Molly Mahon
What first sparked your interest in antiques?
I inherited lots of antique furniture from my grandparents and I attach huge sentimental value to all the antiques I own. I’m not one of those people who goes out every weekend to dig around for antiques, but I live near Lewes, where there are lots of antiques shops, and I’d always prefer to buy something old rather than new. Antiques are such a lovely addition to a home: they add depth and personality – they are like characters in their own right.
I work in block printing, which is an ancient timetested craft, but the fabrics I create are new, and homes need layers, so I often cover old chairs with my prints. I love pairing old and new in this way. We have a very ornate mirror in our bathroom, and it hangs against our Coral wallpaper above some mosaic tiles, and I love this combination. I often place glass, which I get cut to fit, on top of chests of drawers, and I slip antique textiles underneath. My son’s bedside table is topped with a piece of Barron & Larcher fabric under glass.
We talk to the designer known for her uplifting handblocked creations
THE ANTIQUES THAT SHAPED ME
What was the first antique you bought? It was a huge Indian chest painted in delicious turquoise paint.
I saw it on the King’s Road and had to have it. It just spoke to me in a way that something new never would. I was in my 20s, and I was renting a room with a whole load of other 20-year-olds. I still have it and
I love it. I use it in my studio for storing fabrics.
Can you share your biggest mistake when buying antiques? I have too many antiques! This isn’t exactly a mistake, more of an issue, really. I find it very hard to get rid of antiques – I can’t really explain why. My home might work better with fewer things, but they all have an individual character, each one unique. With a new thing, you know you can replace it, but with an antique… It’s very hard to let go.
Do you have a favourite item? I have so many favourites! We have lots of little inlaid boxes all over the house. I’m a great hoarder of boxes. They don’t get used properly, but they are things of beauty. If I had to choose one piece, the piece I’d save from the fire, it would be the little bedside table in my daughter’s room. It belonged to my grandfather, and it has an association with him. It’s a very pleasing piece with a curved front, a little drawer and two doors. And I have a set of Ercol chairs that came from my granny. They were covered in horrible black plastic and I’ve had them reupholstered.
If money were no object, what would you buy? How about Charleston Farmhouse? All of it!
And finally, do you have any antiques advice to share? Only buy things that bring you a positive emotion. Making a home is so personal and, if you love something, that’s enough. The challenge is being true to yourself. mollymahon.com for workshops and events or createacademy.com for an online block printing course