Inspiring Conversations with Dave Still of Still Antiques LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Still.

Hi Dave, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
THE BEGINNINGS-Binky and I moved to Reigate, Surrey England in 1996. Within a couple years, Binky was requested to source English “smalls” by owner of an antique shop in Vail Valley Colorado., i.e. Victorian writing slopes, tea caddys, jewelry/trinket boxes, Mauchlineware, Tartanware, etc. England sources evolved from local fairs to various South of England auction houses.
THE INTERRUPTION-Colorado shop owner retired. By suggestions from local KC dealers, Binky continued buying English antiques and opened a space at Mission Road Antique Mall and registered Still Antiques as an LLC. Continued periodic shipments from England to KC. Established a Belton MO warehouse space in 2003 to receive periodic shipments.
THE EXPANSION-Expanded business to KC West Bottoms as part of Bottoms Up Antique Market, selling on First Fridays and continued selling at Mission Road Antique Mall until it closed. Also, in 2010 moved buying to Scotland, specializing in British Furniture, Art, and Bits and Bobs.
GILLHAM HOUSE ANTIQUES-On January 1, 2023, in a cooperation with 6 known KC dealers. Still Antiques opened space at new business venture on Gillham Plaza in KC Mo. This cooperation continues to this day. Locally known as specialist in Scottish sourced antiques, watercolours, oil paintings, etchings, golf memorabilia, and other collectibles.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Acquiring inventory and storing in England and Scotland, then importing goods to USA has it’s challenges. Engaging reliable English and Scottish shippers, dealing with USA Customs clearances, local KC based brokers, and local KC transport assist can be quite interesting!!

Bottom line, basically after 20+ years of experience, we’ve learned a lot….DUH!!!

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Still Antiques LLC?
It was easy to feed both Binky and Dave’s (me) interest in antiques, framed art and collectibles in a country with a long, long history. Initially having a Colorado antique shop owner as a buying customer was key, i.e. Binky (and eventually Dave) got to “practice” buying.

Dave is a retired exec, about 40+ years with Black & Veatch, the last 15 years or so being located in England. This is what took us to England back in 1995 and fostered the beginnings of what became Still Antiques LLC in 2003.

Early years, because of location in South of England, it was easy to attend many village fairs, dealers shops, small and large auctions, and international antique fairs. That experience made us appreciate value as well as the cost and ultimately price implications for trying to resell in Midwest USA. Our Business Idea became pretty simple, bring affordability and uniqueness to the bits we sell.

Suppose another differentiator is we strictly fill our inventory with personally acquired goods in Scotland and England. We don’t work through 3rd parties, which helps keeping overhead costs low. Hard work, yes but FUN!

Regarding specialty interests, hickory golf memorabilia, vintage fly fishing bits, early snooker tables, longcase and mantel clocks and original art are in the mix. Dave is a member of British Golf Collectors Society and we maintain membership in Crail Golfing Society in Fife, Scotland. And lately we’ve started (in a small way) bringing quality Scottish tartan remnants to KC for reupholstery purposes. We’ll see how this goes.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Change is normal in the antiques business. Suppose over last 30 40 years there’s been many cycles of hot and cold markets and interest in quality antiques Lately it’s been gratifying to see a lot of younger folks interested in antiques, plus they seem curious about living and doing business outside the USA.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: still.antiques
• Other: Gillham House Antiques on Instagram