UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Jillian Bashford-Evers, Bashford Antiques Limited Bashford Antiques has been importing antiques and decorative objet d’art for 30 years from France, Spain, United Kingdom and in recent years Rajasthan. This is integrated with contemporary art, with an emphasis on two Pacific artists Fatu Feu’u and Joshua Bashford. Jillian tells, “I draw upon my years of experience from organising ARTEX Art & Interiors Expo and the first professional Antique Expo in 1987 in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch prior to the days of the internet - how business has changed with websites and social media." Do you have any children? One son, married - no grandchildren at present. Do you have any pets? Mr Beaumont, my constant companion and four-legged personal trainer. How do you keep fit? Walking in our beautiful local parks: Western Park, Grey Lynn Park and St Marys Bay waterfront. Your best friend would say of you... Friendly, generous, an excellent cook with an extremely good eye for antiques, art, design and trends, combined with endless health tips and worldly advice.
How did you come to be an antiques specialist? Collecting antiques from an early age and living with fine things as a child. Opening an antique shop enabled me to live with beautiful items every day and sell fine pieces to enhance other people’s lives. From an early age I realised that there is only one job in the world and that is selling. If you weren’t an antiques specialist you’d be..? An auctioneer - the ultimate selling career. What’s your favourite Ponsonby cafe? Il Forno. Superb bread, brilliant coffee and wholesome food. Favourite Ponsonby restaurant? S.P.Q.R. Consistently fabulous.
Your mother would say of you... Willful, obstinate, determined, artistic and capable. She constantly reminded me of the family motto ‘Lente sed Attente’ -‘Slow but Sure’.
Favourite Ponsonby store? Chambers Linen & Gifts. Timeless, gorgeous linen and gifts.
What are your virtues? Perceptive, kind, focused, creative and visionary.
Favourite Ponsonby fashion label? Miss Crabb. Cutting edge, feminine with a classic twist.
What are your vices? French Champagne.
Your best-kept Ponsonby secret? Gary Francis at the $5 Deli at Ponsonby Central. A must for that impromptu party.
Who's your ultimate rock icon? Elvis Presley, followed by David Bowie. What’s your secret passion? If I told you it would not be a secret - but I do love jewellery. What's your secret talent? Problem solving and singing. Where do you live? In an industrial building purchased 16 years ago which houses my store and ‘living showroom’ with my apartment upstairs. Where do you spend your holidays? Holidays are usually tacked onto the end of a buying trip sourcing wonderful and unique items for my store. What's your perfect Sunday? Good company, excellent food, wine and music to dance to. What were you going to be when you grew up? Artist and interior designer.
What's inspired you recently? The American Election. New Zealand is number three on the list for Americans wanting to emigrate. What would be your desert island distractions? Antiques Road Show, Escape to the Country, World of Interiors, great operas and an endless list of art and antique books. The house is on fire and your family is safe, what do you save? Mr Beaumont, Princess the pigeon and my iPad if I can find it! “I'd be lost without my...” Family, loyal friends, amazing cuisine, good health, National Radio and Mr Beaumont. One thing you have learned about life is..? Be kind to others, be disciplined, keep creating on a daily basis, focus and revel in the journey. My son Israel posted a great quote by William A. Ward the other day: "The Pessimist complains about the wind;
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The Optimist expects it to change; The Realist adjusts the sails." Nothing could be more true in this global market. Your advice to Ponsonby antique shoppers? Buy the best quality you can afford - whether it be furniture, art or objects and, most importantly, you must love it. Young collectors should aim to purchase one or two exceptional items per year - something that will stand the test of time and be handed on to the next generation: after all we are only the caretakers of fine and rare pieces to be loved for a lifetime. Make an ecological decision and buy exceptional ‘recycled’ fine art and antiques. Your advice to young Ponsonby people aspiring to work in the antiques industry? Be passionate about beautiful objects of art and antiques on a daily basis. Appreciate history, be in love with recycling and preservation of the past. Immense joy is experienced from ‘saving lives’ of extraordinary objects that can be restored and last another 150 years or more. Research and learn. Buying and selling is not for the faint-hearted - feel the fear and do it anyway and more importantly, enjoy the journey. F PN BASHFORD ANTIQUES, 24 Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn, T: 09 361 5142, www.bashford.co.nz
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)