Wiki Biography / Profile Background
Introduction :
- Mary Swallow is a British distinguished figure in the antique industry, known for her expertise as an antique specialist, with a distinct specialisation in Chinese textiles. Having earned respect as a well-known TV presenter, Mary loves to showcase her knowledge and passion for antiques to audiences.
Personal Life, Interesting Facts and Trivia :
- Mary Swallow was born on April 11, 1983. Her parental heritage is a delightful mix of Norfolk roots and Irish spirit.
- She is based in the picturesque North Norfolk, and has grown-up daughters. She is married to her husband, Abel Swallow.
- Mary’s love for antiques was nurtured from a young age, thanks to her parents, who were avid collectors. She often accompanied them to auctions and fairs across the country, initially reluctant but eventually growing to appreciate the charm of antiquities.
- Over time, Mary’s aversion to antiques transformed into a deep-seated passion, now spending weekends exploring treasures with her daughters in tow.
- She is also a detectorist, or someone who has metal detecting of valuable items on the ground for a hobby. In her collection of finds, she has George III 1816 sixpence, a military button, and a 17th century buckle.
- Despite her passion and expertise, Mary faces occasional hurdles due to a slipped disc, adding a touch of challenge to her antique hunts and metal detecting activities.
- Mary affectionately calls her pet dog Bella her “second-hand dog,” as she bought her for £60!
Career, Salary and Net Worth :
- As an antique dealer with over a decade of experience in the antiques trade, Mary has developed a keen eye and a passion for unusual and decorative pieces, specialising in Asian art and textiles.
- While Mary is well known locally, her reputation transcends borders, reflecting her international network and acclaim. Her particular love lies in the intricate world of Chinese textiles, cultivating a loyal clientele across China and the US.
- Mary’s mastery of Chinese textiles fuels demand for oriental silk among discerning clients, showcasing her deep appreciation for craftsmanship and history.
- Her expertise extends beyond textiles and art to fashion and decorative pieces, making her a sought-after advisor in the industry.
- Mary also owns and manages a unique online shop for antiques and art in Holt, England, called Mary Swallow Antiques. She established it in February 2012, infusing her passion for history and aesthetics into a curated collection of timeless treasures.
- Beyond her work in the trade, Mary is a familiar face on Quest TV’s beloved series Salvage Hunters: The Restorers, where she has dazzled as a regular dealer and antiques specialist since September 2020.
- In 2023, Mary joined the prestigious Bishop & Miller auctioneers, a specialist auction and valuation firm with over 20 years of experience in the art, antique, and auction world. As part of the company’s team in Holt, she infuses her wealth of experience into valuations and cataloging.
- At Bishop & Miller, Mary leverages her expertise to guide clients in valuing their treasures and bringing them to auction, a role she embraces with passion and dedication.
- In 2017, she collaborated with Simon Finch, the owner of Voewood in High Kelling, to set up Voewood Vaults Ltd., an online antiques business. This partnership brought together their expertise and passion for antiques, creating an exciting venture that showcased unique finds to enthusiasts worldwide.