Doe & Hope established by James Gooch in 2009 in the small village of Sandy in Bedfordshire is an antique shop with theatrical flourishes. The timber framed gallery showcases decorative, rare and unusual antiques and fine art. James, with a background in film studies and television, takes a cinematic yet playful approach when displaying the inventory. Patinated, decorative and faded goods that sometimes verge on the macabre yet always with a dramatic flair makes Doe & Hope the perfect source for the many large film and television productions they have supplied with key pieces including the popular Game of Thrones .

The inventory includes furniture, lighting, and mirrors; garden furniture and sculptures; art and religious relics; and carpets and textiles. Doe & Hope also features collaborations with sculptor Beth Carter and taxidermist Hannah Matthews. James Gooch is a member of LAPADA, the association of art and antiques dealers, and is a regular guest on BBC television programmes.

"It takes a good eye to see a good eye, so thank you to all of my clients, past and present."

When was Doe & Hope established? 2009 What makes Doe & Hope so unique? We have a particular interest in the atmosphere that surrounds an object, taking a cinematic approach in the presentation of our inventory. Our house style is probably best described as theatrical; being a concoction of old money, dramatic decorative, and faded gentility, with common themes of both humour and the macabre running through our inventory, that includes both academic and playful objects. Is there a story behind the shop name? I wrote doe and hope in my iPhone notes in 2008. That’s all it said. The rest is history! I liked to catch glimpses of deer out in the woods as a child and hope is a strong theme for me in films and in life in general. What are Doe & Hope's best-selling or “must-have” products? As it’s a fashion related business this changes fairly regularly but anything that alters the atmosphere of a room or tells a story is a basic requisite.

James Gooch, the founder of Doe & Hope

What or who inspired you to open Doe & Hope? I started working two days a week in an antiques emporium and built my knowledge from there, when I bought my first house which was 17th century, I found enjoyment sourcing the items for the house and with my interest in the past already present I was then totally hooked. What did you do before having your own shop? I worked two days a week in an antique store for four years and previously I undertook a degree in film studies and then worked in television for several years before changing tack.

Has the pandemic changed your POV on the future of retail? I was always geared up for a strong online presence so it only reaffirmed the importance of this.

James Gooch's favorite shops

• Franklin's farm shop , Thorncote Green, near Sandy, Bedfordshire. 

• The Secret Farm , Blunham Road, Moggerhanger, Bedfordshire.

• Liberty, London - I had a concession there a few years ago.

• Jamb, London.

• Reeds in Saffron Walden.

• Ampthill Antiques Emporium , Bedford.

• Arcadia Sweet Shop , Bedford.

  

"It’s all about a mixture of experiences so making the online and the offline both as much of an enjoyable experience as possible so that it makes little difference if you visiting online or offline."