Why are you called Nine Schools?
The business is named after the Nine Schools of Chinese philosophy. We are trying to convey a sense of Chinese history and culture, and the huge part that furniture plays in their society. Essentially, they believe that furniture should be well-balanced, that it should look good, that it should be useful and that it should last. It’s important that people think of the beauty and creativity of Chinese art rather than the negative connotations of Mao and mass production!
How did you begin importing from China and growing the business?
Getting a good reputation in antiques is hard but we’ve been very fortunate with our suppliers, which is key. They are tireless at scouring the whole of China from Shandong and Beijing to Tibet, Mongolia and Shanxi, for the finest late Qing dynasty antiques. Then we were fortunate that we coincided with the peak in the demand for Chinese antiques that occurred in 2000. We were also lucky early on as we started selling to House of Fraser and Selfridges which helped us become a well-known and trusted company within the interiors world.
Why did you choose this location?
We looked around at a few places but settled on Wandsworth Town partly because of the communication and space, but also due to its proximity to New King’s Road and Chelsea Design Harbour where interior designers and trade customers tend to congregate. We were also taken by Old York Road’s wonderful sense of community. We took part in the street festival last year and it was tremendous. The Pantry is great for coffee and cake, The Alma for a pint, Brady’s for fish and chips. Old York Road is a genuine slice of working London but with a really relaxed atmosphere.
What changes have you noticed in the area over the years?
Fortunately there have been very few changes – except for the house prices of course which are now absurdly high!
What differences have interior design fashions made to your business?
From 2000 to 2003, Chinese antique furniture was the big thing, it has died down a bit now and people are more into mixing styles – a bit of modern, Danish, antique Chinese, old English, etc.
Can you tell us a bit about how you see the state of the antiques trade in general at the moment?
In short, the high end, architectural and eclectic styles are booming in London, while ‘English brown’ is not in great shape. It’s no surprise that when people like you and me get to the age where we are buying furniture we don’t want Welsh dressers and large English mahogany sideboards. It’s the stuff our parents are selling but nobody really wants it. Also, a large part of the antiques trade was based on trade with Americans and they no longer come here because of the exchange rate and 9/11, which really put paid to a trade that had already been dwindling for 20 years. Meanwhile, modern antiques from the 1930s to the 1950s have been highly collectible for five years now.
How would you describe your customers?
They are all lovely of course! There’s a wide variety of types, though I suppose quite a lot of them have four wheel drives! They mainly come from Chelsea, Fulham, Wandsworth and Chiswick. Overall, I don’t think it’s social group specific. Some pieces we have are very refined and some are rustic, both of those appeal to differing people.
What developments are you hoping to make with your business?
We’ve just got in some fair trade rugs which are made in traditional style by women’s groups. They’re wonderful. Also reproduction is a new area for us that seems to be creating the right impression with clients. The items are fun, slightly different and, crucially, very reasonably priced.
What’s your favourite item in your shop and why?
A beautiful peach wood kitchen cabinet – it is nicely proportioned with great patina and has lattice work on the doors which gives a hint of what’s inside.
What’s the best bargain you have to offer?
Reproduction beside tables from £95 to £150 in all sizes and finishes.
www.thenineschools.co.uk