The kitchen is again being used for entertaining and becoming the focal point of the home. What these pieces do is give the farmhouse feel. They are not fragile and have been designed for heavy use. Grant says there is a scarcity of antiques in SA and much of the stock has to be imported. Kitchen furniture and utensils have become highly collectable.
Prices are good.
A piece in its original colour can be worth up to 10 times more than something that has been restored. Grant's partner, Ashley Judge, says the collector must not expect to make a killing by investing in antiques. However, if collectables are bought correctly, the investor can expect a steady increase in value and find a ready market nearly anywhere in the world. The kitchen chair, like the rest of the furniture, was simple and functional. The seat was low, making it easier for women to shell peas or nurse a child.