Pictured above: Susan Harrington-James
A widely respected antiques specialist has returned to the
Midlands from the United States to set up an online antiques
business.
From her new base in Bewdley, nr Kidderminster, 60 year-old
Susan Harrington-James and her business partner have officially
launched Mayflower Antiques - an international on-line dealer and
collector specialising in rare 16th, 17th, and early 18th century
pieces.
Susan said; "Collecting antiques has always been a passion so
turning that into a serious business is a dream come true. We
have been lucky to travel the world over the years and during that
time developed a real excitement for rare 16th and 17th century
pieces - fascinating, niche items that are hugely difficult to
discover. Most dealers offer just furniture, silver, glass or metal
ware, but we offer all of these categories. It is the period rather
then one particular aspect of it that we concentrate our efforts
on.
"The reputation of the business is of paramount importance to us
and we not only hope to establish Mayflower across the Midlands,
where there is a growing band of interested antique collectors, but
also to establish us internationally."
To help launch the new venture, Mayflower is now displaying some
of its pieces at the Bailiff's House bar and bistro in High Street,
Bewdley - a highly appropriate venue with The Bailiff's being a
building dating back to 1610. The cuisine-related items, which are
showcased in a specially commissioned oak framed cabinet, include
intricately designed glasses, silver and brass pieces.
Susan, from New England, who relocated to the Midlands to be
near her family added; "We have built a wide selection of unusual
treasures and wanted to share these with as many people as possible
by publicly displaying them in Bewdley. We hope local people and
visitors to the town will get to enjoy them and hopefully gain an
interest in antiques."
"We place a high importance on educating the younger generation
across the Midlands. People should seriously consider an investment
into antiques - as opposed to traditional investor channels such as
shares or property.
"Antiques is an area many perceive to be intimidating so we hope
we can also show people how much fun and rewarding collecting
antiques can be."