Jackie Mann

Jackie Mann of Harry Kenyon, Chester, established c.1910 & M. Turpin, London, established c.1949.

A conversation between Jackie Mann and project lead Mark Westgarth; the eleventh in our 'BADA Voices' extension to the oral history project.

Jackie Mann was a long-term partner of the well-known antique dealer Maurice (Dick) Turpin (1928-2005) and worked with M. Turpin at his London shops and warehouses at Mansion Mews Queens Gate and at Bruton Street from the mid 1980s.  Jackie started her career in the world of antique dealing with the dealer Gerald Kenyon in the 1970s at his shop at The Old Leche House in Chester; Kenyon was a member of the BADA and the business was established in the early 20th century by Harry's father; Harry's son, Gerald Kenyon expanded the business opening a shop in Dublin in the 1980s.

In this fascinating interview Jackie reflects on the antiques business in Chester in the 1970s and how she met 'Dick' Turpin in the 1980s. Turpin was one of the larger than life characters of the antique trade, and our interview with Jackie makes a significant contribution towards our understanding of the antique business in both London and the regions during the late 20th century.

We are so sorry to say that Jackie very sadly passed away on 5th September 2023. Our friend Chris Jussel kindly let us know.  Jackie was a genuinely lovely person - indeed long after our interview I would regularly pop by her flat in Barons Court for a chat and a cup of tea and biscuits (always a Huge plate of biscuits!) when I was in London.  Jackie will be hugely missed.  Our deepest condolences to Jackie's family.  

Photograph - Maurice (Dick) Turpin & Jackie Mann (c.1985); photograph courtesy of Jackie Mann.