Antiques in the Attic? 

Rex Wellington is an antique dealer from the southern Hygge Province in Swevenia. He has been buying, selling and trading Antiques all of his life and it is a love that runs in his veins. Rex is the second-generation owner of the store that was originally established by his late father. The showroom oozes an old charm, centuries of dust collect in corners, musty smells of old leather, wares, paper and tarnished pieces hang in the air – it is this quality that makes an antique showroom such a treasure trove of discovery and a museum of the past… The creaking floorboards are older than the joints of the old tortoise himself, but why change something so delightful as a portal back to yesteryear? Wellington’s Antiques has been a popular one-stop-shop for residents on the mainland and it houses a hodgepodge of Antiques and a mishmash of various second-hand homewares.  Rex has been selling antiques since his emergence from the egg. His father and mother, Charles and Esmerelda Wilhemena Wellington have instilled the love of antiques and good business acumen into their son since a young age. Rex has been running Wellington Antiques Pty Ltd for over 6 decades and he is as ‘fit as a fiddle’ with no plans of slowing down. Rex believes the shop is his Ikigai (reason for being). Antiques provide him with wonderful connections to the past and he enjoys sharing his passion for old items from yesteryear to the present & future generations. Fable & Fika Magazine recently interviewed this fascinating tortoise and asked him about his long and interesting career and what Antiques mean to him.

How did you develop a love of antiques & decide to follow on with the family business?

RW: When I was a young whippersnapper, growing up under the influence of my grandfather and father in the antique shop, I started collecting items at an early age. Grandpa helped Dad set up the business when I was young.  I loved collecting things like matchboxes, stamps, old coins and shiny pennies given to me by Grandpa or Dad. Over time, it progressed to ceramics, cups and dinner sets and I became interested in the painting styles on ceramic pieces. I’ve grown up around people all my life and social interactions are the one thing that I find an absolute necessity. My parents always told me to follow my heart, they didn’t force this career path onto me, I believe it was a biological certainty though! If you enjoy what you do and you have a real passion for it, not only will it not seem like work, but you’ll be very good at it. I love meeting people and even though I have friends spread far and wide, they always return to my shop for a good old yarn, a cup of tea and another purchase! What I love about antique items is that they seem to evoke a wisdom and impart a kind of ‘knowing’…

What is it about Antiques that give them the endearing qualities you refer to?

RW: Well, some people think that someone who likes old things is a ‘hoarder.’ Frankly, I disagree. Just because you might be a person who appreciates rusty biscuit tins, old newspapers, vintage hair accessories or jewellery, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your house is overcome by rats, mice or cockroaches, does it? Surely not! Old items and gadgets have a rich history. Old things are the keys to past times and they show us how things have developed and progressed. They provide us with a little history lesson. Everything has been designed in the past to fulfil a task. I honestly think the biggest fascination we have with antiques is about how they re-kindle the imagination. We pick them up, turn them over, we wonder about the long-gone people who have done things before us centuries ago. If these objects could talk, you could only imagine what tales they would tell us! I guarantee what you would hear would amaze you! This hidden story which encompasses each piece draws me in time and time again … it is the most endearing charm for any old item that is pre-loved and pre-used. I love the inherent charm these items possess and the untold stories they hold about their past owners. I mean, don’t you think that is fascinating? Antiques in my opinion, bring different time periods and centuries together. The holder of the piece is able to marvel, consider and ponder about times from the past.

What is your most cherished piece that you personally own (and would never part with or sell)?

RW: Oh yes, I can definitely tell you there is such an item. One day I acquired a box of wares from a deceased estate that were just dumped on my doorstep. I have no idea exactly where it came from, but the box contained many exquisite crockery-sets and glass vases. Amongst it all, wrapped in three layers of old newspaper was my most exquisite find to date. A wooden, poseable Hare, complete with a birth certificate. His Name is Ivan Linden Tillia and he is certainly my most prized and precious item. Over the years he’s been a friend and a constant source of company in the shop. He sits on the shop shelf watching the comings and goings of customers. I’ve attached a ‘Not for Sale’ sign around his right ankle. I wouldn’t part with him for any amount of money. I am unsure of his origins, but he is definitely a carved, ‘one-of-a-kind’ masterpiece. Everyone loves my Ivan, but no one more than myself.

