TEXTILE DESIGNER JOY Thorpe runs an exquisite antiques shop in a beautiful,historic building in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny.
What inspired you to start your business?
I started as a textile artist – exhibiting my work in Kilkenny. I wanted my displays to feel less like a gallery and more like a home, helping people envision how the art would look in their own spaces, so I began curating pieces to complement my work, and before I knew it, I fell in love with the antiques themselves. They had their own stories and beauty, and it inspired me to shift my focus entirely to the world of antiques.
What do you do and how do you do it?
I source antiques from a variety of places – house clearances, auctions, flea markets and more. Once I bring them in, I focus on displaying and photographing them in the shop in a way that shows how they could look in a home. It’s all about creating that connection and helping people see their potential in everyday spaces.
How has your business evolved over time?
My business started very small – selling antiques alongside my art. It was a slow process since I was doing it all on my own. I was also quite hesitant to embrace social media which was, in hindsight, a big mistake. Over time, I’ve adapted, and the business has grown into something I’m really proud of.
What do you look to for inspiration?
I find inspiration in what international dealers are doing – they have such a knack for curating pieces beautifully and being selective. Trips to Marrakech are also a big source of inspiration for me – the colors, textures and energy are incredible. Closer to home, I love visiting old Georgian houses which are full of inspiring character and history.
Tell us about your shop in Castlecomer.
I’d love to say the shop is always perfectly curated, but honestly, it often feels upside down. Things move quickly, especially since I sell many pieces online, so I’m constantly rearranging. The upside is that the shop always looks different when people visit. It’s housed in a historic building in Castlecomer that was once a newsagent. When I moved in, I stripped it back to reveal an original stone wall and kept the tongue-and-groove ceiling. I added a wooden parquet floor, which makes it easy to move furniture around myself though it has plenty of scratches and stains to show for it.
Do you take your work home?
Absolutely. I’m obsessed with antiques, interiors and auctions. As much as I might complain about how demanding it is, I genuinely love what I do. It takes so much effort to find truly unique pieces, and I’m always on the hunt, whether I’m at work or not.
What did you do before going into the world of antiques?
After studying textiles at NCAD, I worked as a textile artist, creating silk prints. I then took time to travel, and when I returned, I worked as a visual merchandiser for Dunnes Stores. After that, I had a lovely space in The Old Yard for almost seven years until the pandemic hit. That’s when I found my shop in Castlecomer and started this next chapter.
Describe a typical working day.
A typical day starts with a walk in the beautiful Discovery Park in Castlecomer with The Earl – my dog. Then it’s straight to grab a takeaway coffee and post on Instagram. I won’t bore you with the relentless admin that follows. After that, I rearrange the shop to take photos for online listings and then it’s time to wrap orders. I take a lot of pride in my wrapping – traditional with a wax seal and beautifully branded ribbon to make it feel special.
How important is teamwork to what you do?
Teamwork is really important to me. While I mainly run the shop on my own, I outsource tasks like upholstery and restoration, and not a day goes by without my courier dropping off or collecting stock. I always try to thank them with coffee. My dear mum has been my biggest supporter and is the most talented bow maker – I truly couldn’t have done this without her
Is sustainability important to your business?
Sustainability has always been important to me, and it feels natural to incorporate it into my business. You can’t get more sustainable than antiques. I really dislike throwaway culture. People often ask for interior design advice and I always encourage them to choose naturally-made items that will stand the test of time. Whether it’s beautiful linen fabric, a marble countertop or solid oak floors, you can’t beat natural materials. No plastic, no fake finishes, just timeless, durable pieces.
If you weren’t doing this what would you be doing?
I absolutely love what I do, but if I weren’t doing this, I’d be living the dream of owning a riad and shop in Marrakech. The vibrant culture, the beauty of the city and the treasures you can find there would be the perfect next chapter for me
What has been your proudest moment so far?
I tend to struggle with imposter syndrome and often feel like I’m not doing well enough, but there have been moments that really stand out. Being recognised by The Shopkeepers was an absolute dream come true. More recently, it’s been all about the bows. My mum, Olive Thorpe, has done an incredible job creating beautiful ticking bows and the feedback has been phenomenal. Seeing how much people love them has been such a proud moment for both of us.
What’s next for you and your business?
I’m always thinking of new things to do. In the future, I’d love to expand into antique jewellery and start creating upholstered ottomans. There’s always something exciting to look forward to in this business.
Joy Thorpe Antiques, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny. Discover more on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. www.joythorpeantiques.com
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