I have been having a little break from the computer following our final ebay selling for 2010, but I just had to share with you last nights opening of the Ipswich Antique Centre which Kristen and I were excited to be invited to attend. The centre is located at 86 East Street in Ipswich Central. It is a wonderful old heritage listed building which was built in 1895 and has been lovingly and painstakingly restored by the fabulous Heather Mildwaters and her family.
Many of you may know Heather as one of the previous owners and creators of The Paddington Antique Centre. I have known Heather since I was twelve when my older brother Chris first had a space within Paddington. I then got to know her in a different role when Kristen and I had space in Paddington for a little while in the 1990's. Over the last 18 months Heather and I have been fellow dealers at the WAC. Heather has a space very close to me and I have been able to share in the journey she has had in creating her new Centre. It was wonderful to finally see it in person last night and it did not disappoint.
There was great entertainment and the food was sooo yummy. Above is a photo of the champagne fountain which was stunning.
The centre looked incredible all lit up as we drove up, despite the heavy rain that was falling at the time. Some of my photos did not work out.
The internal lighting was just as impressive.
Entrance way. Through these doors is the floor spaces.
Looking back at the stairwell, with Kristen half way up. Beautiful banister and proportions.
Looking back at the centre from the far end.
Note the wonderful windows.
Looking down on the centre from above on the balcony.
The legendary Rob of McAntiques and his lovely wife Sharon. Rob is one of the new dealers in the centre. They are pictured in front of Rob's space. Some of you may know Rob through ebay. Sharon is a very talented artist and is the artist in Residence in The Old Courthouse in Ipswich, which is located just across the road from the Antique Centre.
Another picture of Rob's space. It was a fun evening and we enjoyed catching up with some of the other dealers. So definetly add the Centre as a new place to shop and a wonderful place to visit. It is open Thursday through Monday and has a coffee shop too! 
You have been missed Katherine! Mmmm love that champagne fountain and looks like such a beautiful building.
ReplyDeleteMust check out this new centre - thanks for the info!
Pam x
What an exciting post! It read like a novel!
ReplyDeleteThanks Katherine - another great place to add to the shopping list! Michelle
ReplyDeleteAnother antique centre to add to my list, Christmas has come early!
ReplyDeleteWow. Sounds like you had a fun night. What a gorgeous building for the antique centre!xx
ReplyDeleteI was there too...wasn't it packed!! We were super impressed with the quality of the furniture and the building is looking spectacular!
ReplyDeleteoh, that Champagne fountain is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThis is both a dangerous and a very exiting addition to Ipswich.
So excited.
What a great achievement for Ipswich! Fabulous. Hope you are well Katherine. Merry Xmas and Happy new year.
ReplyDeleteI love going to Ipswich for a potter about. There's always fantastic second hand bargains. What a stunning looking building, and brilliant venue. I will be heading that way in the new year. Sounds like you had a ball! You really have a very long history with all this history stuff. I find it fascinating! Merry Xmas Katherine. See you in the New Yr! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the mention Katherine, it was great to catch up. Hope to see you again soon. Merry Christmas to you and your family.xx
ReplyDeleteWas invited to the opening but unfortunately with the house move and opening the shop I needed a little time out.
ReplyDeleteOut and about this morning and will definitely drop in. Also I know Rob pretty well. Will have to check out his space too.
Lou xx
Gosh, you brought back some huge memories for me when you mentioned the Paddington Antique Centre. I positively used to haunt that place on Sunday afternoons and still wear jewellery that I purchased there 20 yrs ago. We still have furniture that we purchased there. so many moons ago. Anyway, I digress....the Ipswich Centre looks magnificent and I wish them all well and hope to get here one day for a look see. Cheers x
ReplyDeletegreat
ReplyDeleteMy bad, meant to say great night !
ReplyDeleteI went there and it was closed :-( ....
ReplyDeletebut I will definitely try to go again
Is the centre open with floods ?
ReplyDeleteI went there it was all locked up FAIL !
ReplyDeleteThanks Katherine for the wonderful comments regarding Ipswich Antique Centre. The Centre was not affected by the floods but we could not open for a week due to lack of power. Back now trading Thursday to Monday 10.00am-5.00pm (closed Tuesday/Wednesday). We are AIRCONDITIONED and have a large carpark accessed off Roderick Street. Margaret is now running the cafe and coffee shop and there are great nibblies and light lunches available.
ReplyDeleteAll the best, Heather.
Looks like it was a great night.
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