Japanese interest in Tracy-Jane’s furniture

Tracy-Jane Delaney established Millington & Hope 12 months ago and is based at a storage and workshop area at Stoneleigh Park where she catalogues her pieces before they go for sale at antique fairs.

They are now also available through her website at www.millingtonandhope.com which has just been launched to celebrate the first anniversary of the company.

The range is attracting interest from customers both locally and internationally, with a fledgling Japanese market starting to develop for her items – that range from a pair of Bergere chairs to old French shutters.

Tracy-Jane said: “After I completed a degree at Warwick in history and the history of art, I started painting furniture for friends as a hobby but then saw the opportunity to turn it into a business.

“I have always admired the French style. Soft tones, faded fabrics and rusty old garden furniture!

“I love searching for antiques at local auction houses, architectural salvage yards and antique fairs, such as Ardingly, Newark, Lincoln and Kempton, together with the brocantes in France.

“There is big interest in what we do from overseas buyers too, especially Japan. At some fairs, up to 70 per cent of what I sell is to being shipped to Japan.”

She added: “It’s great to be here at Stoneleigh Park. I was walking my dog and saw that there was some space available to let.”

, enquired and moved in.

“There is a great community spirit on the park and it’s a lovely place to be.”

Tracy-Jane’s surroundings are set to improve further as Stoneleigh Park is set to undergo a major transformation.

LaSalle Investment Management, which has a 150-year lease on the site, has outline planning consent for its masterplan to transform Stoneleigh Park into a science park focusing on agriculture and sustainability.

Colin Hooper, Estates Director, said: “Through our plan to revitalise Stoneleigh Park, it will become a hive for major businesses and organisations in the agricultural and rural sector but it will also provide a home for smaller, niche businesses too.

“We are delighted to have played a small part in the early success of Millington & Hope.”

An antique fair is set to be held at Stoneleigh Park later in the year and Tracy-Jane will feature details on her website.

Pictured: Tracy-Jane Delaney