Week number ten of the Hats off to Women series is from Karen and Chloe Rymer own a mother/daughter decorative antiques business based in Yorkshire. They can be found at exhibiting at fairs and markets all over the UK. Last year Chloe won a pitch at Salvo Fair through the Antiques Young Guns Competition, and this year they are happily pitching out again.
 
Can you explain what first made you interested in the world of antiques?
 
Karen: I have always had an interest in houses and interiors having been a partner in an interior design business dating back 30 years.
I've always loved searching at auctions and fairs for interesting items for myself and clients.
Chloe: I've spent my childhood visiting all these places with Karen. One of my earliest memories was being told to sit on my hands in auction houses! I almost inevitably caught the antiquing bug from Karen. After spending 5 years working abroad in different areas I came back to Yorkshire, bought a couple of items which turned into a profit and things quickly escalated from here...
 
What sort of antiques are you most enthusiastic about?
 
Chloe: Our business specialises in decorative antiques. We love finding rare and interesting items with a story. We are particularly enthusiastic about seeing these items in a contemporary setting whether domestic or commercial.
 
What are the highlights and downsides of working in the antiques Industry?

Chloe: The best part, for both of us, is undoubtedly the friendliness of the people in the industry, we have made so many good friends of people we have met along the way. We both enjoy working with the trade who always seem to understand the eternal problem of 'cashflow'.
Karen: We believe we are a good team as Chloe loves the buying above all and I prefer the selling to keep refilling the coffers for Chloe to keep robbing for new stock! The downside, unquestionably, for both of us, is paperwork. We are quite diligent but detest it nevertheless.
 
Would you recommend any study courses or training or do you think hands on experience is the best way to learn?
 
Chloe: We enjoy talking with people in the industry who have a wealth of knowledge and experience, as well as being out and about as much possible at fairs, exhibitions, salerooms etc and therefore constantly learning. We are fortunate to have a lot of interesting lectures on the arts around the country which we try to go to whenever possible.
 
What do you do in your spare time?
 
Chloe: I love being in the mountains and try to go skiing when I can.
Karen: My favourite pastime is visiting country houses and gardens and I particularly love Italy.
 
Karen and Chloe Rymer, Molly and Maud's Place, Kirk Hampton, Yorkshire. Tel: 01423 330803 / 07879 460591
 
The Salvo Fair will be held on 18-19 June at Fawley Hill in Henley-on-Thames with Trade Day on Friday 17th June. If you would like to be involved in 'Hats off to Women' answer the same questions and send us your story and photos to Salvo.