Emma Hawkins, Four Rooms

4 May 2011

Age: 39   Owner: Hawkins & Hawkins antique curiosities and taxidermy

Emma Hawkins was always destined to work in the antiques world. Her own father has been in the business for over 30 years and was the Head of the AADA (Antique and Art Dealers Association.)

"I did get the bug when I was young," recalls the 39-year-old. "As a child I was always interested in antiques and I very much enjoyed being with my father when he worked, it wsa an important part of learning of the Antique world."

It's no surprise to learn she ended up specialising in taxidermy because it was as a child that she first became interested in the area.

"My father gave me some interesting examples of taxidermy when I was younger and that inspired me to collect down the line," she explains.

Keen to follow in her father's footsteps, she did an apprenticeship in Silver and Jewellery, before going on to set up her own business at the age of 21 in Notting Hill, dealing in curiosities and taxidermy.

Over 10 years later she has a concession at Dover Street Market in London, and deals to private clients around the world, finding unusual objects and furniture to decorate their homes, and build on collections that have already been formed. She is also the youngest member of the BADA, and is the Scottish representative for the association.

Now very much established in her own right, the entrepreneurial dealer, who counts AA Gill as one of her clients, thinks this Channel 4 series marks a new direction for her.

She has certainly had enough practice trying to ascertain the right value of an object. Laughing, she reveals that in her spare time at home, both she and her dad enjoy nothing better than watching TV antique shows and holding a competition to try and guess the correct price!

"He often tests me on getting the price right," she chuckles. "I don't always get them right as he tends to - but I have my moments!"

 

Q&A with Emma Hawkins

Tell us why you wanted to do this new series.
I felt it was something new to try. But I did enjoy doing it and I feel it is a different way of bringing business to you.

What have you enjoyed most?
Learning about different areas and having access to a wide range of antiques. It's the variety that has really surprised me. From taxidermy to paintings to the nose of Concorde, there has been a good, diverse range.

Have you managed to sell the stuff already?
Some I have, some I haven't. I am sure by the end of the series, there will be one or two things that I have got too overexcited by, but that is par for the course.

Is there a lot of rivalry between you and the other dealers?
[Laughs] There is an element of that, but we are all quite respectful of each other. It is quite good to play the game.

Do you all get on?
Yes we get on very well. I didn't know Jeff very well beforehand, but I knew Gordon and Andrew.

What's been the hardest thing about making Four Rooms?
Being on camera has been an interesting learning curve. I have never done television before and by doing this TV series, you are putting your reputation on the line. I won't be watching myself though when the series starts.

Have the people been greedy when it came to selling their goods?
That can often happen. Where they have to draw the line is we are not collectors - we are dealers. That is the difference.

How do you work out the value of an object?
That comes with experience, touching the object and having a good tutor.

Let's talk about your own career. You are hugely successful in what you do...
Let's not go over the top! I do what I do. I enjoy the chase the most. I like finding something for someone. It gives me excitement and intrigue.

What's been your best ever deal?
I just think all of them, big or small, are interesting. I don't think you can put a monetary value on it. The excitement is finding something good and selling it.

Is it hard working in a business that seems to be dominated by men?
Not really because I have been doing it since the age of 17. I have been working now for 20 years and I have not crossed into anyone else's market. I think they are quite pleased to have a woman to be honest! Do I use being a woman to my advantage? I can't disclose that information!

Are you ready for fame that will come from being on this show?!
I am not sure! Gordon is going to be famous. It is an interesting process and TV will take me wherever it is going to take me.

And finally, people watching this show will be hoping to find the ‘next big thing'. What would you advise them to do?
Buy what you love and if you are lucky enough to get the right thing, you are in. If not, you have got something that you will enjoy. I do hope the show will open people's eyes to antiques, so they can see you can deal across the board.