Antiques Young Gun of the Year 2014

The eagerly awaited confirmation of the Antiques Young Gun of the Year awards 2014 can now be revealed! The team behind this fast growing and now very high profile movement, designed to promote members of the antiques trade, aged 39 and under, George Johnson, Mark Hill and editor of Antiques News and Fairs Gail McLeod, are delighted to announce that the awards ceremony and party will take place on Friday 4 July 2014 and will be hosted here at Alfies Antiques Market!

Winner – The Antiques Young Gun 2013 – Timothy Medhurst.
From left: Organiser George Johnson, celebrity designer Nicky Haslam, Timothy Medhurst, Mark Hill

We are delighted to be hosting the awards this year and fully support the campaign. Last year we welcomed Alys Dobbie of Nanadobbie to Alfies for two months as part of the special Judge's Prize.  

Bennie Gray - who opened Alfies in 1976 - told Antiques News & Fairs: "These days the politicians are all saying it’s the entrepreneurial spirit that will save our economy. Which I think is true - of course the antiques trade has always been one of the most fertile breeding grounds for entrepreneurs, especially those with a fine eye for design. So it is a great privilege and a great pleasure for our antique markets to welcome and support the Young Guns. We wish them well.”

Winner of the special Judge’s Prize 2013, Alys Dobbie of Nanadobbie. From left: George Johnson, Alys Dobbie, Nicky Haslam, Mark Hill

Roof Top Kitchen

The awards ceremony and party will take place in the Rooftop Kitchen when the organisers will announce not only the winners and runners up but also which winning Young Gun will be matched with which of the twelve mentors, aka Antiques Heavy Artillery.

The names of the Antiques Heavy Artillery will be announced at the party to celebrate the 25th Bath Decorative Antiques Fair on Thursday 6 March 2014.

This group of twelve has been drawn from the most experienced and well known members of the trade across all sectors, aged 40 and over, and each has agreed to donate at least three days of their time over a twelve month period, from 4 July, to mentor one winning Antiques Young Gun.

Details of the prize package and how to get involved will be released at The Bath Decorative Antiques Fair.

Visit the Antique Young Guns website and follow the updates at: www.antiquesnews.co.uk

Young Guns of the Antiques Trade

Last week we were delighted to attend the Battersea Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair for two special awards ceremonies.  Dubbed the BAFTAs of the antique world the winners of the annual Homes & Antiques Awards and the Young Guns of the Antiques Trade were both announced during National Antiques Week.

George Johnson & Mark Hill introduce the Young Guns Awards

The Young Guns awards were set up to highlight younger members who are making their mark in the antiques trade.  Awards were given to those under-40 who are excelling in the trade, from owning shops or taking over family firms to organising fairs and auctions.

As well as promoting the trade to a younger audience the campaign also aims promote the green credentials of antiques.  As well as buying a piece of history, quality craftsmanship and unique designs, antiques give the buyer exceptional value when compared to modern high street purchases.   Alfies donated some of our lovely 'Antiques are Green' canvas bags designed by Susan Taylor to all those shortlisted.

Alys Dobbie collecting her award presented by interior designer Nicky Haslam

Alfies was also delighted to be involved with the special judges prize, a shop at Alfies for the summer.  Alys Dobbie of Nanadobbie was the lucky winner and we will be welcoming her to Alfies in June and July.  Make sure to pop in and say hello!

'Old Farts of the Trade' a touch of humour from the older generation!

We'd like to give a huge congratualtions to all the winners and those shortlisted!  For the full round up of winners and more photos from the event please visit the Homes & Antiques website.