Homes: young antiques dealers - in pictures

James Gooch of Doe & Hope, a dark den of faded gentility with a client list that includes the production team behind Game Of Thrones and a Harry Potter actor. “My look is an ‘up yours’ to the tawdriness of shabby chic,” he says. Gooch worked in TV before antiques and has a keen sense of the dramatic. “I’m aware of how to put items together to create an atmosphere,” he says. Photograph: David Yeo for the Guardian

Alys Dobbie, 30, runs Nanadobbie in Brighton. “My customers are in their 20s and sick of flat-pack furniture that breaks within a year. For the same price, they can get something crafted that exudes heritage – and could appreciate in value.” Photograph: David Yeo for the Guardian

“We appeal to people who, five years ago, were into vintage and retro, but are now ready for something more exciting,” says dealer George Johnson, co-founder of the group Antiques Young Guns. At Lady Kentmores in Scotland, Johnson works up a showman-like (but expert) commentary on his stock. “Antiques will get you hooked. It’s like when you get into a band, then before you know it you’re seeking out bootlegs, obscure recordings, the entire back catalogue.” Photograph: David Yeo for the Guardian

Luke Batchelor, 26, is a PR/aspiring stylist. “My latest find is a gorgeous 19th-century ballroom chair,” Batchelor says. “I love the sense of occasion antiques bring to your home.” Photograph: David Yeo for the Guardian

Mary Harragin, 25, is business development manager at LiveAuctioneers.“Antiques is an exciting place to be, right now. People my age appreciate things with heritage and know how to mix them for effect. And the antiques trade is ready to give them what they want.” Photograph: David Yeo for the Guardian

Robyn Alston, a one-time medical secretary who sold her car to start On The Wall Antiques, says “It’s no longer a man’s world,” she says, “and the older hands are very supportive. It’s in everyone’s interests to keep antiques alive and interesting.” Photograph: David Yeo for the Guardian

Auctioneer Tim Medhurst says: “Together we’re blowing the dust off the antiques trade.” He has seen firsthand a change in the type of antiques bidders. “Young couples are now rocking up looking for a Victorian wardrobe or console for their first flat – something with a story that stands out.” Photograph: David Yeo for the Guardian

Lily Trunfull of No1 Lewes. Customers aren’t after immaculate twin chesterfields or a complete Georgian dining set; that’s all a bit formal and themed. “They want quality and history, but it’s all about the mix,” she says. Photograph: David Yeo for the Guardian