The richest interiors are those decorated with layers of old and new. A great lover of carefully collected antiques, Rebecca's own home has various antiques gathered from her favoured dealers and curators across the UK. In this bi-monthly feature, she'll be sharing the names from her little black book, talking founder to founder about the world of antiques and which pieces from our very own collection set their hearts aflutter.
In this edition, Rebecca speaks to Lee Wright, founder and creative director of Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors. With an impeccable reputation built on knowledge, authenticity, and personalised service, Lee's deep-rooted experience in the world of antiques ensures you're in expert hands.
First up, in your words how would you describe the sorts of antiques you collect and sell?
It's simple really, I sell unique pieces – one-offs with a bit of an edge. I like to think that nothing really compares to them and I select everything with passion. They're pieces I'd like to have myself that have some proper history to them and character to show for it. I notice all of their details, like the repeated restoration work they might have had over the years all the while trying to keep the item as close to the original as possible. That's what my antiques are about.
Do they reflect your own personal taste?
Absolutely, they're very much my personal taste. I just wouldn't buy anything I don't like, and the best bit is when you find something you love AND have never seen before – even if it's just a small but notable difference like unusual feet or handles. Small but mighty differences I say.
Tell us about your most fascinating find to date: where did you discover it and what was its story?
There were these buttons that I found in a little shop in Rouen years back that I've never forgotten, and they're the only piece I ever regret selling. They were an important collection of 19th-century buttons, made in Paris, and every one was completely unique. Some were coat buttons, some were smaller than that, some were made from malachite, others mother of pearl and some were silver. They were remarkably rare and I spent hours studying them one by one, and I tell you nothing has ever come close to them. You had to see them to understand their quality but they had to have been made by one of the top button-makers in the world for premium clientele. There were probably 20 boards in total with 50 buttons on them each – probably part of a costume design portfolio or something. I just don't think people can create that sort of thing anymore.
Has there ever been something you'd found and couldn't part with?
It’s got to be those buttons, but I did part with them. I part with everything though, that's the purpose of it. Finding and selling is what I do and I'll willingly do so even if I really love it, if that person shares my passion. I sell to clients with appreciation.
Are there, in your eyes, any big no-nos with antiques in the home?
No real no-nos for me because if it's got style and it's timeless, then it's just going to work. I want proper finds with a history to stand strong in a room.
What would your advice be on choosing the right antiques for your home? How do you pick a period?
Don't think about the period – buy what you love. You can't go wrong then.
Any common pitfalls to avoid? Scale, for example?
I'd say the biggest pitfall is buying for a show home. A home wants to feel homely and usable, not like you're in a glass box. So buy the pieces that you'll live around in a relaxed way; you’ll enjoy them more that way.
What about combining eras in one room: does it work? And if so, which styles do you love to mix?
Yeah that 100% works in my eyes. The period really shouldn't matter because things from different times, different periods and different parts of the world all can and do complement each other... A mirror from 1880 with a chest from 1780 underneath? Absolutely.
Can you share any insider intel: the best antiques markets in your eyes?
Well I can't actually tell you too much otherwise everyone will go! But I do vouch for the Paris flea markets like Les Puces. Go when the weather's good and make it an experience, sitting outside with a coffee or a wine like the French do. I used to spend more than six months of the year buying over that way but I don't want to go anymore and get people to source for me. I live a simple life on the beach in Cornwall now and spend my time here, trying to sail and plodding about with the dog.
Which is your most treasured antique at home and why?
I really don't have one is the truth. I moved to the beach and a load of my antiques just don't work here. It's the sort of house that'd suit that shabby Swedish antique look but my stuff is heavy and Indian and doesn’t feel at home here but I do and so does the dog, Dillon, and that's what matters most to me now.
Five in Five
Every month, we ask our favourite antiques dealers which pieces they would pick from the Rebecca Udall collection. New pieces that blend seamlessly with the old...
1. You're pouring a drink. What drink and into which glass?
I like the Elisa tumblers in green. I'd love a nice freshly squeezed juice in those on a summer's day.
2. You're setting the table for supper for six. Who's around the table and which tablecloth?
I'd dine with a few very close friends that I've known all my life and shared great times with. We'd sit around the Colette tablecloth in Harbour Blue which I reckon would work well with my seaside life.
3. Still on supper – what's your signature dish and which crockery would you be serving it on?
I like blue so I’d have the Zita and I'd be serving tapas that I think would stand out nicely as the majority of the plate is a blank canvas and I like how the blue edge would tie in with my tablecloth.
4. You're getting ready for bed. What's your pre-sleep ritual and which bedding do you want to climb under?
Early to bed and to rise with the Georgiana ladderstitch linen, and I'd have it in Sage.
5. You're in the mood for treating yourself to something. What little object for your home would you pick from the collection and where's it going?
I really like the Bamboo handle cutlery and I'd have it in my cutlery drawer to use every day. I could live with that style forever.
