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Peter Francis Cheek

Peter Francis Cheek of Peter Francis, established 1949. Peter Cheek 2016

A conversation between Peter Cheek and project lead Mark Westgarth. This interview is the first of an extension to the Oral Histories project, called 'BADA Voices', and which is supported by the British Antique Dealers' Association.

Peter began his career working for his father's second-hand and antiques business in North London in 1947, before opening his first shop in Bowes Park, London in 1949.

In this fascinating interview, Peter tells us about how he started in the antiques business, and describes his various shops in London, at Beauchamp Place in London, and at Museum Street (occupying the former shop of the well-known dealers 'Cameo Corner'). Peter reflects on his experiences on the vetting committees at the Grosvenor Antiques Fair (from 1983), and as an expert vetting panel member for the BADA on the export panel from 1972 until 2000. Peter retired from dealing in 1999.

We are very sad to announce that Peter sadly passed away on the 17th February 2017.  Our thoughts are with Peter's family and friends.

Photograph, Antique Dealer project, University of Leeds, 2016.

You can hear our interview with Peter Cheek here: