An antique shop in a country town is normal fare. But three in one town? Yarra Glen boasts three, all in the main street, and within sight of each other.
A true antique is an item perceived as having value because of its aesthetic or historical significance, and often defined as at least 100 years old, although the term is often used loosely to describe any object that is old, perhaps this writer.
Yarra Valley Antiques.
8 Bell Street.
The sign above the entrance
This is the largest of the three antique stores, it's almost a marathon to walk to the back end of the shop.
Yarra Valley Antiques shop.
If not a marathon distance but a marathon time if you pause to browse and inspect the numerous items.
Looking along the central aisle from the rear.
Wait, there is more, as there is a small external yard at the rear of the shop offering outdoor type items such as old wheels, chains and even railway signals.
The outdoor area at the rear of the shop.
To the left and right of the central aisle are countless enclaves offering an antique buyer all they could want.
More things to see and buy.
Books, small furniture items, china ware and many cabinet enclosed smaller items.
The large book section
18 Bell Street.
The sign at the entrance.
This is the smallest of the three but still has an excellent range of olde worlde goods, including some larger items.
The shop front.
Despite its size and range of items it doesn't look cluttered.
Plenty of goods, but not cluttered.
Old advertising signs appear in most antiques shops and this one is no exception.
More to see.
Like all of the shops the walls are adorned with photos, posters and anything that can hang.
Another view
25 Bell Street.
Enter the Den.
A very good range of old items and bric a brac here. A large number of statuettes are a feature of the shop.
Every shop usually has some unusual items. Here you will find a suit of armour.
Spot the armour.
Glassware is also a feature in the Den of Antiquity.
Glassware is seen throughout.
Since the Yarra Glen bypass road was opened a few years ago all antique shop operators report a downturn of business. In with the new and out with the old, so to speak. A pity.
There are only three antique shops in Yarra Glen, but if there were more those above would be in the top three.
