Italy sourcing: crystal, closed-doors, Campari and … Caravaggios?!
Tracking down a masterpiece
Now first things first. Honestly yes this was first and foremost a holiday but when you source antiques professionally it's hard to turn that off when you know there could be some great finds.
This trip around southern Italy was incredibly inspiring and productive : the holiday parts are beautiful, and the sourcing locations often less so, but when you combine the two and fuel the hunt with burrata everything is just that bit better.
How to find sourcing spots
Google, luck. And a few phone calls.
In most bigger cities in the south it's on the outskirts where you are able to find spots to take rummage and have the best chance of finding some of the incredible mid century glassware, lighting and tableware that is always in demand.
This trip took us around Puglia, small and larger towns: cities showed more variety for the decorative items No Relation tends to stock, and better pricing, but smaller locations had some truly incredible historic items - particularly pottery.
Many of the private collectors we met have piles of stuff but you often have to call to get a look in - and fair warning: timings are also unpredictable. No haggling, cash, and no online presence means a lot is down to the luck of the draw.
Serious history
As ever, antiquing takes you from the sublime to the ridiculous…
Walking into an antiques gallery and coming face to face with a real Caravaggio painting really set the tone. The Italians take their antiques seriously, with the high end galleries sourcing from private collections, as well as palazzo reclamation and clearance. It can really stop you in your tracks.
After being told by the lovely owners that this branch specialised in ‘‘modern objects" (which they defined as renaissance to neo classical...) my shocked expression got a laugh: this is definitely not the contemporary 20-21st century UK definition ...
Later starts
Trawling through trash and treasure…
Our hearts were of course a flutter at a pile of classic Puglian ceramics dating as far back as the 17th century: but most of these veritable emporiums are closed for the main portion of the day. Sourcing here is a different routine to the early mornings of the UK.
These antiques stores are family-run and a definite labour of love. You'll usually find older gents opening their dusty doors after 3pm and/or if you call them to negotiate a special opening.
Many of the ceramic items may be piled high, but are often accompanied with catalogues from auctions taking place in London, Switzerland etc since 1970 - sale listings are a badge of honour for these guys.
What we loved, left & bought
We expected to come away with lots of antique ceramics but in fact, we've sourced a real mix for you, including.....
Murano wall lights for a private client
These beauties were part of a set which will soon be making their way to a private client in France, with re-covered shades we think they will look exquisite in their new home
Some trays including a zingy lemon lemon yellow number
How’s this for some 1960s Italian summer glamour? The perfect drinks tray, we can practically smell the Campari!
A new complete set of 1970s Christallo viola & silver hallmarked glasses
What’s your poison?
Some lovely antique vases and jugs
A sneak peek into our growing collection of beautiful pottery
There was fabulous tableware including tons of chrome: not something on our hitlist at the moment as we've been lucky to source lots elsewhere.
Some other things we loved but left behind:
This chic but enormous red bamboo mirror
What a statement piece!
An undulating chrome table
He was gorgeous though….
This kitsch, or should that be kitchen, fabric lightshade
A frill-ing find for someone…
…And when the hunt draws to a close…
…There is just time for one last Campari spritz….
The sun sets on a fabulous week of sun and sourcing.
A fuller Italy sourcing trip with transport for large furniture is planned for later this summer! Go to our bespoke sourcing page to find out more and we will do the hard work for you!