The Central App has met a few interesting Central workers this summer to give readers a peek into their work life.

First up: an antique dealer. Meet Duncan Ryder, who along with his wife Linda, owns All Vintage, the barn store on Chapman Road. 

Describe a typical day at work. 

My day starts early and the first task in my morning ritual is to get the old E61 Rocket espresso coffee machine on.

Our business requires a regular supply of good quality original and collectable objects, art and antiques that have a particular style that suits our store. 

These are not items that can be easily ordered online or through a warehouse. They are one-offs, so we hand pick and source our items through contacts built up over the years. 

We spend a lot of time travelling to find stock. Today for example I made a nine hour round trip to visit a colleague who contacted us to say he had some items that may be of interest. Hours of clambering over dusty relics, followed by trade talk and price negotiation, with the van carefully packed and then unpacked on return. 

Items often need cleaning and restoration, and this is another side to our typical day. We also price the items, plan the week’s overall look, and merchandise the store ready for the weekend’s trade. 

The retail side of the business requires a completely different set of skills in terms of sales and customer enquiries. When the store is open, we dedicate the day to making sure our customers have a great in-store experience, whether they are just browsing or know exactly what it is that they are looking for. 

We also work with interior designers and homemakers who are wanting to source specific pieces, furniture, outdoor features etc.

How did you end up in the job you are doing now? 

I have an arts background and my main career was as a graphic designer and art director working in advertising and marketing.

Many years ago, I was asked to produce some marketing material for a large antique firm in the UK and I travelled over there for two weeks to work on the project. I was hooked. 

I developed a fascination for all things old and interesting. I started to collect and learn more about antiques. Then about ten years ago I realised I wanted to follow this passion and move into a new career, so I started trading in mid century furniture and objects and, eventually, a much wider range.

How did you manage through the pandemic and what are you doing differently post Covid-19?

As a retail business obviously we had to close the store which was hard. 

We are fortunate that we are a small business and can adapt easily. We used our time to restore a back catalogue of stock ready for when we reopened. There was also a lot of time spent restoring our 1970s home on a seven-acre lifestyle block. Business picked up really well when we reopened as people have such a strong focus on how important their home environment and decor are now.

What do you love about your job?

Meeting people and travelling. The thrill of finding something really good and restoring it back to its former glory. Handling a piece of furniture, for example, that has been bespoke made by someone 200 years ago. Seeing how our customers connect with these pieces and the enjoyment they offer. Always learning and building knowledge.

Duncan and Lynda Ryder in their store

What are the negative aspects of your job?

Let’s face it – all small businesses have a constant trail of paperwork, admin and accounts. Fortunately, technology like Xero and good systems have made life easier, but it is still time consuming. 

There is also a side of the business that is just downright hard work and that’s the time and physical energy to process and restore items.

What would you say to someone wanting to join your profession? How should they go about it?

Start by focusing on what interests you and learn as much about this as possible. It might be that you specialise in this area, or it may lead to other areas. There are very few antique stores in NZ and it is not easy to get into. Hone your skills and find something unique.  

What does the future look like for you and work? 

We often say that the antiques and collectables trade is like the fashion industry. Styles and trends change and you have to offer what people are looking for to stay ahead, or focus on the classic styles.

What else would you like to tell us about your job?

Each piece is a slice of history, a reflection of function and beauty that has its place over time. In a throwaway society of plastics and packaging it is a pleasure to see items that are more sustainable and stand the test of time with less impact on the environment. 

Summarise your work life in three words.

Really good fun!

Linda and Duncan outside their barn store

All Vintage is open weekends 10am-4pm and on public holidays at 234 Chapman Road, Earnscleugh.

All Vintage. Antiques & Collectables