As part of this packed week or so of oral history interviews (see previous blog posts) we managed to track down Christopher Payne and he very generously gave us some time out of his own very busy schedule. Lizzy Jamieson, our Project Research Fellow interviewed Christopher in London a couple of weeks ago. As you probably know, Christopher has been a regular presenter on the BBC Antiques Roadshow since 1985 – our project can now boast two Antiques Roadshow presenters…Chris Jussel, who we interviewed in March (see earlier blog post), also fronted the USA version of the Antiques Roadshow for many years!
Christopher Payne. 2015. Photo EJ Antique Dealer Project.
In an absolutely fascinating interview, Christopher told us about his grandfather’s Antiques and Modern furniture business, which began in the 19th century, and by the 1960s was employing 100 people. The business was continued by Christopher’s father, Tony Payne, who in 1968, decided to close the furniture-making and retail business and concentrate on the antiques side of the business, focused at ‘Wylton Antiques’ in Melton Mowbray.
Wylton Antiques, Melton Mowbray, late 1960s. Photograph courtesy of Christopher Payne. Copyright Christopher Payne.
Wylton Antiques, Melton Mowbray, shop interior, late 1960s. Photograph courtesy of Christopher Payne. Copyright Christopher Payne.
Christopher also told us about his own history; his first job at Sotheby’s in 1970, and had some fascinating observations on the auction world more generally, and on insights into the ‘vetting’ processes whilst he sat on the vetting committees of many of the major antique fairs. As you also may know, Christopher is author of the definitive book on the furniture designer and maker Linke. The interview provides us with a very rich series of memories, illustrative of more than 50 years of experience in the ‘world of antiques’.
Mark
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