A NEW shop in Barnard Castle has been described as a collector’s paradise.
An eclectic mix of militaria, vintage toys, antiques, retro objects, kitchenalia and all things quirky awaits those who visit Ranters’ Yard, on The Bank. One of the oddities that greets people looking through the shop window is a stuffed lobster. Owner Chris Horner explained that he picked it up in France. He said: “It is by a French artist. No one knows his name, he is like a French Banksy. It is a unique piece.”
However, unlike everything else in the store, the quirky item is not for sale. Another strange item is a paraffin-fuelled iron in its original packaging. The Tilly Domestic Pressure Iron was designed for the travelling businessman and was manufactured in Britain.
A German-made counting machine, Dinky cars, an old photocopying machine and a stunning telescope are among the mix of retro items on offer.
A former soldier who served in Bosnia, Iraq, Kuwait and Northern Ireland, Mr Horner’s interest in collectibles was forged during his childhood in Thornaby, near Stockton, where he would rifle through old buildings being knocked down and salvage items to sell to antique dealers. He said: “By the time I was ten I could tell the difference between art deco and arts and crafts.”
The 53-year-old ran a garage in Stockton refurbishing Vespas and Lambrettas for five years before deciding to open his own shop, stocking it with some of the collectibles he has gathered over the years as well as items he picked up from auctions and antiques fairs. So far he has had a good response from people who have come in. Mr Horner said: “It has been very positive. They like the diversity and I have sold a fair bit.”
The shop name is derived from the old chapel to the rear of the building where the ranters would pray out loud, he said.
