Last month, when Guru decided to check out an icy summer drink at a dainty eatery in Ekkamai, we didn't know that our attention would be completely diverted from the incredibly photogenic beverage to the amazing collection of curiosities that were on display inside.
Like a small museum, it holds a wondrous display of unique pieces, entomology frames and colourful mineral rocks -- all collected and curated by Katechanok "Fearn" Dhadasih, avid traveller and owner of Featherstone Bistro Cafe & Lifestyle Shop (http://fb.com/featherstonecafe). We sat down with her to find out where the best flea markets in the world are and what she treasures most in her collection.
Tell us about how you fell in love with collecting.
Ever since I began travelling, I found myself inspired by and in awe of the uniqueness of each place. I try to fully immerse myself in unfamiliar territories in order to really understand the culture from a local's perspective. As a way to cherish these experiences and memories, I would buy trinkets and stones that would remind me of the places I visited. From what started off as mere purchases of simple souvenirs, my hobby grew -- along with my career as an interior designer -- into a large collection of every item I've stumbled upon and loved. Antique furniture, fossils, animal taxidermy -- you name it!
How important is the story behind each piece in your collection?
I think every single object has a different story that deserves to be uncovered and acknowledged. Every piece should be appreciated for much more than its aesthetic and price. When you understand the history and narrative of each one, it comes alive with its own personality, character and soul.
Who inspires you?
Antique dealer and interior designer Madeleine Castaing, and also artist Kiki Smith -- I truly love her work.
Name the three best flea markets you've been to.
1. Market at L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue in the Provence region of France. It has large marchés aux puces (flea market) and plenty of antique and bric-a-brac shops. If you love the strange and the wonderful, look out for a very bizarre shop at Village Des Antiques de la Gare.
2. The Navigli's Flea Market in Milan, which is held every last Sunday of the month.
3. Tongeren Flea Market in Belgium.
If you had to single out one favourite item, what would it be?
An 18th Century antique stained-glass window I bought from a market in Lyon, France. Why? Because I thought I would never find a piece like that for a reasonable price and also because it took so much effort to bring it back here. Its fragility made it that much sweeter when it actually arrived home in one piece.
How do you take care of your collection?
I keep everything as individual pieces in cabinets that are separated by categories. For the insect collection, sometimes turning each of the insects into an art piece, like an entomology frame, is also a great way of keeping pieces in pristine condition.
Are there any places in Thailand to check out if you're a taxidermy-enthusiast?
Siam Insect Zoo in Chiang Mai, a fascinating museum where you'll be able to check out lots of insect taxidermy.
What advice would you give a novice collector?
Surround yourself with the things you love. When you find them, regardless of era or price, keep hold of them and your place will be a true reflection of who you are.