What are the most ‘used’ antique items customers purchase and what is your own personal most used item?

RW: Most people come in to purchase tea wares, mugs or similar items. Of course, cups always are a useful item along with teapots. My most valued customer, Jeremy the Gander is a tea connoisseur and a new teapot or tea set does not last long on the shelf if he sniffs it out first – the bloke can’t help himself (inaudible wheeze)! But, it’s HIS thing. You see, this is what I’m saying, certain pieces will speak to certain buyers! Other buyers often come in to buy general kitchen wares, like jugs, salt n’ pepper shakers or a juice squeezer! If it has a use, let it live on and continue to serve its purpose with dignity. I believe the longevity of antiques comes by allowing them to serve their purpose. We all have a purpose and something that makes us tick, right? Well, it’s the same for an old vase, plate or pot… its charm and magic is unmatched, it will always sing if it is loved and used. My old pal Jeremey is utterly convinced that the tea brews and tastes better in some of his oldest teapots and I quite believe him (in some strange way) you know! Rex busts into an inaudible wheeze of laughter.

…and your oldest antique item(s) that you still use Rex?

RW: …oh yes, I forgot that question. Oh, without a doubt it would be my grandfather’s hat, pipe, his original teddy bear teaspoon and his magnifying glass! These items hold special meaning to me, but I also believe it is his way of instilling luck and wisdom into the business that fact that I even use them! My old eyes are failing, so Grandpa’s magnifying glass comes in handy and I stir my coffee each morning with his teaspoon! These are probably my most sentimental pieces that I use daily. Regarding other personal items, I do enjoy my old wooden radio, it still tunes pretty well to the ‘Classic Vibes’ station without too much crackling. Nothing like music to work by, eh?

What investment antiques would you recommend to your younger clientele?

RW: None. Look I don’t believe in buying an antique for investment. I think you should buy them because they say something to you or you find a use for them so they serve a greater purpose. Obviously, you must love the look and charm of them, but I say buy what you like and if it serves a need even better. There’s no point buying something if you don’t like it right? Even worse, just buying it because you hope it’ll increase in value and let’s say it doesn’t or even worse, it depreciates…

What types of antique or vintage products would your give as a wedding gift?

RW: Well, again, I would not buy something that isn’t useful to the couple and I wouldn’t buy something for them that you think might be ‘worth’ something in years to come. It must be something that is both useful, beautiful and memorable. A vase, an antique glass item, crystal or a timepiece is often very fitting. It really depends on the couple and the item’s uses. What I do know, is there is something out there to suit everyone.

Is there anything in your Antique Shop which interests the children?

RW: Well, sure there is! Books are always a portal to another world and children love using their imagination. Have you seen those old diecast pencil sharpeners made in various designs? Oh yes, they are a big hit amongst the children even today! Some of them are still in top notch condition today – they still have a use and a purpose, even if they are antiques, and everyone needs a sharp pencil, right? I keep forgetting I have a basket of them there in the shop… my pencil at the counter is always blunt; I must get one out and keep it near the cash register so I can sharpen that old pencil so it’s ready for tallying up numbers!

What was your last antique purchase?

RW: A 1935 Coronet Midget Camera in Brown. What a swish little thing it is! It had 13 x 18mm exposures back in its day! They were marketed as “The Tom Thumb” of cameras, convenient and simple to use. They were only produced until 1943 and were sold for 5s 6p at the time and you could also buy a matching Morocco grained leather case. It was sold with its own 6 exposure, paper-backed roll-film, 16mm wide. It is such just a delightful thing and it was a popular acquisition during that period.

Is there anything you wished you hadn’t sold?

