I’ve had several trips to the coast recently, and without fail, I always spot someone with a metal detector, hovering hopefully over the shingle. I’ve no idea how expensive these contraptions are, but does anyone ever actually make their money back? It strikes me that most treasure has already been discovered. Similarly the days of picking up bargains, or discovering Rembrandts in the attic is surely gone. People have much more knowledge these days, thanks to the likes of Antiques Roadshow, Flog it, Ebay etc. Down in Margate the other day, I was however, very surprised to stumble across the sort of antique shop you might expect to find in Chelsea. Margate is becoming well known for its cluster of vintage stores in the old town, and most seaside towns tend to have no shortage of cheap bric-a-brac, but this was something entirely different. Fontaine is housed in an imposing Edwardian laundry, far from the hustle and bustle of the seafront. Room after grand room contain beautifully assembled collections of furniture, paintings and objets. I was just glad I had my camera with me, and owners, Stuart & Kiel, very kindly let me snap away. This week you won’t have to go as far as Margate to see for yourself, as they are exhibiting at the Autumn Decorative Fair in Battersea Park.
