A NEW shop dedicated to buying and selling works of art has opened in Wokingham.
Jeremy Edwards, who owns Antiq Art at Holme Grange Craft Village, started trading art as a hobby several years ago following the breakdown of his marriage.
While working as a taxi driver in Wokingham, Mr Edwards started attending auctions and soon discovered he had a flair for spotting bargains.
He said: “I saw this one piece by the same artist who my parents had hanging on the wall in their house, so I knew how much it was worth straight away.
“I bought it at the auction, and had it valued, and it is worth around £7,000.
“I started collecting more and more art, but eventually I ran out of space so I was looking for somewhere I could set up a shop. I knew Ian from Beyond the Download, and he told me that this unit had become available so I came to have a look and it was perfect for what I was after.”
Now, Jeremy is planning an official launch party to welcome the business to Holme Grange Craft Village, and to show customers that works of art can be affordable.
He said: “I like to think that there is something for every taste and every budget here. It took weeks to carefully plan where all of the artworks were going to be displayed, because I wanted something different on every wall.
“We have all sorts of different works available, from your traditional landscapes and portraits, to urban scenes and cartoons and caricatures, and everything in between.
“I am also really keen to showcase local artists and local scenes, I have a few pieces hanging up on the walls from Henley and Windsor, and some local artists who I think are just fantastic.”
Antiq Arts also has an interesting selection of ornaments and collectibles, some of which are vintage.
Jeremy said: “A lot of the artwork isn’t ‘antique’ so to cover that side of the business I started investigating vintage ornaments and knick-knacks, and some of these are very old.
“But the main thing about what I sell is that there is mileage in everything, I know I could sell the pieces for a lot more but I want them to be attainable so I price them accordingly. I have had people come into the shop to have a browse, thinking that they wouldn’t be able to afford to buy anything, but being pleasantly surprised by what is on offer.
“That is why I decided to hold the launch party, not only to let people know that we are here, but for them to come in and have a look around in a relaxed atmosphere.
“Holme Grange is such a lovely place to be, everyone has been so welcoming and friendly, the Grange Cafe will be co-hosting the launch party and we will have works on display in there as well. I will also be making donations from sales on the night to The Alzheimer’s Society in memory of my father, George Edwards, who sadly passed away last November.”
Antiq Art’s launch party will be held on Thursday, October 5. Donations from sales on the night will go to The Alzheimer’s Society, and two pieces will be auctioned on the night, with all proceeds going to charity. Buyers will also receive a 10% discount on all purchases on the night.
For more information visit www.facebook.com/AntiqArt1.