RW: Of course! In life, I’m sure we all have had that moment of realization where ‘hindsight’ the most useless thing, right? Look, I’ve had a few botched sales over the years and I’ve lost profit here and there, however, I’m not going to complain about that. Any sale is a success story in my view. But, putting profit aside, there is one item that I wished had not come into my possession at all. It was one jolly item that I couldn’t wait to get rid of! This thing gave me the ‘willies’, or ‘heebie jeebies,’ so to speak. It was a creepy old Ouija Board. I basically gave the thing away like it was a smouldering hot coal from hell! The problem was, I gave it to the wrong client, a Warlock. I’m not in support of strange items like that. It had a bad energy. It wasn’t a well thought out plan. That wretched thing would have served a much better purpose as firewood that winter in my opinion. I’m too long in the tooth to care now, but rarely an item gives me those bad feelings. That Ouija Board and planchet were not welcome acquisitions for me.

What did the Warlock think of his acquisition?

RW: One can only guess. All I know is his eyes spun like fans at the sight of it. It was a foolish decision on my part, the rest is history. Giving it to him was a grave mistake and what transpired was dreadful. That sort of creature ought not be provoked further. Clearly my brain wasn’t working that day.

What is the oldest item used in the daily running of the business?

RW: Oh yes, it is Dad’s original old vintage cash register, dubbed Mack the Ripper. It is hard to part with or upgrade really, but servicing it will change its personality, I fear.  I’m convinced Dad’s spirit is inside of it. It’s a snappy sort and it has a mighty-fine appetite too (both mannerisms are just like old Dad!) It’s a ripper and we’ve been calling him Macky-Boy for decades because he is a mad, mean, fighting machine when you actually need to get money into it or out of it. My old creaky hands aren’t nimble or fast moving anymore. At times I need to ask nurse Rosie to drop in a spare box of band-aids, they are good to have in emergencies when I get my fingers violently jammed when the cash drawer recoils too quickly. Old Mack is sometimes a blood thirsty fellow (Rex wheezes with laughter)! My old Dad loved a nice, fat, healthy till…. I must say, it is a good feeling, it warms the blood in my finger-tips just thinking about that too…. like father like son, eh? You know, I’ve had to get my handyman, Kasper, to repair the spring a few times after I managed to get Grandpa’s teaspoon jammed in it. I figured I could use a teaspoon to shovel and scoop out loose change in order to save my fingers, but even then, the teaspoon got bent and survived its own flogging from stroppy old Mack! Inaudible wheeze.

Do you have a favourite book?

RW: Oh yes! Mum’s old Green & Gold Recipe Book. I love it because the pages are yellowed and all tattered, it’s well used. She even has scribbled some of her own notes and recipe modifications into it and there’s even a few dried batter marks on some pages! You can’t buy such a memory! It was my Mum’s book, and its very existence tells a story about how she used it and what she cooked from it – that holds the most significance to me.

Did you ever get married, Rex?

RW: No, I didn’t. Look, it’s like this: I suppose I’ve just been too busy with life and the business to worry about all of that. I’m rich with friendships and connections on a daily basis with the Antique Shop. At the end of the day, I’m just glad to retreat into my rear living room, open a can of spam and smoke my pipe by the fireside and warm my feet without someone nagging me to open a window because they can’t breathe! Rex has a brief inaudible wheeze of laughter. Look, I’m too set in my old ways to answer to anyone really, but I’m content and feel blessed to have friends that I consider my family.

Are you training up any ‘apprentices’ who can help you out and take the shop into the future?

RW: As a matter of fact, I do have an employee, he’s an apprentice who is showing great promise. His name is Louis. He’s a bright little guy. He’s only a young rabbit and I suppose what attracted me to employ him was his amazing sense of community! I’ll tell you; the lad is a real ‘doer’ …he loves contributing to the community and because of that, he’s great with the customers and extremely helpful! My shop is one of a few popular hubs in the south, so it is important to me to ensure my successor will be a reliable lad with a great rapport with the Swevenian folk. It’s no secret that my arthritis isn’t going to get any better, so it is a blessing to have a nimble, hands-on, fit young lad with great initiative and brains to help me out. Employing Louis has been a breath of fresh air for me. It’s been such a positive change and he’s been a great help. Louis has a great interest in antiques, and he enjoys learning the trade and he seems to attract younger customers into the shop. He’s also great company! It’s good to be surrounded by promising young folk, they keep me feeling younger (…at least in my mind that is – as for the old body, well that’s an entirely separate matter, isn’t it?) Rex wheezes with an outburst of laughter.

