Having bought his first house in 2015, Jack joined Instagram as Tradchap, posting pictures of his Georgian townhouse in Frome, Somerset, which gradually led to followers who admired the authentic Georgian interiors. He then started using Instagram as a backdrop for selling his antiques which gradually led to commissions for people wanting their house decorated.

Selling antiques and working on interiors are often compatible and when furnishing houses I find the knowledge of antique furniture very valuable to curate an authentic interior. I think all homes should have at least one antique, be it small or large as I feel it adds soul and character to a room.

I like to think of my style as the well worn, lived in look. I have no interest in perfection, and to me the beauty is in the imperfections and age of an item.

Jack Brister's Top Picks

No. 1

Lot 93: A matched pair of George III mahogany ‘Cockpen’ armchairs, third quarter 18th century and later | Est. £600-800 (+ fees)

"This is a classic pair of Cockpen chairs, often used by Colefax & Fowler. I used a pair very similar when I furnished a country house by Edwin Lutyens a couple of years ago."

No. 2

Lot 233: A Victorian eight light cut glass chandelier, 19th century, in the manner of Blades & Co. | Est. £500-800 (+ fees)

"The cherry on top for any beautiful room has to a crystal chandelier, and this a lovely elegant example."

No. 3

Lot 311: A Victorian mahogany side table, late 19th century, in the Irish George II style | Est. £2,000-3,000 (+ fees)

"A striking and imposing piece of furniture, very versatile. It could be used in a hall with a pair of lamps and large vase of flowers with a pair of muddy wellies below, or in a drawing room as a drinks table."

No. 4

Lot 313: A closely matched pair of mahogany, satinwood and tulipwood Pembroke tables by Gillows of Lancaster, in George III style, late 19th/ early 20th century | Est. £600-800 (+ fees)

"Pembroke tables have become rather out of trend over the last few years, but they very useful and flexible, and are great either side of a sofa with a table lamp on. These are by a known maker and you cannot go wrong buying these."

No. 5

Lot 352: A George III satinwood canterbury, manner of Thomas Sheraton, circa 1810 | Est. £300-500 (+ fees)

"Extremely useful, neat and tidy and great for putting the Sunday papers in. This is a lovely example in a beautiful timber."

No. 6

Lot 509: English School (Early 18th Century), Portrait of a lady, bust length, in a blue dress | Est. £500-800 (+ fees)

"Every room needs an instant ancestor to give the room clout. This is a handsome Georgian example."

No. 7

Lot 689: A pair of William IV granite column pedestals, circa 1830 | Est. £2,000-3,000 (+ fees)

"A striking pair which would set off any Georgian hallway."

No. 8

Lot 722: A French pale green and opaque white overlay glass and gilt metal mounted columnar paraffin lamp late 19th century | Est. £250-350 (+ fees)

"A beautiful and functional object that would make any drawing room complete. I always use lamps like these in my projects."

No. 9

Lot 47: Two similar gritstone planters 18th or 19th century | Est. £4,000-6,000 (+ fees)

"These would look great in a fern filled courtyard and are beautifully aged with great patina."

No. 10

Lot 87: A pair of large and impressive carved limestone garden urns on plinths in Imperio taste late 20th century | Est. £5,000-7,000 (+ fees)

"These are a tremendous pair of garden urns which would make a striking statement for any fine garden."

Auction Details

WINDSOR HOUSE ANTIQUES: END OF AN ERA
Tuesday 25 & Wednesday 26 April, 10.30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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PIET JONKER: GARDEN STATUARY & ORNAMENT
Wednesday 3 May, 12 noon BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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