C1 Advanced (CAE) - Reading Gapped Text 2

Touring the Trinket Shops

In the afternoon, the rain finally cleared away and we headed in our faithful van to Wells. Somerset's ecclesiastical jewel might be renowned for its magnificent cathedral, but for those of us who make our living hunting through the remnants of other people's lives, its real treasures lie scattered among its numerous antique shops and vintage emporiums.

1.

The first establishment we encountered bore all the hallmarks of a promising hunting ground: windows so dusty one could barely discern the contents within, and a doorbell that triggered an ancient chime somewhere in the depths of the building.

2.

The proprietor, evidently accustomed to long stretches of solitude, barely glanced up from his leather-bound volume as we navigated the narrow pathways between towering cabinets.

Our methodology has been refined over years of experience. My photographer, James, immediately gravitates towards anything that might photograph well for next month's feature, whilst I focus on the overlooked corners where genuine bargains often lurk.

3.

Experience has taught us that the most intriguing finds frequently surface in the most unprepossessing locations.

The afternoon unfolded at a pleasantly unhurried pace as we worked our way through the town's offerings.

4.

In one particularly atmospheric establishment, housed in what was clearly once a Victorian pharmacy, complete with original cabinets, I discovered a collection of nineteenth-century apothecary bottles that would have our magazine's art director practically swooning with delight.

The true highlight of the day, however, emerged in the most unexpected fashion.

5.

What caught my eye wasn't the grotesque Victorian taxidermy (though that certainly warranted a paragraph in my notebook), but rather a perfectly preserved art deco drinks cabinet, inexplicably priced at less than a quarter of its market value.

After fifteen years of professional browsing, one develops rather a sixth sense about these matters.

6.

By sunset, we had photographed enough material for three features, acquired several promising pieces for the magazine's next styling shoot, and added another provincial gem to our map of Britain's finest antiquing destinations.

The cathedral bells were chiming five o'clock as we loaded the last of our acquisitions into the van. Wells had proved unexpectedly fruitful – a reminder that despite the rising tide of online marketplaces and auction sites, nothing quite equals the pleasure of discovering treasures in person, particularly when complemented by Somerset's exemplary cream teas.