Introduction
For fans who recognise Adi Higham’s energetic presence at antiques fairs and on daytime television, the figure who often stands just off camera is Tara Franklin. While Adi attracts attention with his theatrical enthusiasm and sharp eye for quirky collectibles, Tara brings balance through careful curation, an eye for textiles, and the steady day-to-day management that keeps a small antiques business running.
A shared life in antiques
Their relationship is built on a common passion: objects that carry history and personality. Tara and Adi work closely sourcing, restoring, and presenting finds. Where Adi gravitates toward bold pieces that spark conversation, Tara focuses on elements that create atmosphere: vintage textiles, decorative details, and refinements that turn a purchase into a lasting interior choice. This division of labour is practical and complementary, and the partnership shows how antiques trade is often a team endeavour rather than a solo pursuit.
Craft and expertise
Tara’s expertise is visible in her choices. She pays attention to fabric quality, patina, and scale, and knows how a single linen runner or embroidered cushion can change the feel of a room. Her approach blends respect for provenance with an eye for contemporary use. Collectors and customers appreciate that she understands both the history behind an item and how to adapt it tastefully for modern interiors. That skill is valuable in a market where buyers want authenticity but also practicality.
Behind the scenes: running the business
Much of what keeps an antiques stall or shop successful is unseen. Tara handles many of the logistical details that make public-facing moments possible. She manages inventory, coordinates displays, and often handles direct customer queries with calm professionalism. While the spotlight might fall on a charismatic dealer, the business side — pricing, sourcing, restoration choices, and relationships with suppliers — depends on meticulous work. Tara’s role in these tasks is a reminder that small enterprises depend on steady operational competence as much as on personality.
Public appearances and community engagement
Together the couple participates in fairs, charity events, and local markets. Tara’s presence at these events is understated but effective. She often speaks to visitors about the uses and care of vintage textiles, and her practical demonstrations on restoration or layering pieces are popular with novice collectors. These public moments reinforce her standing in the antiques community not just as a partner but as a professional whose knowledge benefits buyers and fellow dealers.
Complementary strengths
The success of their collaboration comes from contrast and compatibility. Adi’s showmanship draws a crowd, and Tara’s thoughtful styling encourages longer engagement and repeat customers. Where one invites attention, the other secures trust. This dynamic is particularly useful when dealing with higher-value sales. Customers may be charmed by a dealer’s presentation, but they rely on informed guidance when making significant purchases. Tara supplies that guidance, often quietly and effectively.
Challenges and resilience
The antiques trade is not immune to difficulties. Market shifts, regulatory issues, and personal disputes can all strain a small business. In such moments, partnership matters. Tara and Adi have navigated practical and emotional challenges together, leaning on clear communication and shared purpose. Their ability to keep the business operational during testing times illustrates the resilience required of independent dealers.
Aesthetic vision and influence
Tara’s aesthetic tends to favour understated elegance. She understands how patina and wear contribute to an object’s appeal, and she encourages clients to see imperfections as evidence of story and use. That perspective is influential in a wider movement that values sustainability and reuse. By championing quality over novelty, Tara helps buyers make choices that are both beautiful and enduring.
Balancing personal and professional life
Running a business with a partner requires boundaries. Tara and Adi balance public schedules, sourcing trips, and home life with a pragmatic approach. They share tasks according to strengths and recognise when to step back. That balance preserves both the relationship and the business, allowing each to flourish without overwhelming the other.
Why their story matters
The story of this partnership is instructive for anyone interested in antiques or small business. It highlights how diverse skills — showmanship, curation, logistics, and customer care — combine to create a successful operation. Tara’s role demonstrates that expertise often sits beside, not behind, the headline personality. Understanding that makes the public image of any dealer more complete and the practice of collecting more accessible.
Practical advice from Tara
Tara shares clear, practical advice for buyers new to antiques. She suggests beginning with items you genuinely love, checking construction and condition, and thinking about daily use. Small repairs are often sensible, but you should understand how restoration affects value. She encourages prioritising quality and longevity over passing trends, and keeping provenance notes when possible.
An example from a fair
Once at a busy fair a customer hesitated between a painted pine chest and embroidered linens. Tara explained the textiles’ age, likely care requirements, and how each piece would behave in a family home. Her measured guidance turned uncertainty into a confident purchase, showing how knowledge benefits both buyer and seller.
Final note
Tara Franklin’s steady competence reminds us that antiques trade relies as much on careful stewardship as on theatrical flair. She is a partner whose expertise makes good collecting simpler and more rewarding for everyone.
