The BADA is delighted to introduce the new ‘Meet the Dealer’ series. Get to know the people and personalities that make the BADA, as we delve into their businesses, passions, and insights on buying and collecting. Through a series of interviews, we uncover their stories and discover what drives them in the world of art and antiques.
Mark Goodger
Mark Goodger Antiques
Mark Goodger Antiques was established in 1998 by Mark Goodger in Northamptonshire, United Kingdom. With over 35 years of experience trading, Mark Goodger Antiques’ collection comprises an extensive range of antique boxes and accessories, which serve a mixture of purposes, including decoration, practicality, and investment.
Could you tell us about your favourite piece currently in your stock and what makes it special?
There are too many to mention - that’s the beauty of my job. However, for the time being and for the reason I can’t stop looking at it, it’s an extremely rare pumpkin-shaped Tea Caddy lying on its side with wonderful colour, patination and has this superb realistic-looking stalk as if it’s growing out of the ground. A first for me and we have handled many fruit-shaped caddies, but nothing like this piece. It will soon to be featured in our 25th Anniversary catalogue alongside many other rare and exceptional pieces.
What would you say has been your biggest personal achievement in your career in fine art & antiques so far?
The builder and curator of many fine collections whether that be for Tea Caddies, Sewing Boxes, Writing boxes or Rene Lalique Car Mascots, my collectors are so important and a huge personal achievement to me. After all it’s these people that keep the wheels in motion, they continue to buy and trust my word as I help them to source and grow their collections. Other huge achievement that can’t be ignored including having been fortunate to work with the likes of Harrods in Hong Kong, The East India Company and the wonderful Compton Verney House, to help curate their tea caddy collections and finally sourcing a Vizagapatam Sewing box in the form of a Cottage for the Indian Heritage Centre for their cultural Museum in Singapore.
How did you first discover your love for fine art and antiques?
My fascination with Tea Caddies began around the time in college when I was captivated by a small wooden caddy my tutor brought in for a French Polishing demonstration; I then became engrossed with the pieces I discovered. The moment I found this small tea caddy, I fell in love with it and immediately asked if it could be purchased. The lecturer informed me that he would sell it to me for the grand sum of £5.00. I, of course, was delighted to take advantage of the offer and jumped at the chance. It was here that I became hooked on boxes.
Had you always wanted to work in the industry or did you have a career change?
I pursued an apprenticeship with an antique furniture restoration company, Adrian Hornsey. With the assistance of cabinet makers and polishers willing to share their skills and passion for their craft, I quickly developed a strong passion for antiques. As part of my apprenticeship, I studied at High Wycombe College to obtain qualifications in Cabinet Making and Furniture Restoration.
How did you first get involved in the industry?
My career in the furniture trade started young, with a job manufacturing modern furniture for a small antique restoration company in Buckinghamshire. My time here gave me the unique opportunity to learn the art of box restoration. In addition, I gained the skills involved in buying and selling in a highly specialised sector.
If you weren’t a dealer, what would you be?
I would have been a chef, as I have always enjoyed my time experimenting in the kitchen. Or, a Footballer - well isn’t that every boy’s dream! Don’t do Rugby as it’s the wrong shape ball.
Could you tell us your three top tips for buying and collecting antiques?
1. Buy the best you can afford
2. Buy from trusted sellers - do your homework on the seller
3. Visit exhibitions and antique fairs to meet the dealers and ask questions, we love to share our passion.
Could you tell us your three top tips for what to look for when buying antique boxes and tea caddies?
1. Always buy what you like
2. Buy from trusted sellers - do your homework
3. Visit exhibitions and antique fairs
What is an experience or an object that has shocked or surprised you in your time collecting and dealing?
Finding secret compartments in many of my beautiful boxes.
What would you say is needed to be a successful dealer?
You need to have patience, honesty, a good team, and good people around you. You also need to be prepared to work hard and do unsociable hours.
What is a common misconception about the world of art and antiques?
That they’re only for a certain target market, and that everything we buy costs nothing.
Will you ever stop collecting or dealing?
It’s my religion.
What is one item you couldn’t do without?
My iPhone, for those Antique Marketing purposes!
Do you have a collection in your home?
I may have taken a few of my favourite pieces home for a short time, just between us!
Who do you admire in the world of art and antiques and why?
John Howard, as he has been instrumental in my success and an excellent mentor; he has always been there for valuable sound advice and most importantly good fun. A joke or a tale is never too far away with John!
What is an item that you wish you had never sold to a client and kept for yourself?
An octagonal georgian Satinwood tea caddy, extensively inlaid.
Could you tell us an unusual fact about the art of dealing in antique boxes and tea caddies?
Fruit Tea Caddies are not made in England and they are not made from Pear or Apple wood, contrary to popular belief.
What events have you got coming up and where can we next view your stock?
We will be exhibiting at The Spring Decorative Fair in Battersea Park, London where you will find our Barware Collection, Art Deco Collection, and more. Additionally, we will be exhibiting at The Petworth Park & Antiques Fine Art Fair where some of our very best pieces will be on show to view.
View more stock from Mark Goodger Antiques here.