Recalling how he first became interested in antiques, Jonny Williamson mentions his family's connections with the game of golf. One of my ancestors, Jack Simpson, won the Open at Prestwick in 1884, and subsequently my family founded Simpsons of Carnoustie, the second oldest golf shop in the world, which remained in the family until the mid 1980s,' says Jonny. The game itself was never of interest to me, but I appreciated the history and the skill required to make good clubs. Growing up in Carnoustie, I was familiar with the craftsmanship and the quality of the materials used in the past: the hardwoods, hickory, lead and leather that were all part of the tradition.'
In fact, Jonny's father is still making golf trophies using the same traditional methods and materials that were used back then. Jonny now puts the skills learnt from his father to good use, restoring some of the more tired items he comes across in his life as an antiques dealer and bespoke furniture manufacturer.
Jonny's career in interiors and antiques began when he moved back to Scotland after working in the music industry in London. Living in the middle of the country up there, I was going to auctions and sourcing Scottish militaria for specialist collectors. After a couple of years I moved down south again, this time to the Cotswolds, where I discovered there was an interest in using militaria in interior design. It was around then I became more of a general dealer, which included using militaria in a decorative way.'
Denne historien er fra Special 2022-utgaven av Homes & Antiques.
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Denne historien er fra Special 2022-utgaven av Homes & Antiques.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Collecting Dioramas MINIATURE WORLDS
From elaborate taxidermy museum displays to humble folk art creations, a diorama can transport us to another time and place
Pride of place LEEDS CREAMWARE
In its heyday the pre-eminent rival to Wedgwood's Queens ware, Leeds creamware is still much revered by collectors for its understated elegance
Bohemian Rhapsody
An exuberant approach to decor, with rooms enveloped in colour and pattern, has brought this historic home merrily into the 21st century...
THE ANTIQUES THAT SHAPED ME Rory Hutton
The accessories designer on his love of silver spoons and Sévres porcelain
European HERITAGE B&Bs
Is there anything more inspiring than staying somewhere that's both beautifully stylish and imbued with history? Rhiannon Batten explores five gems across Europe, from Sweden to Spain...
STAR SALES
A Hitchens painting, a museum-quality teapot and a Parisian chocolate box are all top of the lots
Textile designs by artists
Influential 20th-century fine artists and sculptors, from Picasso to Barbara Hepworth, gained additional status as textile designers until decline set in during the 1970s
Period DRAMA
A painstaking renovation has brought this 1725 former Huguenot silk weaver's house in London's Spitalfields back to life
An artist's RESIDENCE
Rustic details and a restrained palette lend a sense of simplicity to this lovingly restored Friesian bakery
Carefully Curated LIVING
This lovingly restored Gustavian manor has become both home and showroom for its owners, Maria & Jan Åke, who deal in European antiques