AN ALADDIN'S CAVE OF TREASURES By Cameron McCullough
A
s you wander along the glamorous Sorrento shopping strip, you simply have to visit Marlene Miller Antiques, an Aladdin’s cave of unique and unexpected treasures. Marlene has owned her antique shop since 1985, after earning her living as a law clerk assistant in Melbourne, and longing for a sea change. “We used to come here for holidays all the time and one year decided to restore an old building in the main street. We pretty much didn’t leave after that, ran art stores and soon antique shops,” says Marlene. As soon as you walk into the shop, there is so much to see, with two storeys of antiques and bric-a-brac, from crystal, coach lamps and fine china to fur coats, hats, dining furniture, photographs and frames. “Upstairs is a great range of antique books dating back to the 1700s. We even had a book from circa 1600”.
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64 | PENINSULA
December 2017
And upstairs is where one of Marlene Miller Antiques regulars spends a lot of time. “We have a ghost here. Her name is Catherine Ellis, and she has been with me for a long time. In fact, she resided in the building next door and came across to my new shop when it was built.” It doesn’t concern Marlene in the slightest though when she goes up to the mezzanine level of her store to find things moved around. Downstairs there is stunning collection of jewellery, with a selection from top Melbourne jewellers including Simon Kushnir, who is well known for his handmade rings and jewels of the finest quality, and very popular for engagement rings.” When you wander around the store, you will be amazed at what you can learn, as Marlene takes you through the enchanting world of old wares. continued next page...