THE ANTIQUES HOUND

Sisters Louise Hodgins and Suzanne Branfoot chat to us about their fabulous online store

The idea for a new business grew organically from Omelo Mirrors, which Louise set up in 2009. Our ! rst ! nd, a gypsy bobbin table, was snapped up by Robin Myerscough Studio and from there we started to provide an antique sourcing service, working with interior designers and private individuals.

We also noticed an increasing environmental concern, so we set up The Antiques Hound to help focus on sustainability and reducing our waste. The pandemic gave us a focus, and we launched in August 2020.

We trade via our website and Instagram as we’re aware both platforms appeal to di "erent people. Our specialism is compact antiques, especially side and occasional tables, chests of drawers and chairs from the Georgian and Victorian periods. Prices range from £ 80 for a decorative object or a bedroom chair, to £995 for a Georgian chest of drawers or lowboy.

Our favourite pieces are usually of Georgian design, with clean lines and ! ne cra # smanship that translate well to modern living. We’ve sold a few caddy top chests, which have been hard to part with. We love their streamlined simplicity and they typically have the most perfect hand- cut dovetails. There’s nothing pre$ ier than a dining table set with mismatched glassware, either. One of our favourite ! nds this year was a beautiful 19th- century colonial rosewood plantation chair.

We only source in the UK; but our net is cast wide across auctions, fairs and private sales. It’s time- consuming as we only buy pieces that we’d want in our own homes, but we love being out and about meeting dealers. We’ve seen a lot of interest in drinks trolleys and étagères. There’s also quite a demand for bergères and cane seats.

We will soon be launching a Heritage Collection of side tables, handmade in our Bristol studio. Handcra #ed from sustainably sourced hardwood (oak, walnut and ash) these tables are faithfully based on antique tables we own, but which are increasingly hard to ! nd. theantiqueshound.com