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Louise Phillips

Louise Phillips of Elaine Phillips Antiques, Harrogate, established c.1965.

A conversation between Louise Phillips and project lead Mark Westgarth.

Louise Phillips is the daughter of Elaine Phillips, who established an antique dealing business in the mid 1960s.  Louise joined her mother and father in Elaine Phillip Antiques in c.1980 and has continued to trade as Elaine Phillips ever since.

In this fascinating and engaging interview Louise tells us about the early history of Elaine Phillips Antiques, how her mother began trading from home near Harrogate, before opening shops at 1 & 2 Royal Parade in Harrogate.  Louise tells us about the excitement of finding wonderful antiques, of the changes to the trade over the last 40 years, and recalls memories of the characters from the trade she has met over the years.  Louise, who is also Chair, and the first female Chair, of the British Antique Dealers' Association (BADA), also outlines the role of the BADA in the history of the antiques trade.

Photograph courtesy of Louise Phillips.