What are your happiest moments at Wellington’s Antique Shop?

RW: I love visits from my regular customers and sharing a cup of tea with them and a good yarn. Jeremy is always is dropping in baked goods to share (but I’m sure he’s buttering me up for a discount, either that or get the first offer on any new teapots and tea-sets which I acquire). He’s a card… and a fabulous friend. I’d say my friends are what makes for the happiest moments for me. I have many fantastic, loyal friends, Jeremy, Louis, Chavez and Kasper in particular I’m most close to. My oldest friend is Jute, he’s older than my grandfather and it’s a hoot catching up with him. Friends are the essence of life and antiques are the reminders of such happy gatherings and people you shared then with.

What is the best thing you’d say about yourself as the owner of Wellington Antiques Pty Ltd?

RW: Oh, I’d say I embrace the sense of community spirit and credit the shop for bringing people together. You know, customers come from all the way from the northern provinces to shop here! Everyone says I’m the oldest bloke in Swevenia, but they are wrong about that. They all think that I should run for mayor, but it’s not my gig, I tease Jute that it’s his job by default (inaudible wheeze)! People both young and old come to me so they can listen to stories and history lessons! But as a good business man, I also ensure they all walk out the door with a souvenir for the day and old Mack has put on a bit more beef (if you get my drift)! I mean what is a moment without a beautiful memory of it and a cash drawer that is content? Rex wheezes with laughter.

Do you have any bad habits? What would you say is the worst thing about “Rex Wellington” in your opinion?

RW: I don’t have a day off. I just keep on going. Running a business is a constant state of mind. Things don’t just walk out the door on their own and it all takes discipline, marketing and skill to keep stock moving. Staying busy, keeps me ticking over and I suppose sometimes I can get a bit of a cranky old codger and complain about my arthritis, physical limitations and get over-tired. I’m my own worst enemy when I’m like that. It often leads to breaking something with my clumsiness. Jermey literally cries (I kid you not on that) and chastises me regularly if I break a mug or teapot in the showroom because it means he can’t buy it, I mean, it’s no use broken, eh? Jeremy thinks I’m a “Bull in a China Shop” when I overwork myself and he’s probably right! I pretty much see RED when I lose an item of stock due to my incompetence! A “Bull in a China Shop” is not a pleasantry for me, but it sure keeps my customers well entertained! Some of them say it is “Customer Service at its finest, minus the popcorn!” – cheeky blighters. I’m telling you now, such antics are best kept to a minimum as it is not good for my profit margin! 

So, what is the take-home lesson for you when you transform into that dreaded bull?

RW: I am literally forced to take a day off to mentally recover from the loss of profit and re-set my perspective. It also takes Jeremy a week or two to forgive me (if the broken item is a teapot, cup or saucer!) Emotionally, I reckon that goose can take it harder than I do if he’s robbed of a chance to savour tea from a new acquisition piece. Rex wheezes with laughers and shakes his head.

Thank you for enlightening us about your love of Antiques and giving us a valuable insight into your life and long, successful career Mr Wellington! We’d love to interview you again in future to gain your expert knowledge on particular Antique items and the historical aspects of Swevenia.

RW: Oh certainly! It’s been a pleasure to talk with you and I’d be delighted to contribute again and share any stories I have! Now that I have Louis working with me, I can make an excuse to take some time-out, to enjoy a chinwag over a cup of tea and a slice of cake, eh?

We hope this insightful interview helped you to get to know our old friend, Mr. Wellington.

In the meantime, don’t forget to enjoy the little things… and remember, everything should have a dash or tea, cake and magic!

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