Ian Towning Son【 Partner Family 】Age, Wikipedia, Net Worth, Bio

Name Ian Towning

Age / How old / Birthday / Date of Birth / DOB Born on January 9, 1946. As of 2024, he is around 78 years old.

Wiki Biography / Profile Background

Introduction :

Ian Towning, a prominent antique trader and expert from Chelsea, England, has garnered a reputation as one of London’s leading figures in the arts and antiques industry.
With years of professional experience, Ian co-owns the esteemed Bourbon Hanby Arcade and is frequently sought after for his expertise on television, notably appearing on Posh Pawn and the ITV1 show Dickinson’s Real Deal. His extensive knowledge and credibility have earned him recognition in both domestic and international markets.

Personal Life, Parents and Family Details :

Ian was born and raised in Lucknow, India, and received his education there before leaving at the age of sixteen to pursue his career as an entertainer in Australia. This included a period when he was a prominent member of the drag queen lineup at the notorious King’s Cross bar called Les Girls. At the age of 18, Ian made his first trip to Auckland.
Ian’s maternal lineage connects him to a royal-lineage family. The French Bourbon dynasty fled to India around 1644 and was wedded into the Indian Royal Family. Ian belongs to this Indian Royal Bourbon branch of the Bourbon family, with a lineage dating back to 1560. Ian’s mother, sister, and nephew Arun also trace their ancestry through his grandmother Mary Agnes.

In terms of his personal life, Ian shares a fulfilling life with his partner, Les Barrett. Towning affectionately refers to Barrett as his significant other.
In June 2008, Ian was attacked by a violent gang that broke into his building in London. They vandalized his property and he sustained severe injuries while defending himself against the armed group. Prior to the incident, Ian had been subjected to months of intimidation.
Towning traveled to Malta and Gozo with his companion after discovering his festival for his 70th birthday celebration.

Recently, Ian had taken a three three-week trip to New Zealand. The main goals during this trip were : thanking his supporters and customers, meeting Les’s elderly uncle near Palmerston North, and establishing a long-distance friendship with PNPN editor Martin Leach. He also wanted to express his gratitude to New Zealanders who watch his broadcasts and visit his London store, as they often purchase items from him.

Work, Career, Salary and Net Worth :

In 1976, Ian began his antique journey at the Chelsea Antiques Markets on King’s Road, establishing a solid reputation over two decades. When the market closed in 1997, Ian and his business partner Les Barrett opened the Bourbon Hanby Arcade in Chelsea, inspired by his family’s royal connections.

Since June 1997, Les and Ian have owned Bourbon Hanby as a business. Since the same time, the couple has also held the Bourbon Hanby Arcade. The shop is in the centre of Chelsea, on the corner of Sydney Street and King’s Road, next to the Chelsea Old Town Hall. To further expand their reach, Ian and Les have launched a dedicated website to showcase their offerings and services.
Bourbon Hanby has been in business for many decades, with a name rooted in Ian’s family history as a branch of the French Bourbon dynasty that sought refuge in India. Bourbon Hanby is a reputable destination in the UK for exquisite antiques and antique jewelry. They offer a wide selection, making it ideal for decorating your home, or finding unique gifts. Additionally, Bourbon-Hanby provides services such as insurance appraisals, jewelry remakes and repairs, and antiques investment advice.
Towning values building relationships with clients and educating them about the true value of the goods they buy or sell. He believes in the importance of honesty and creating an inviting atmosphere, rather than a cold and lifeless environment. Ian has a talent for seamlessly incorporating antiques into modern homes. The trust and faith that his customers place in him often transform into lasting friendships.

The foundation of Bourbon-Hanby’s success lies in his devoted Chelsea clientele, who have remained steadfast and loyal over the years. From the very first customer who made a purchase in 1976 at the Chelsea Antiques Market, Ian has fostered lasting relationships that endure to this day. Generations of clients continue to trust in Ian’s expertise, with offerings ranging from affordable items priced at £20 to high-end acquisitions valued up to £1 million.
Ian’s television fame has enhanced his credibility, attracted clients, and made the Arcade livelier. The increased foot traffic has positively impacted local dealers.
He is taking on more responsibilities in Art & Antiques Consulting, where he’s successfully closed several significant sales for numerous high-net-worth and well-known customers.

Interesting Facts, Height and Trivia :

With the collaboration of MAD Associate, Ian successfully developed the Swanneck pen, an innovative writing instrument designed specifically for left-handed writers. This sophisticated and advanced pen is suitable for individuals of all ages, enabling them to write effortlessly in any language or script.

In a notable incident reported by Daily Mail on December 16, 2019, James Stunt, a former associate of Petra Ecclestone, claimed to have sold a purported “Monet” painting online for a staggering £4.7 million. However, Ian publicly stated that the artwork was indeed a fake. The painting, titled “La Village de la Roche-Blond au Soleil Couchant,” allegedly painted by Monet in 1889, received a bid of £4,735,000 on James Stunt’s website. Ian raised doubts about the authenticity of the piece, pointing out inconsistencies in the framing, sky, and signature that did not align with Monet’s artistic style.
Ian frequently posts how he keeps things new on social media, including providing Champagne daily at the shop starting at midday. His clients have rapidly come to adore Harrods’ Own Label Champagne, which is his preferred beverage.
Several of Ian Towning’s exhibitors have been with him at Bourbon Hanby from the very beginning, and he runs a pretty happy ship there. He believes that the key to long-term success is to remain in one spot, to sell at reasonable prices, to occasionally be willing to compromise on price, and, above all, to amuse your customers because they are spending the money and deserve a reward.

Beautiful Buddhas are Ian’s weakness, and he has many of them. A bronze Buddha from the 1500s is his most prized possession. He also has a collection of three-legged frogs in colors ranging from coral to turquoise.
When Antiquarius closed in 2009, five out of their eight resident dealers, including Sue Norman Blue and White China, Richard from Raker UK, Ferguson Fine Art, Angelo Gibson Antiques, and Emmanual Kra from Saint Esprit Antiques, joined Ian’s team. The closure of Antiquarius had a detrimental effect on the London antiquities market, as it was a popular destination for antique collectors with approximately 100-120 dealers.