My first blog post

Hi,

I've decided to start a blog around the subject of my antiques business to keep anyone who's interested updated as to what's going on. This is all very new to me but hopefully I'll learn as I go along. I'm learning a lot at present , reading a lot about SEO and generally trying to work out how best to promote my website. I always assume that other online retailers have formal training in IT, but I suppose there must be others like me, learning as we go along. I have to say that dealing in antiques is probably as far away as you can get from the wonders of modern technology so it's an interesting combination! When I was at school I only remember learning that these wonderful new things called computers used binary numbers - and that was it! Now before you think I'm even older than I am, that was in the late 70s. I went through university without ever seeing a computer and really had no reason to know anything about them until the early 1990s when I had to start to use basic programmes in my day job then (before diverging off to develop my business as well).

So here I am now with hopefully quite a nice looking website and a nice stock of antique jewellery, silver, Royal Worcester porcelain, Moorcroft pottery and other good antique ceramics , all looking for loving homes! As I only started with the website in September I thought I should list items which would be suitable Christmas gifts for the right people. Maybe after Christmas I'll change the emphasis a bit and focus on collectors and their interests.

I would hope to chat on this blog about the different types of stock I have, and hopefully put together some useful information for people with an interest in the antiques that I like. That's how it all began, you see. I developed a love for old and interesting things, that to me reflect a gentler way of life than we know today, and therefore should be preserved and treasured. I read and researched until I developed a reasonable knowledge in my chosen areas, and acquired more lovely pieces than it was practical to keep. Eventually I nervously dipped my toe in the water of dealing and took a stand at my first antiques fair in March 1999. From then I was definitely hooked - always looking out for elusive items I haven't found before, enjoying them for a while myself, then selling them on so that I can buy something else. Something I really enjoy is when a new owner just can't conceal their delight with their purchase from me - I love to see my items going to someone who will appreciate them as I have done. I find my little business very enjoyable in every way, working with beautiful and interesting objects, and meeting people who share the same interests (whether in real life or online).

If you would like to see some of my current stock, it's at http://www.audreyjohnstonantiques.co.uk/ .