Why antiques? What sparked the passion for it and how long have you traded in the business?
BC: All my life. Ever since I was running around junk shops as a kid. Rummaging about, finding things. It really sparked the passion.
Brian, you’re a seasoned “market man”- what is it about markets that has kept your interest for so long?
BC: Like I said, it’s been part of my life since I was a kid. When I was younger, I used to sell fruit and veg.
Was that a family business?
BC: No, I would just go down to the market and see what jobs I could get. From about the age of twelve, down in Kent. I always sort of worked for myself.
So you’re quite resourceful, going by whatever worked at the time?
BC: Yeah, you might remember, when I first came to Errol, I only had a small shop here [the Artisan Hall], and I’ve expanded, just filling it up with what I can find. I’m a… what do they call it? An ‘oarder?
A what? [laughing]
LH: An order?
BC: Yeah, an ‘oarder.
LH: Spell it.
BC: H-O-A-R….
Ahh [laughing], a hoarder! It’s that classic cockney accent. So, you must have had some pretty incredible items in your collection over the years. What’s been the most interesting antique or vintage piece that you’ve come across?
BC: It’s still in my collection, it’s me horse, innit? It fell apart when I got it, I spent 8 years drying it out, from one shed to another shed to a living room, then I had to fix the head back on. After 8 or 10 years, this is as far as it’s got restored. I had specialist restorers basically say to me “don’t bother”.
Do you know where it came from?
BC: I don’t, someone said it was Edwardian, someone said it came off a carousel… it’s a mystery. It’s definitely an older piece. I love it.
The name Trendy Trash is great- do you think it kind of describes your attitude to business? A little bit of tongue-in-cheek, but also a consciousness to bring the best to the table?
BC: Yeah, of course. I mean “Trendy Trash”… one man’s-
LH: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
BC: Yeah, exactly. We still sell our treasures cheap though, because it depends what’s in fashion, innit? Things go out of fashion, what used to make big money… ten years later, depending on where you are in the cycle, it can be worth nothing.
You really just have to keep your eyes on the ball don’t you?
BC: Yeah, but it all goes round in a big circle.
What brought you guys to Errol Sunday Market?
LH: I saw it advertised on STV, and I thought “oh, we’ve never been here”, so we had a look around.
BC: We didn’t even know anyone here, did we?
LH: No, we didn’t know anyone. We just came down and started thinking about opening up a unit, just give it a go.
Do you have a funniest or fondest memory of the market?
LH: There are loads of memories; good, bad, and different, to be honest. But in general, we’ve had such a good experience. Our fondest memories are of Keith, you know, just coming round to have a chat with us and hearing his stories of his experience in the markets. We’ve found that there’s something for everyone, it’s a great place, definitely.
That’s always great to hear. What’s the best thing you’ve ever bought at the market?
LH: I’ve bought loads of stuff… I think my favourite is those teddies over there [pointing to two teddies displayed on a high shelf], with the walking sticks. I love them, and they’re not for sale, they’re just for show. Gosh, there’s too many to mention.
So, final question… what would you like customers to know coming into your shop?
LH: That everything’s for sale…
Apart from the teddies?
LH: Yes, everything else is for sale and… prices are always negotiable!
