannam

Growing up, Amy Perry’s home environment was bohemian and artistic, and she adored staying with her grandparents in their antiques-filled house. A love of their beautiful objects inspired her to enter the world of antiques in her early 20s, picking up pieces from car boot sales to display in a friend’s shop window, and embarking on European buying trips to build up contacts and expertise. When did you open?

In 2009 I opened Amy Perry Antiques at number 52 Long Street in Tetbury, but I moved to my current premises at number 21 in 2017. I started off selling the zinc tables, industrial lighting and French mirrors I’d seen while travelling in Europe. The shop was nearly called Zinc... but a friend suggested I use my name instead! What will we find? I sell a wide range of unique items, such as furniture with its original paint, French mirrors and chandeliers, antique linens, reupholstered chairs and stone planters for the garden. I always try to creatively put pieces together that will inspire and uplift. Where do you find your stock? Items come from a wide range of sources: private contacts, antiques fairs and auctions. And I frequently go on buying trips to Europe. I first began dealing pre-internet, when the BBC’s

Antiques Roadshow was the only TV programme about antiques. The fashion for decorative pieces was still relatively new and lots of people were aghast to think of buying something with flaky paint or distressed glass! What is your favourite piece?

I have a mirror that has lost the paint and gesso from the frame over time, leaving the chalky bleached wood exposed underneath. I think it would look amazing matched with a sleek pair of 1970s perspex chairs. Amy Perry Antiques, 21 Long Street, Tetbury, GL8 8AA. 01666 500354; amyperryantiques.co.uk