Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Antique Furniture & Collectables in Preston
Established in 1964, we are a family-run antique business based in Lancashire with over five decades of expertise in sourcing and selling high-quality antique furniture and collectables. Our inventory spans Edwardian, Victorian, and Georgian eras, including items such as beds, bookcases, bureaux, and decorative curios. We provide detailed product labelling, including age, origin, and restoration history, ensuring transparency for our clients. Our dedicated delivery service operates nationwide and internationally, with items carefully packed and insured for transit.We attend UK antique fairs and offer a bespoke buying service, assisting clients in locating specific pieces. Our team combines generational knowledge, with founder Peter Duckworths legacy continuing through his son Glenn, who now manages the Preston-based shop. We prioritise customer confidence through rigorous quality checks and a 14-day return policy under Distance Selling Regulations. As LAPADA members, we uphold industry standards, offering both online and in-person viewing by appointment.
Services
Antique Furniture Sales
Collectables
Worldwide Delivery
Antique Appraisals
Event Participation
Details
- Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in antique dealing.
- Our items are accurately labelled with age and origin.
- We offer tracked and insured worldwide shipping.
- Our couriers specialise in handling delicate antique items.
- We provide a 14-day return policy for all purchases.
Associations and certifications
- LAPADA
Services
Antique Furniture Sales
We offer a curated selection of antique furniture from the Edwardian, Victorian, and Georgian periods. Each piece is authenticated, with details on age, origin, and restoration. Our inventory includes desks, washstands, and dining suites, catering to collectors and interior designers seeking timeless pieces.
Worldwide Delivery
We provide insured delivery to destinations worldwide, including the UK, Europe, and North America. Items are securely packed in wooden crates to prevent damage. Delivery times vary, with UK mainland taking 1-14 days and international shipments via DHL.
Antique Appraisals
We buy antiques from private clients and estates. Contact us with photos or arrange a visit for an appraisal. Our expertise ensures fair pricing based on market value, condition, and historical significance.
Event Participation
We regularly attend UK antique fairs to showcase our collection. This allows clients to view items in person and engage with our team about provenance, restoration, and styling tips for integrating antiques into modern spaces.
Custom Sourcing
If you require a specific antique not in stock, we can locate and acquire it for you. Our network and decades of experience enable us to source rare pieces tailored to your preferences or project needs.
People
Peter Duckworth
Founder
Established The Blue Witch Ball antique shop in 1964 after a career in textiles. His passion for antiques led to a successful family business now based in Preston.
Glenn Duckworth
Owner
Took over the business from his father Peter. With decades of experience, he manages the Preston shop and oversees global sales, ensuring quality and customer satisfaction.
Questions
What periods of antiques do you specialise in?
We focus on items from the Edwardian, Victorian, and Georgian eras, including furniture, curios, and decorative pieces.
Do you offer international shipping?
Yes, we provide insured worldwide delivery, including to North America, Europe, and Asia. Contact us for a quote.
Can I view items in person?
We operate by appointment only at our Preston shop. Contact us to arrange a viewing of specific items.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Apple Pay, Bank Transfer, Bitcoin, and Google Pay.
What is your return policy?
Under Distance Selling Regulations, you may return items within 14 days for a full refund (excluding return shipping).