In 1976, Ian Towning opened an antiques unit at the long established Chelsea Antiques Market on King’s Road, Chelsea, where, over a twenty-year period, he established his reputation.1997 saw the close of this famous market, at which point Ian and his partner opened the Bourbon–Hanby Arcade, in Sydney Street, Chelsea, a name derived from Ian’s royal family background on his mother’s side. The arcade is now well established and has been quoted as ‘The Jewell in the Crown’, of King’s Road and is now the only remaining Antiques emporium in central Chelsea. During the last two years, Ian has appeared regularly as an Antiques expert on the Dickinson’s Real Deal television program (ITV 1) and he has just signed a further year’s contract with RDF television, which produces the show.
More recently, Ian is becoming increasingly involved in Art & Antiques Consultancy, where he has successfully concluded several major sales for various high-net worth and high profile clients.
Ian is also currently in cooperation with M.A.D associates and are about to launch the Swanneck Pen for left handed writers. He was raised and educated at La Martinier College in Lucknow, India, leaving at the age of 16 to pursue what he has called his “stage activities” in Australia. These included a time as a key member of the famous drag queen line up at infamous King’s Cross haunt, Les Girls. He also visited New Zealand when he was 18 years old, laughing before admitting, “It has definitely changed a lot since then, for the better!” He has travelled extensively worldwide. I caught up with him when he was in Spain with his partner and he informed me about his first ever antique purchase a cup and saucer that he bought at a car-boot sale for just £3.00 and he was able to sell for £3000.
For more information please visit there website www.swanneckpen.com
or http://www.bourbonhanby.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=68&Itemid=112
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