From the thrill of the hunt to the realities of logistics, Killian McNulty, Amanda Pratt and Suzie McAdam explore the allure of collecting vintage and making it work as a business …
It was a packed room at The Malt House for Design Week Dublin’s Shopping For Vintage talk featuring Killian McNulty, Amanda Pratt and Suzie McAdam, in partnership with Range Rover. Broadcaster Ciara Doherty expertly guided the conversation amongst the three design specialists to explore how a passion for the past can become an integral part of a creative business.
The speakers shared the origins of their collecting habits, from early encounters with objects that sparked a lifelong fascination to the discoveries that gradually shaped their professional practices.
There was plenty of discussion about the joy of finding something unexpected, creating unique vignettes in the home, and the pleasure of adding things to your home that bring pure joy. “Enjoying the imperfections of things,” as Suzie puts it. The panel also offered practical advice for those keen to start sourcing for themselves, sharing tips on where to look, what to consider and, more importantly, when to recognise a good find.
The reality of sourcing, however, is not always as romantic as it sounds. Logistics, Killian notes, is one of the biggest challenges. “Get a great courier!” he advises. The conversation even turned to a particularly relatable design dilemma when a member of the audience asked where to find the ever-elusive matching bedside lockers.
Naturally, sustainability was another important thread, with vintage offering a natural alternative to the cycle of buying new and disposing of old. Giving existing pieces another life not only reduces waste but brings individuality and provenance into our homes. Amanda’s latest venture, Amo & Pax began with the mission of buying items that would disintegrate over time if buried in soil. “Plastic is so omnipresent,” she says, “I’m obsessed with how careless we’ve become.”
Those looking to kick off the weekend early, headed off to join Se Porter and Liza Jones of Porter & Jones at a Design Week Dublin champagne reception and to browse their beautiful showroom with a glass of bubbles and a buzzy DJ set.
Photography: Fintan Clarke Photography
For details of more Design Week Dublin events, in partnership with Range Rover, see designweekdublin.com
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