An interview with David Hickmet, Managing Director of Hickmet Fine Arts -

 

Was there an event or epiphany that got you hooked on antiques?

 

“Having been brought up as a third generation antiques dealer I have been rather spoilt. I would have to say my ‘epiphany’ was my first sale at 13 years of age. My addiction to being a dealer had started!”

 

What about the antiques world gets you excited?

 

“It has to be when we are offered ‘fresh to the market’ antiques from private collectors. Especially when you know another private collector who would be very keen to give it a ‘new home’.”

 

What is your favourite antique ever and why?

 

“I have always admired ‘L’Accolade’ by P J Mene – circa 1850. It is a bronze sculpture of an Arab Mare and Stallion gently nuzzling together – and 150 years later I notice our horses doing the same thing at home!”

 

What’s the wackiest comment you have heard at an antiques fair?

 

“A client saying he would not buy a piece of furniture on another stand because it was described as a ‘breakfront bookcase’ and he did not want to buy something that was broken.”

 

What’s the most interesting thing that’s happened at an antiques fair?

 

“Meeting celebrity clients and discovering that they are just the same as everyone else, except that they are usually a lot smaller than they look on the tv!”

 

What is your favourite genre of antiques and why?

 

“I have to choose the Art Deco period, especially the sculpture, as I believe the aesthetic style has never been bettered. In addition to the sense of modernity, items may be placed in any period interior and make a statement that can be enjoyed by everyone.”

 

What’s your biggest antiques related blooper?

 

“On my first antiques fair in the USA a confident elderly lady client was admiring a sculpture on my stand and she turned to me and just said “Sell it to me”- I was so taken aback I just mumbled “well it’s very nice” – unimpressed she walked off to another dealer and purchased an important painting. I have made sure this hasn’t happened again.”

 

That’s all for now, but if you would like to meet David yourself and ask your own antiques related questions, you’ll be able to find him at the many fairs we are attending or contact him via email at david@hickmet.com