Antiques go back to the future with upcycling

From restoration of artifacts to upcycling furniture, Caroline Delaney brushes up on the latest trend

ASK ‘what’s new in antiques?’ and it’s not just a dire pun — between upcycling pre-used furniture and a renewed interest in historical artifacts thanks to 1916-mania, old stuff has never been more on trend.

There is a difference though between delicately restoring a fine antique clock and giving a tatty dresser a lick of trendy coloured paint but both are proving hugely popular with people who are keen to enrich their lives with things with a backstory; or who like the look of a finely carved item of furniture; or who prefer to recycle older stuff rather than buy modern flatpack gear.