19
Jun
The man who trades in rare bears and Bond first editions
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With a population approaching 17,000, Ripon is the third smallest city in England.
But with deep roots reaching back more than a thousand years, it punches above its weight in terms of history, heritage and custom, while being home to many remarkable citizens who contribute to its daily life.
In this Remarkable Ripon series Tim Flanagan, the Stray Ferret’s locally-based reporter, focuses on people who help to make the city special. Daniel Hornsey, who trades in items ranging from the rarest of books, manuscripts, maps and photographs, to Teddy bears sought by collectors, is among Ripon's most remarkable retailers.
Here, the former chorister, who was educated at Ripon Cathedral Choir School, tells us about Hornseys Gallery in Kirkgate, which he runs with his wife Helen.
What remarkable things do you do in Ripon?
We sell rare and remarkable items but the retail world has changed massively in recent years. We have constantly evolved though and regularly sell to top dealers and private customers throughout the world through our website and specialised London and regional fairs.
Collectors hunting for rare bears such as these are in regular contact with Hornseys.
What is the most remarkable item or items that you have found during your years in business?
We’ve been lucky enough to handle many wonderful items over the last 30 years, but the most remarkable one that we’ve sold has to be the finest copy of a first edition of Ian Fleming’s Live and Let Die’ever to come on to the market.
Bought at a Scarborough saleroom over 25 years ago, we sold it immediately for a world record price at the time of £7,000. If it were to come back onto the market today, its condition is such that it would certainly fetch well over £50,000.
One of our most unexpected finds though was in a local auction years ago when we bought a first edition of The Wizard of Oz in amongst a box full of value-less other books.
Sought-after black and white photographs from Sir Edmund Hillary's Everest expeditions of 1951 and in 1953, when he and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first to reach the summit.
In terms of our stock now, we’re excited to have the earliest press photographs of the Yeti footprints from the Everest expedition in 1951 alongside the earliest photographs of Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing on their way back down from the mountain after having conquered Everest in 1953.
What do you think makes the city special?
The beauty of its surroundings and its geographic location. We travel extensively with our work and Ripon being pretty much in the centre of the British Isles makes it a perfect place to travel in many directions and a lovely and welcoming place to return to.
Where do you like to relax?
Anywhere in the surrounding area within walking distance from home. I have simple tastes and am happiest when out in the fresh air either walking or running and not having to use a car.
Which local businesses and people do you most admire?
There’s too many to mention and it’s unfair to single any out. Ripon and its surrounding area is home to many extraordinary businesses and the people that have created them, some of which are largely unknown by those living here.
It’s also been a pleasure to see people moving to the area and starting businesses and making a real success of them.
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