THE places to go locally are Arundel and Midhurst and Petworth for antiques of all sorts.

Each town is well known for its antique dealers and shops.

So what do you think of when someone says “antiques”?! Do you think of dusty furniture, huge marble sculptures, wine glasses, vintage clothing, antiquarian books, paintings by famous or not so famous artists? Knowing what you are looking for will help to narrow your search down. Also – knowing what budget you may have to spend. There is nothing worse than falling in love with an article and finding its totally unaffordable!

I hope you like these local suggestions, but they are only a starting point.

More locally antiques can be found at: www.whitestonefarm.f9.co.uk in Birdham.

The Trade Warehouse in Runcton www.antiques-trade-warehouse.co.uk Massive choice of lots in a series of barns!

These ones are in Chichester itself…

Peter Hancock Antiques www.hancockantiques.co.uk

Heritage Antiques www.heritage-antiques.co.uk

Richard Gardner Antiques www.richardgardnerantiques.co.uk

Also on the A27 / Tangmere roundabout is Sussex Reclamation for garden and large items of building reclamation.

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We also have 2 auction houses in Chichester – Henry Adams henryadamsfineart.co.uk and Strides and Sons www.stridesauctions.co.uk who both hold regular auctions with various themes.

The places to go in the Wealden towns include:

Arundel – Tarrant Street, High Street and Fitzalen Road mainly.

Midhurst – Rumbolds Hill (A286) and Ashfield Road

Petworth – rugs, furniture, guns etc! Its a little place so just wander round the loop!

Vintage Goods are currently all the rage! Locally this is especially helped by the Goodwood Revival in September each year, where it is frowned upon to turn up NOT attired in vintage clothes! One-legged Jockey in Crane Street, the Vintage St Wilfrids’ Hospice shop on Eastgate junction and other shops in the City will get you suitably attired.

Top Tips for buying:

• Buy from established dealers

• Always buy what you like

• Look out for damage

• Look for original, untouched furniture, preferably with a provenance

• Keep an eye out for over-restoration – has the patina and history been ruined?

• If buying for investment – be wary of fashion!

• choose pre-War pieces if buying glass

• Stick with big name jewellery designers

• Beware of fakes

• Protect your investment with good insurance.

© Gayle Palmer 2015-6 Chichester Self Catering

Have you seen our other post on Car boot sales too? They can also be a great source of smaller antiques!