Although analysing what’s going to sell can sometimes be an inexact science, there are certain items that see a flurry of interest after they’ve been featured in magazines. Old leather luggage is a case in point. "People seem to be buying it to stack up in a room," says Seppe. "I could sell a van load of it and people would be fighting over it." Vintage French furniture and Art Deco has also made a huge comeback, according to Seppe, although he says the surge of interest in Arts & Crafts has petered out of late. "Everything revolves," he says. "And every seven to 10 years it comes around again." At their eclectic home in Newcastle, the same ethos prevails. Everything is second hand, except electrical appliances, with a mix that includes a 1970s taupe sofa and an 18th Century cabinet. "I wouldn’t dream of buying anything new," says Seppe. "I can go to the auctions and pick up something that’s craftsman built for a fraction of the price." While Seppe prefers the simple lines of modernism and 20s Bauhaus, Clare prefers a more quirky style. "I’ve always hoarded and collected," says Clare, a former freelance fashion and textile designer. One of her most prized possessions is an old printer’s drawer that’s been mounted on the wall and filled with found objects such as dogs’ teeth, doll arms and pretty stones. "Rather than take photographs everywhere we go, Clare or Harvey find things," laughs Seppe. "If we go to the beach, we never come back without a rock to go in the front room or a bit of driftwood." "It doesn’t mean anything to anybody else," adds Clare. "I love placement and putting things together. You can see beauty in everything." Now Clare and Seppe are hoping that the post-recession ‘make do and mend’ mentality and the move towards eco-living will boost their business. "People are going back to basics," says Clare. "Rather than buying new, we’re hoping people will think about recycling things and look back to what was made in the past. It’s that little bit more green." To illustrate the point Seppe recounts a trip to the tip where he saw a fantastic Edwardian swivel armchair. "The leather was all shot on it but it had the making of a really good Edwardian office chair." Despite offering money for the chair, it was thrown in the crusher due to rules and regulations. Says Seppe: "It’s frustrating to see them smash it up when a tree will be knocked down to make a new one." It’s clear that Clare and Seppe are driven by a passion for quality craftsmanship and sustainability rather than chasing the big bucks. Says Seppe: "If I was doing this for the money I would’ve packed in years ago!" Chic Antiques is at Unit 20a, North Tyne Industrial Estate, NE12 9SZ. Tel 0191 259 9604. Opening hours are 10am-4.30pm Tuesday to Saturday and 11am-4.30pm Sunday. Closed Mondays. | 
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