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The Duke - The Sir David Frost Interview

In Spring 2000 David's 'old barn' was featured on an edition of the celebrated game show 'Through the Keyhole'. After the panel had failed to guess the occupant, David was interviewed by Sir David Frost.
As usual Mr Dickinson was dressed immaculately, exuding great style and perfect manners. He acknowledged the exuberant, enthusiastic audience as he sat down to begin the interview.
This is what they said; (DF = Sir David Frost DD = David Dickinson)

DF: When did your interest in antiques begin?

DD: Well I think just as a young man looking around shops, looking in shop windows. I was always fascinated by things which were quality and old and interesting. And like a lot of young guys I used to like to go into the shops and have a look around.

DF: Were you always good at spotting bargains?

DF: And in fact how do you explain the growing interest, I mean the series' you've done, and currently Bargain Hunt and so on. I mean there is a proliferation of interest in antiques-does that say something about us today?

DD: I think it probably does, but I think most people are very interested because they look in their own home and they think , 'have I got one of those?', 'did Granny have one of those', 'I'll go up to the attic and unpack that box. I think I saw a vase that looked like that.

DF: What was the greatest bargain or the greatest discovery you've made?

DD: Well, obviously over 20 years there are lots of things that come and go through your hands. But I would like to make one point, as a working antique dealer as well as doing the television business we tend to buy things, turn things over, as art dealers and make a margin of profit, because that the way we earn a living. Now if we were clever enough or perhaps rich enough to hold onto those things and wait ten years then we would see of course a huge return on our money. But as you work at this you buy, you sell them, and you recycle your capital.

But about ten years ago, on behalf of an American client I had, I flew to Australia and found a very exotic piece of Minton porcelain. I mean a piece about this big (holds his arm out to indicate about 4 feet high ). It was a peacock, probably one of their greatest pieces by a man called Paul Comolera, and I located this and sold it to an American for what seemed an enormous sum then, of about £25,000. And I suppose made a profit of 25-30% and was very delighted to do so. But only last year one of those pieces sold in Christies for £95,000. So it just show you!

DF: That's good advice for life as well David, about doing what you enjoy.

DD: I think so

(DF turns attention to box containing the Through the Keyhole presentation key.)

DD: Oh Boy! (rubs his hands together with)

DF: Now. I want to just test your skill here. (Opens key box and shows it to DD) What period would you describe this as?

DD: Well first of all it's obviously circa 2000, it's gold, it's a key, and it has to come from Through the Keyhole by Sir David Frost!

DF: And whats more as you said, if you keep it, in ten years, just imagine how much its gonna be worth.

DD: Well I tell you David, I bet I could flog that for a profit tomorrow.

DF: Ladies and Gentlemen, David Dickinson.

(Rapturous applause and hoots from the delighted audience)

David's books give you deeper insight into his own acquired knowledge, invaluable tips on buying antiques and a great read, and all in his own words. For further details click here;
"The Antiques Buyer" and "Dickinson's Bargain Hunters Handbook"