TO THE READERS, WHAT DOES HOME MEAN TO YOU? CHARLIE PORTER REDEFINES HER PATH, TAT LONDON UNLEASHES HER POTENTIAL BY EMBRACING UNKNOWN AND CHARMING MARVELS OF EUROPEAN LEGACY.
Project by
Niccolò Lapo Latini @niccololapolatini
CHARLIE PORTER, London, 3rd September, 2024 // At Tat London // In the midst of the monthly inventory, navigating through the aisles and hidden nooks of Tat London, the house of lost memories and wonders.
To lose everything all of a sudden and find yourself holding nothing but one choice: do I stop here, or do I try again? When life presents us with an obstacle that blocks our path, do we have enough determination to move forward? Do we have enough clarity to move forward and veer off into an unexpected direction? Finally, do we have enough courage to move forward, veer off into an unexpected direction, and follow our instincts?
Charlie Porter metaphorically lost her home a few years ago, but with virtue and desire, she managed to reclaim one even bigger, warmer, and truer. In short, more her own. From a promising career at House & Garden, through a blank slate, to the realization of her childhood dream, the materialization of her lifelong ambition. Tat London, the jewel of Barlby Road, sheltered by the embrace of Notting Hill, is not just a new concept for antique dealers and collectors, but a meeting place, a space for exchange, a space for giving. It is the beating heart of a community bonded by far more than just the search for a piece of fascinating furniture, but rather the quest for emotions, the pursuit of feelings with which to surround oneself.
A small temple of curiosity, gently overseen by its curious traveler, always seeking the call of inspiration, guided by instinct—the very instinct that, not long ago, gifted her a second home, a second life.
Photography Jasper Fry.
Tat London – November 2023.
Could you tell us about your experience with House & Garden? Also, after losing your job as a Corporate Fundraiser at Kids Company when the charity closed, what were your initial feelings, and how did you handle that delicate situation? Did you immediately realize it would be a turning point in your life, allowing you to finally embrace your passion, or did the disappointment and shock initially overwhelm you?
The collapse of Kids Company was devastating to witness. It took me a long time to figure out what my next step would be. I knew I didn’t want to work in the charity sector again; the people who do are better than I am, and I felt I couldn’t go through that experience again. So, when I got the job at House & Garden, I had no idea that it would end up shaping my future. I started Tat while I was still at House & Garden, early on. It felt important for me to have something of my own.
Would it be accurate to describe you as an unconventional art dealer and Tat as a collector of antique, lost, and then rediscovered memories?
I very much enjoy dealing in art. The pieces I sell vary in importance—sometimes they are significant works, but I can be just as happy with an unknown oil painting or even a simple squiggle on a piece of paper. Dealing in art has always felt natural to me. The only subject I ever truly felt an affinity for was the History of Art, and I loved my years studying it at university. However, the art world often seemed too austere for me; the intense competition and the focus on money made it feel like it wasn’t the right fit. But the way I deal in art is different—it’s done with a lot of love. Every piece that passes through my hands carries the essence of the owner, the artist, and a life before. Although art dealing is not the only aspect of Tat, it’s probably the part I feel most comfortable with.
Photography Jasper Fry.
CHARLIE PORTER, at Tat London – November 2023.
Could you share with us one of your adventures around the world in search of treasures that has most inspired you and evoked strong emotions?
In 2020, just before Covid-19 hit, I traveled to Budapest in search of unique pieces. It was an extraordinary experience—I saw many beautiful works and returned home with some odd, charming, and truly unique finds. While that was certainly a highlight, Budapest itself was breathtakingly beautiful. However, the tension in the air due to Covid-19 added an eerie feeling to the trip, which, although not the ideal takeaway from a journey, undeniably made it a memorable experience.
Speaking of geography, do you believe that Tat’s taste and style are strongly influenced by the culture of European capitals, especially by the Parisian traits of the 60s and 70s?
I would feel somewhat embarrassed to say my style is Parisian, as it’s a huge compliment and not one I am sure I deserve. But to say that my style is influenced by Europe would be an understatement. My heart feels very European, however much our politicians try to sever ties. Most of what I find for Tat is from Germany, France, Italy and Spain. It’s not to say I don’t love the English style but that too has been heavily influenced by the rest of Europe.
What does home mean to you?
Home for me is very much about feeling safe and at peace. I live with my husband, we have no children, our home is quiet but not in a miserable way. It’s glorious, in all of London to get such a peaceful home is real luck. Not surprisingly the inside of our home means a lot to me, my mother has created beautiful homes for me. Ours is not beautiful but it is interesting, there is art everywhere and objects those help me feel peaceful and at home. It’s still overflowing with bits and pieces that I’ve collected over the years. When I visit friends’ homes, I often wish I could exercise some restraint; their places look like proper homes, while mine is starting to resemble a junk shop. Over the next couple of months, I’m determined to bring some order to it and make sense of the chaos.
Photography Jasper Fry.
Tat London – November 2023.
Have there ever been antique pieces that were originally intended for TAT, but due to the impression they left on you and your love at first sight, you decided to keep them for yourself?
Yes, I have lots of pieces. Many of them are still listed on the website, so I’m always delighted—and sometimes a bit annoyed—when they sell, as it means I have to find something new to fill that spot. Although, fortunately, that never takes too long.
Would you be able to provide us with a list of the most unique and historically significant items that have passed through TAT?
I can’t provide a list. But I can say that we’ve sold to some of the greatest dealers and interior designers in the world, and that brings me extraordinary happiness.
What concept of art have you discovered through your work, and do you think it’s possible to compare a rare piece of furniture to a work of art or even a book? An object that encapsulates time and memory.
I mean I think greater minds of mine would have to make comparison and it certainly a long conversation than this interview. But art for me fills many voids, helps with happiness, sadness and everything in between. The days of my life when I haven’t been quite myself I have solace in the exemplary galleries that we have here in London.
Photography Jasper Fry.
Tat London – November 2023.
Is there something specific you’re still hoping to find, something you’re searching for during your adventures?
No, I never know what I want to find, that’s probably my secret. I think as you can read from the above its all just instinct and what attracts my eye.
Which piece of furniture has always captivated and fascinated you the most? Is there a color you feel particularly attached to?
Chairs—I think all interior designers and design lovers have a special fondness for them. The versatility of a chair is glorious. I have far too many in my house, and I don’t think I’ll stop buying them anytime soon. When it comes to colour, I often find myself drawn to the palette of Alexander Calder. The colours in his work consistently appear in my life, whether in my clothes or interiors.
