A RECORD-BREAKING antiques shop has made a massive investment in new premises on Barnard Castle’s high street.
Ingnet Antiques, which made a new British record for the sale of a Robert “Mouseman” Thompson sideboard for more than £20,000 last year, re-opened its doors last week after a major revamp of its new home on Horsemarket.
The shop was located on The Bank for about a decade and those premises are now up for sale.
Charlie Ing, who runs the shop with his dad Paul, said the move had brought a massive increase in footfall with more people showing an interest in their collection of arts and crafts antiques.
He added: “It has taken a long time. We had a few troubles over the process, but we are relieved to be open and sharing our passion.”
Mr Ing developed his love for antiques from his dad, and as a child would help with polishing and carrying antiques around. He joined the shop full time about three years ago after completing a masters degree in sport science. He said: “We focus on arts and crafts and Mouseman is our main interest, but we are diversifying into other antiques, such as an art deco desk for Sweden.”
Along with Mouseman, the shop has a wide selection of arts and crafts antiques such as Liberty & Co and Shaplan and Petter, which can be viewed in a more relaxed surrounding thanks to the additional floor space the new premises features.
Mr Ing said: “We have at least double or triple the size and we have more storage in the back.” Another benefit to the move customer parking to the rear.
