SOCIETY ANTIQUES & DECORATIVE
Howard Byrom, who runs Society Antiques & Decorative from Morecambe, tells us about himself
What is your background?
Bit of everything. Apprentice electrician. Sofa sur ! ng skateboarder. Freelance writer. Dealer. Father. Lover. Dumpster diver.
When and why did you launch your business?
My writing gigs came to an abrupt end a "er the crash of 2008. I limped along for a couple of years before I discovered you could sell mid- century sideboards on eBay for £ 300 a pop. Charity shops were practically giving them away at the time. I turned pro in 2012. The trade found me.
What do you sell and what can we expect to nd?
Pre# y much anything as long as there’s some sort of purity about it. It could be an untouched 18th- century side table or a ra# an chair from the 1960s. I think my favourite things are probably Georgian sofas.
But they don’t hang around.
What do you specialise in?
Untouched things that aren’t too fancy but are compelling and desirable.
What is your price range?
Under £ 1,000 is best. But generally the price is dictated by wherever I’m buying from.
How do you source your stock?
I keep my eyes peeled and my ears to the ground. But I have a range of regular calls. Then there are fairs, boot sales and chance happenings with itinerant dealers.
What do you love most about your job?
Everything! You meet the best people, you see the best things, you get to travel, and you’re constantly learning. And, magically, it pays the bills.
Do you have any future plans?
To keep ! nding things, keep turning them over, keep enjoying it.