Popular Bridgnorth antiques dealer Philip Ridgway dies after short illness

Philip Ridgway, 71, traded at Perry and Phillips Auctioneers and The Old Mill Antiques Centre in Low Town, Bridgnorth.

Mr Ridgway died last week at the Princess Royal Hospital, Telford. He dealt in antiques for 50 years throughout the Midlands and much further afield before settling in Bridgnorth in recent years.

“He was popular at all the salerooms he dealt with and was extremely well regarded for his wealth of knowledge,” said John Ridgway, Philip’s brother.

He added: “Philip stepped in to help me when our brother Denis sadly passed away in 2015 and he has played a key role in managing and developing our businesses. He had run antiques stalls and shops in Wolverhampton, Stratford-upon-Avon and Bridgnorth and dealt in antiques for some 50 years throughout the UK before joining me at Perry and Phillips and The Old Mill three years ago.”

Mr Ridgway met his wife Sandy, herself an antiques dealer, at an auction and they worked together for many years prior to her death 12 years ago. His brother said he would like to thank the staff on Ward 11 at the Princess Royal Hospital for their care and compassion during Philip’s final days.

He added: “He will be missed by so many people – family, friends, dealers, customers and our staff members, he was a real character and he really knew his antiques.

His funeral will be held at St John’s Church, Northgate, Bridgnorth, on Thursday September 20 at 11am. The October Perry and Phillips sale of antiques and collectables has been postponed until October 23.