Letters to the editor

Petworth dealers bite back

in response to the article in 6 August  ATG headed “Tides turning as Gardner Exits?” A Petworth dealer – Jane Walton- responds as follows:-

The ATG and David Moss, recently published an article/advert (depending on your opinion) entitled “Tides turning as Gardner exits?’

It promotes a dealer who is leaving Petworth who chooses to lay much blame for his lack of business on the town itself – always an easy option. I have my own opinions on why such an article was written and I give credit to those who have read it and know Petworth, to see it for what it is, a biased, unfair and untrue account.

I am saddened that the ATG, which is meant to support and champion our industry, especially in these challenging times, has allowed itself to be used in a way that allows Mr Gardner to promote his business at the expense of the rest of us in Petworth; some of whom he has known for many years. The “article” does not seek to offer an alternative view, or to look deeper and see if what was being written was true. The editor does not seem to understand why I and others find the article offensive, but he suggested I write this letter and he promised to print it, presumably by way of addressing the balance.

Petworth is not the holy Grail, but it has a very good reputation, and a diverse and large number of dealers. We have been accused of many things by Mr Gardner, that we don’t advertise, that we ride on the back of Petworth’s old reputation, that we don’t attract new clients. When I am here to tell Mr Gardner that you don’t speak for me, nor draw a true picture of my business with your comments.

With a publication such as the ATG, with a circulation they would have us believe is fast and read throughout the world, comes a responsibility. A responsibility to encourage, nurture, and promote and write fairly about the industry they represent and the people in it.

This one-sided article has caused much distress in Petworth, not because Mr Gardner is leaving, but because both he and the ATG had insinuated throughout the article that Petworth has had its day. The suggestion is that the town is no longer a viable option for anyone to trade from. It ignores the fact that new businesses, including Kiki design, have opened here. As many towns go through a period of change, this often regenerates it and keeps it interesting.

That it no longer lives up to Mr Gardner’s expectations is unfortunate, but as I said to him, it has also earned him a very good living for a good number of years.

The letter is written by Jane Walton and kindly supported by Vicki Emery (Antiquated), Patrick Howgill (Alexis antique)s, George Perez-Martin (Brownrigg), Sarah Hughes (Phoenix antiques), Sarah and John (Kiki design) and Elizabeth (Tudor Rose antiques).

Dealers Diary : Antique Dealers of Petworth rally to defend the reputation of Petworth as an important Antiques Centre

In an article headed “Dealers rally to Petworth cause” many antiques dealers affirmed the continuing vibrancy of the town as a dealing centre and that  whilst Richard Gardner is  leaving town there are even more people moving in. One new antique dealer to Petworth says “my business is thriving in Petworth and I love the town and all it offers”.

We at Tudor Rose Antiques have been successfully trading as 13 Dealers in our centre for over 10 years and look forward to continuing help maintain Petworth’s well earned reputation of the Antiques Centre of the South.

Here is a picture of some of the dealers from Petworth, many of whom contacted the Antiques Trade Gazette to affirm the continuing vibrancy of the town.

In an article headed “Tides turning as Gardner Exits?” Richard Gardner explains why he is moving his antique shop from Petworth to Chichester saying

- the shop lease is expiring and it is expensive to renew

- If he moved to Chichester his clients would still follow him

- Petworth has lost its appeal at his level

- The Petworth dealers do not spend money on marketing they live on Petworth’s reputation

As part of the Petworth Festival, Tudor Rose Antiques were one of the main sponsors of this unique event.

For the first time ever Petworth House opened its stable doors to host this wonderful event in their enclosed stable yard area.

On a warm July evening we ate and drank and listened to the extraordinary talents of Kelly Dickson, sparkling young jazz musicians from West Sussex and culminating in a barnstorming set from pianist extraordinaire Ben Waters and his Little Big Band.

Ben is one of the world’s leading Boogie Woogie/Rock ‘n Roll Piano players. who although aged only 35 has over 3000 gigs under his belt. Combining the music of his heroes (Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, Amos Milburn etc) with cutting edge original material, Ben Waters has shared the stage with some of the top names in the business, including most recently the fabulous Charlie Watts!

Of the many events put on by the Petworth festival during July this was rated one of the most successful. Once again Tudor Rose antiques is associated with success!