[dropcap type =”circle”]F[/dropcap]or French antiques expert Gilli Hanna from Lower Heyford, vague signs that she would one day spend her time searching out treasures in barns and brocantes started quite early in her life.
Gilli, who sells beautiful and decorative eighteenth and nineteenth century French antiques, country furniture and accessories at Station Mill in Chipping Norton, has always had a fascination for homes and interiors, and her interest eventually led to her first venturings to markets.
She said: “I had a longing to forage endlessly in French brocante shops but with no way of bringing anything much home. So it’s no real surprise that I am now living my passion – the only surprise is that it has taken me so long!”
Now regularly travelling the backwaters of France not knowing what next delight she will uncover, Gilli seeks out and brings home her trusty van loaded with treasures that are restored to their original glory and given a new lease of life. Among the stock that Gilli sells both online through her website at www.gillihanna-antiques.co.uk and at The Station Mill in Chipping Norton are:
● Fruitwood and oak furniture
● Painted furniture
● Mirrors
● Chandeliers and candelabra
● Glass and ceramics
● Linens and soft furnishings
● Oils and watercolours
● Books
● Accessories
Gilli also has a blog that documents every trip she has made to France since she turned her passion into a business in 2006
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She said: “My musings, my photos, my adventures buying antiques in France and my love for being a Brocanteuse are all there! The story recounts each trip to France made since the very beginning”
You can keep up to date with Gilli’s adventures here
http://www.gillihanna-antiques.co.uk/the-diary-of-a-brocanteuse/#.Wqj6vGacY8Y
Gilli can be contacted at info@gillihanna-antiques.co.uk or on 07771 766055.
Station Mill Antiques & Interiors can be found at, Station Road, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire OX7 5HX. Tel. 01608 644 563. www.stationmill.com (Large car park and café)
Photos of all of Gilli’s stock can be seen on Instagram gillihanna_antiques
