Illuminate the Extraordinary

“Reclaim, Recycle, Reuse” is the motto of Antiques by Design’s founder and designer Guy Chenevix-Trench.

21/11/2024

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After a varied career, firstly as a deep-sea diver and then as an owner of a windsurfing business in Essex, Guy moved into antiques with the advice, and support of his wife, Sarah, an interior designer. “I have always had an interest in antiques, partly due to my grandmother, an antiques dealer, encouraging me to hunt for treasures as a boy.”

^{Lot 90, Estimate £50 - £70}

Originally starting out dealing in chandeliers and antique bedroom furniture Guy felt he had not found his niche, and Sarah suggested he try something new. This suggestion resulted in some bowling balls being turned into lamps, using his engineering skills honed in the depths of the North Sea, and then the same with cricket balls. At the same time the fashion for “upcycling” was becoming increasingly popular and with that his re-cycled lamps, mirrors and tables became popular. Guy became a regular at the London decorative fairs, such as Grand Designs, Decorex, and The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair in Battersea and clients included Ronnie Wood (The Rolling Stones) and Helena Bonham-Carter (actress), along with commissions from leading interior designers for eye-catching installations in Mayfair and Hackney.

^{Lot 80, Estimate £50 - £70}

Guy’s skill also features in the BBC’s daytime programme Money for Nothing where his creative talents are shown to a wider audience from his barn near Maldon in Essex, and this resulted in more commissions for his imaginative, interesting pieces.

To quote Guy “I love old things, I think it’s important to keep those bits of history that people would burn or throw away. This is what I was destined to do.” Reeman Dansie is delighted to be holding this unique sale.