Ken Sheldrick with all his treasures
Ken Sheldrick remembers days when people would bury their old plates and crockery to dispose of them.
Then antique collecting became popular.
“We were the first recyclers,” the octogenarian, who has owned Colonial Heritage Antiques for one year shy of half a century says.
At the end of the month Ken will shut the till for the last time in his Duke Street shop – he’s decided to retire. The shop has been sold and will continue to sell antiques.
Australian born Ken’s interest in antiques grew after he met his future wife Beverley on board a ship bound for England.
The couple spent time in London. It was the 1960s, and antiques were enjoying a wave of popularity.
His interest was in old books. Beverley sought old jewellery and clothes.
Evening classes on antiquing and a proposal followed – complete with an antique engagement ring.
They returned to Australia, where antique collecting was also gaining popularity – then moved to Cambridge in 1973.
It was familiar territory for Beverley, who grew up on a Waipā farm.
The couple had owned the shop for just over 40 years when Beverley died.
Ken recalls travelling around the country to attend auctions to source stick, but today he says people come from all over the North Island to bring him items.
Cambridge based Ken will continue to follow his interest in antiques and art – and he is looking forward to an overseas trip too.
For more than a decade Cambridge children have delighted in seeing the front window of the shop turned into a Christmas display with items Beverley had purchased in the United States.
Ken says he understands the new owners will ensure the model train that goes through mountains and villages, passing Santa and his reindeers, will remain on track.
- Grace Odlum is a Te Pūkenga Wintec journalism student.
