Buying and selling antiques is a pastime that's becoming increasingly popular with more and more homeowners looking to upcycle and be more sustainable when it comes to interior design.
And one place benefitting from the movement is Liverpool Antique Centre on Great Howard Street. There's an array of dealers operating here under one roof, selling everything from old records and ornaments to Art Deco furniture, vintage clothes and even taxidermy animals.
The first thing that struck me on entering was the sheer size of the place; it's huge inside, and much bigger than it looked when I've driven past it over the years.
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It was difficult to know where to start as I made my way through the aisles. There was everything from jewellery to books, mirrors and china tea sets available to buy. Among the more grander items were a piano, grandfather clocks and even a suit of armour.
But it's not just knick-knacks from eras gone by that are for sale. I also spotted some 1990s collectables that could prove hugely popular, including a boxed Mulan doll, a Buzz Lightyear toy and a Beauty & the Beast music box. Mooching through shops like these is one of my favourite past-times, although I'm no David Dickinson. However, what did catch my eye was a pair of quirky glassware dogs.
Luckily I had my phone to hand and a quick Google showed me they're known as Murano dogs some of which sell on eBay for anything between £50 and £110. If you're not in the market for home décor, there could be money to be made.
As I ventured further into the emporium, things got stranger and stranger. Aside from a huge heron lamp, royal memorabilia and grand pianos, there were a range of stuffed animals, including an owl for £250.
There were also huge marble pyramids, already sold, as well as a pair of life-sized carved wooden horses. On closer inspection, they look to be from former Albert Dock bar Circo which moved to Seel Street in 2017 before closing for good in 2019. While I'm not in the market for huge carved animals, I couldn't even find a price tag.
I wasn't surprised, as this place actually caught my eye because of the giant polar bear that used to adorn the window. I understand it sold for around £10,000. Aside from the more unique pieces, if you're looking to do a home renovation on a budget, this place could be for you.
There were several period fire surrounds on display from £165 and the majority of the mid-century furniture on display - including dining tables with chairs and wardrobes - was solid and in excellent condition.
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