For David Vardy, rescuing overlooked objects and giving them another life is more than a business—it is something he has been doing throughout his adult life.
Together with Erin, David runs Vardy & Sons Antiques & Collectables, a family business built on more than 20 years of experience in the recycling and waste industry.
Their ever-changing collection includes jewellery, silverware, collectables, ornaments, small pieces of furniture and unusual curios. No two selections are ever quite the same, and there is always the possibility of discovering something unexpected.
FROM RECYCLING TO RESCUING TREASURES
David’s interest in buying and selling goes back many years, but his experience working at a local recycling centre gave him a new perspective on the value of discarded objects.
“I’ve always believed in giving second-hand items another life, and I’ve been buying and selling throughout my adult life,” he explains.
“Ten years ago, I moved into working at a local recycling centre, where I began donating reusable items to charities and learning more about what could be saved.”
Being surrounded by unusual objects every day sparked David’s curiosity. He began researching pieces, learning how to identify and value them, and recognising just how much history and craftsmanship could easily be lost.
That curiosity eventually developed into Vardy & Sons.
Today, the family sells through Facebook, Etsy, Vinted and eBay, as well as attending antique fairs around the UK.
EVERY OBJECT HAS A STORY
What David values most about vintage is the character carried by pieces that have already lived a life.
“Vintage items have history, character and craftsmanship that you just don’t find in modern pieces,” he says.
“I love the idea of saving something from being thrown away and finding the right person who will appreciate it. Every item has a story, and part of the enjoyment for me is discovering that story and passing it on.”
Research is an important part of the process. Makers’ marks, materials, construction methods and design details can all offer clues about an object’s origin and previous life.
Learning those stories can also make certain pieces particularly difficult to sell.
JEWELLERY, SILVERWARE AND UNUSUAL CURIOS
Visitors to the Vardy & Sons stall can expect an eclectic mixture of antiques and collectables.
There will be jewellery and silverware alongside ornaments, quirky vintage discoveries, small furniture pieces and one-off curios that resist easy categorisation.
Because David and Erin source from a wide variety of places, fresh pieces are continually being added to their collection.
“There’s always fresh stock and always something unexpected,” says David.
Jewellery and unusual curios are among the pieces he finds hardest to part with.
“Anything with a bit of history or a unique design tends to tempt me to keep it. I enjoy researching pieces, so once I’ve learned their background, parting with them becomes even harder.”
That personal connection is part of the appeal. These are not anonymous products selected from a catalogue; they are individual finds chosen, investigated and rescued by someone genuinely interested in their history.
FINDING THE RIGHT PERSON
For David and Erin, one of the greatest pleasures of trading is watching a unique object find the person who immediately connects with it.
“I get great enjoyment from matching unique pieces with the right person, and markets like this are the perfect place for those moments.”
They are also looking forward to meeting new customers, catching up with fellow traders and returning to the distinctive surroundings of Salt Market Social.
“The atmosphere and vibe of the Salt Market are great, and the whole event has a community feel.”
Their story also reflects something at the heart of vintage culture: recognising value where others might only see waste.
By rescuing, researching and rehoming older pieces, Vardy & Sons helps preserve craftsmanship, reduce unnecessary waste and ensure that interesting objects continue their journey.
MEET VARDY & SONS AT THE AUTUMN MARKET
Discover the latest finds from Vardy & Sons at the I Love North Shields Vintage Market: Autumn Edition:
Sunday 25 October 2026
Vintage Market: 10am–4pm
Live music, food and Vintage Social until 7pm
Salt Market Social, North Shields Fish Quay
More than 50 handpicked independent traders will fill two floors with vintage clothing, records, antiques, collectables, jewellery, art, homeware and plenty of unexpected discoveries.
Entry is free and everyone is welcome.
Come and meet David and Erin, browse their latest treasures and discover the history behind the pieces on their stall. You might find something you never expected—and become the next person to continue its story.
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