» Cover Story

FRENCH GENERAL TRADING

French General Trading had its first Frome incarnation on the famous cobbles of Catherine Hill, though owner Polly Markham has been selling stunning French antiques for over twenty years.

‘I came to love Frome whilst supplying Antique furniture sourced for the Talbot at Mells. I opened on Catherine Hill in 2018 after trying to rent several shops in Frome. It was the smallest shop, but so busy right from the get go.’

Working in the world of antiques was something which happened organically, when friends started to ask to buy the rare finds that Polly had acquired in France, which adorned her then Edinburgh home. It was also a huge deviation from her original career path. ‘I’m actually a qualified riding instructor but, due to an accident early in my career, I headed to London to work with Hermes on New Bond Street as Head of the Saddlery Division. My role involved liaising with our Olympic equestrians of the time, developing the Hermes saddles. Hermes were originally saddlers, and the handbags and luxury goods developed from these roots. Part of my job was travelling to Paris head office most fortnights.’

Polly opened her first shop in 2006, with a mix of French antique furniture and decorative finds, together with new French lifestyle goods. She was featured in the Financial Times ’How to Spend It’ feature, and this catapulted her sourcing abilities to a national level. ‘I began finding statement pieces for national retail groups, hotels, cafés and other antique trade buyers, often travelling to France in my van monthly with my young family.’ Fast-forward to February 2020, and Polly saw an advert for her current premises on Church Street. ‘I knew it was the perfect space for my French decorative finds . . . finally somewhere to really showcase my business. I jumped at the chance . . . then Lockdown hit!’ Though her new bricks and mortar premises remained closed during the lockdowns, French General Trading continued to flourish. ‘Fortunately I have a very strong online presence, with my website and Instagram, and this carried me through those “dark years” while I worked on the extensive refurbishment of my new Frome store.’

‘My main love is French antique furniture and quirky statement pieces. My home is full, very full, but is constantly changing.’

The new premises soon became something more than an antiques shop. ‘In my time on Catherine Hill I had enjoyed the coffee at Moo and Too every day and decided that I would offer my customers coffees in my new store in a very French setting and style. As the lockdowns continued in various forms I decided that a glass of French wine would add to the Francophile feel . . . we now offer a small curated range of wines from small French vineyards, mostly organic, mostly vegan.’ The licensed café definitely adds some je ne sais quoi to the whole ambience of the shop. Customers can enjoy coffee and croissants, or a cheeky glass of rosé with a croque monsieur. ‘The basic bar tabac food and drink offering creates a very ‘allo allo’ atmosphere, which enables me to have help day to day, rather than waiting for someone to wander in and buy an armoire.’

And while the café is popular, the antiques are still very much the core of the business and Polly’s main focus. ‘My main love is French antique furniture and quirky statement pieces. My home is full, very full, but is constantly changing. For me the main obsession is the ‘finding’ or treasure hunting, the road trips in my van. For over 20 years now I have trekked all over France, to the main trade sales at Le Mans and Avignon as well as annual street markets, and dealers’ homes in France. Never a dull moment is had while in France on a treasure hunt . . .’

This year Polly launched her ‘French Convoys’ where she takes other UK-based antique dealers on a buying trip to France, holding their hands and giving them the confidence to drive their vehicles, deal with the new paperwork and administration, and discover where to buy in France. ‘We go to a few special buying places en route to a huge street market, and there is always plenty for everyone to buy. I have learnt over my extensive time in this business that there is plenty for everyone. I could walk along the same street with another dealer and we would both see completely different things.’

Pop in to see the treasure trove of stunning French antiques, have a glass of wine, or a chat with Polly, at French General Trading, Church Street, Frome.

FrenchGeneralTrading.co.uk @FrenchGeneralTrading