The story of Antiques Young Guns began in 2011, as an organisation for young people, aged 39 or under working in the antiques, vintage and related trades like auctioneering to join together and so become stronger. Membership of AYG has grown from strength to strength and it has successfully spread the word that the antique trade is not dry and dusty but is a place for 'career driven, intelligent and entrepreneurial young people' to enjoy working in. The organisation has even spread its wings and made international links. So now the founders Gail McLeod, Mark Hill and George Johnson have decided that the time is right to hand over the management of the organisation to the AYG members themselves. Although Gail, Mark and George will retain ownership they are happy to pass on the day to day running of the organisation to a committee made up of their young AYG members.
 
The chairman of the committee is 22 year old, Joseph Trinder, an established auctioneer, who has made a name for himself in the ranks of AYG by working towards a membership collaboration with NAVA, The National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers.
 
The full committee line up is listed below:
 
Joseph Trinder, Chairman - Wotton Auction Rooms, Gloucestershire
Jason Clarke · Jason Clarke Antiques, Berkshire
Marika Clemow · Head of products and services - ATG Media
James Gooch, current AYG of the Year · Doe & Hope Antiques, Bedfordshire
Edd Thomas - Eddintheclouds Antiques, Wiltshire
Tim Medhurst · Auctioneer - Duke's, Dorset

 
Gail explains the reason behind the change of guards,
 
' We have made the decision to hand the management over for the very simple reason that the 3 of us are extremely committed with our own business interests and although we are overjoyed at the exponential growth of AYG, I don't think any of us realised how big it would become and how much work would be needed to feed the beast that is AYG!'
 
George Johnson added
 
'This next stage of its growth is very exciting ...and who better to steer this project forward than the young guns themselves. The future of the trade is looking like it is in very safe hands.'
 
Watch this space to see how theses bright young things continue to change the future of the antiques trade. Exciting times indeed.
 
Salvo enjoyed collaborating with the AYG for the Salvo Fair competition in 2015. The winner was AYG, Chloe Rymer of Molly and Maud's Place. The prize was a pitch at the new fair venue, the McAlpine's estate, near Henley-on-Thames. No.1 Lewes also had a pitch at the Salvo Fair 2015. AYG member, Lily Trunfull works alongside her parents at No.1 Lewes in Cliffe High Street, Lewes.
 
In 2016, the Salvo Fair will feature women in salvage and antiques so we fully support Lily when she states
 
'I am an incredibly driven and passionate young woman, who strives for the best and to be the best at what I do and love; which is decorative antiques for a modern family home, to be practical, beautiful and sustainable.'