The bunting has been hung and the window is a treasure trove of colourful royal memorabilia ahead of the Coronation weekend. But it will be a bittersweet time for the Potter family as the well-known Potters’ Antiques & Coins will close later this month after opening the shop every morning on Colston Street for over half a century.
The shop is jam-packed with an amazing array of antiques and vintage items from bygone eras, including coronation collectibles from Queen Victoria’s Coronation and King Charles’ wedding to Princess Diana. Tara Potter said the shop was opened by her mother, Joe in the 1960s.
Her father, Brian took it over from her mother after about a decade, but he died last year, aged 92. Tara confirmed that the historic building, close to the Christmas Steps, has been sold with new owners due to take occupation in June. She said 'everything must go'.
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“It’s the end of an era. We have customers who bought coins here when they were little boys and come back now with their grandchildren.
“It’s a very nostalgic shop, it’s a time warp. I grew up in this shop and have been the glorified tea lady, helping my dad over the last few years.
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“We literally have all sorts - from display cabinets, glasses and pots and pans, horse brasses, fire stokers and even old hot water bottles,” she said.
The building dates back to the 17th century and Tara said the shop even has some of the original wallpaper. The building is a Grade II listed property and went on the market for £325,000.
It was once a merchant house where traders conducted business after unloading cargo at the bottom of the Christmas steps. It later became a butcher shop.
The property has an 18th century curved window on the shop front, a basement shop level and living accommodation on three floors above, This includes three bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom with a walled garden at the back with city views.
Tara said the building is a 'real part' of Bristol’s history and hopes the news owners will 'give it some love'. The shop will be open seven days a week from 1pm - 5pm for the next few weeks before closing.
