Antiques shop goes loco for Rococo

A new antiques shop has been established in Reepham – Rococo Loco opened for business in mid-April in the former Virginia’s Workbox premises on Norwich Road.
 
Owner and proprietor Andrea Gosling is now offering a unique range of antique, vintage, architectural and French collectables, including textiles.
 

Andrea Gosling, owner and proprietor of Rococo Loco, the new antiques shop opened in Norwich Road, Reepham

 
Rococo was an 18th-century artistic movement and style that influenced many aspects of the arts, including painting, sculpture, architecture, interior design, decoration, literature, music and theatre. It developed in the early 18th century in Paris in reaction to the grandeur and strict regulations of the Baroque style.
 
While some of Rococo Loco’s sale items are indeed French, with the earliest possibly dating from the early 19th century, other goods come from many English styles and periods.
 
Ms Gosling said: “I love the Rococo style, although it may not be universally appealing – and not always practical. But I am aiming to offer other things that are unusual and stylish and different to other suppliers – often these are eye-catching pieces.
 
Ms Gosling, who had been living in Norwich, has now moved into the adjacent three-storey house in Norwich Road, and together with partner Phil has spent several months clearing out and redecorating the former knitting yarn shop, which has been transformed into a compact, but light and airy, showroom.
 
Most of the items for sale in Rococo Loco have been bought at auction as well as sourced from antique and collectors fairs, such as those held in Newark and Swinderby. “Of course, I would love to go on buying trips to France,” Ms Gosling admitted, “but opening a shop may limit this ambition for the moment; however, this could be something for the future.”
 
Although this is her first venture into retail, she has been trading for the past three years at the Yoxford Antiques Centre in Suffolk, where she rents a small space as a dealer. She has also participated in various street markets across East Anglia, which she will continue where possible.
 
Most of the current items available in Rococo Loco could be described as “pretty and decorative”. The key is affordability: with price points from under £5 up to £300-400 there should be something for everyone’s budget.
 
Ms Gosling admits that the range will naturally develop as she gets more of a feel for customers’ tastes and interests. “French antiques are only one part of what we do,” she explained. “We may develop the architectural side further, although probably only small and unusual items. I can also see the textile side developing. And we will continue to do more china if there’s a demand for it.
 
“But what we would like is for people to drop in and ask questions, give us some feedback and let us know if there’s something in particular they’re looking for. We will always try to source specific items if we can.”
 
Rococo Loco, Norwich Road, Reepham. Tel: 01603 928752 or 07817 254698. Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.
 
See the full story in the May 2014 edition of Reepham Life.
 

The new Rococo Loco shop-front in the former Virginia’s Workbox premises on Norwich Road – owner and proprietor Andrea Gosling waiting for new signage

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