Christine Pym

I have been directly involved with Antiques Retail for 30 years, 28 years in a professional capacity, originally as a part-time hobby working jointly with my husband, David Pym, to create and expand our accredited and acclaimed family business 'David J Pym Antiques', specialising mainly in the Decorative Arts: Art Nouveau and Art Deco, Rene Lalique art glass, militaria, fine jewellery, clocks, watches and vintage and rare guitars ( @ davidjpym.com ). The business has been expanded and enhanced to become possibly one of the largest privately owned high-end companies in the UK, possibly even worldwide.

I also operated separate businesses in Antiques selling collectibles, antique furniture, home interiors and lower-priced jewellery. This has afforded a general all-round understanding of all levels of items, their values and especially direct prices at retail as well as auction and online.

Prior to that, commercial experience was gained in direct sales, administration, promotions and marketing, both as employed and self- employed, finishing as top Financial Consultant for a large Multi-National Insurance Company in 1993.

My first now well-publicised and recognised publication and brand, 'A Beginner's Guide to becoming an Antiques Dealer', was originally inspired by the longevity of time spent professionally in the business which, at that time specifically, was something of a rarity within the antiques industry, per se, the latter having primarily evolved from the 1970's. Also, because it appeared there was a 'gap' within the industry for a general overview from a Direct Retail point of view. Most televised viewpoints, in particular, have appeared to feature mainly auctioneers and the auction process.

I believe it is this characteristic which sets my book apart from other Antiques publications and too, the fact that it does not specialise or showcase specific items, but describes a possible employment journey from hobby, collector through to professional and top Fine Antiques in easy to follow steps. The degree of involvement or time a person may wish to invest, to a greater or less degree, is available for one's own choices within this Industry.