It has been an unprecedented time in world history which has effected every one of us.
For Crystal Antiques it has meant closing on Christmas Eve 2020 until this month. It threw up multiple challenges, having to keep the website up and running, keeping stock fresh and trying to help our customers in any way possible. Through our Facebook page, Instagram and the website we have shown previously unseen stock from the shop as well as totally fresh stock sourced when possible.
It has been the toughest time for purchasing antiques in recent memory. With access to houses and house clearances cut off, fresh, new to the market pieces were nigh on impossible to obtain, and only through trade contacts was it possible to find this fresh stock. We were either lucky or just in the right place to pick up some amazing design pieces this way, in particular the leather and chrome Eames style 70’s chairs by Italian firm Fasem and the leather and chrome Bauhaus inspired Barcelona stools which we think will fly out the doors once people see them in person.
While the antiques have been closed auction prices have been extremely strong. This, paired with not being able to view the lots in person made buying a lottery. With a mixture of experience, knowledge and patience we were still able to get our hands on some lovely new stock, even if it wasn’t in the quantity we would have liked.
One positive that did come out of the lockdown was the time it gave us to update the interior of the shop and give it a fresh new look, in our own personal colour scheme. We are really looking forward to our customers seeing the mid century section and the fine art & antiques section in the shop, showcasing a proportion of our new stock.
Finally, we are opening by appointment from Tuesday 11th May 10.00 – 4.00 and appointments can be made by email to info@crystalantiques.ie, or contact through the Facebook page. From the 17th May we will be fully open, with the usual covid rules and regulations in place. Opening hours will be 9.30 – 5.00 Monday – Friday and 10.00-5.30 Saturday & Sunday.
We really can not wait to see you all again.
Matthew
