Looking into Gdads

Over 3,000 square feet to explore

Gdad’s vintage emporium is the place to visit if you love all things vintage, particularly from the periods pre-, during and post-war Britain. It’s a veritable cornucopia of vintage, antique and retro collectables. We have over 60 expert traders selling everything from furniture, books, jewellery, textiles and vintage clothing to bags and suitcases, dolls, dolls’ houses, train sets, Dinky toys and more.

We often have some of the best names in antiques like Murano glass, Clarice Cliff and Poole pottery, plus a good selection of mid-century items which are always extremely popular.

It’s a great place to wander round if you have a particular purchase in mind, if you’re looking for something to upcycle, recycle and reuse. Or perhaps you want to bring your kids or pupils for a real life history lesson. We even have our own vintage teashop and there’s plenty of free parking outside.

Director, Mark Wavell

Mark Wavell, Director

Anne Georgiou

Anne Georgiou, Director

Meet owners Anne and Mark

The people behind Gdad’s vintage emporium are passionate about all things vintage and have worked in the antiques scene for many years. What’s more, directors Anne Georgiou and Mark Wavell’s love for antiques and old items isn’t just because of their inherent beauty, craftsmanship or historical provenance.

They are both committed environmentalists who firmly believe that things made in years gone by were built to last, unlike today’s disposable products. They are therefore worthy of being re-used, recycled or up-cycled wherever possible. Not just because they’re beautiful objects, but to reduce unnecessary waste in the environment. In fact, they describe Gdad’s as a planet-friendly business!

We’re regulars on TV!

 

You might even have had a trip around our emporium and met some of our experienced traders already. That’s because we’re on TV so much we’re almost local celebrities! We’ve been on BBC’s Antiques Road Trip several times with famous antiques dealers and experts (and Bargain Hunt regulars) Raj Bisram, Charles Hanson and James Braxton having visited us recently. We also get quite a few enquiries to take part in shows. Our tea and cake are popular with the TV crews too!

Our history and who is Gdad?

The business started back in 2011, inspired by Anne’s dad, Chris. He loved all things vintage and passed on his love for the trade to Anne. He also encouraged her to follow her dream of setting up the emporium with Mark. When they were choosing a name for their new business they wanted to include Gdad, which was the name given to Anne’s dad by her daughter. So Gdad’s Collectables was born.

Gdad was a regular visitor with his friend, Michael. They were often seen taking in the atmosphere and having a good browse around everything on offer! Sadly, Gdad and Michael are no longer with us but Gdad’s spirit, passion and enthusiasm live on in Anne, Mark and all the traders here.

Gdad and his friend, Michael at the emporium

Gdad (right) and his friend, Michael at the emporium