The Life and Career of Tara Franklin: Expert in Antiques and Textile Restoration
Tara Franklin is a name synonymous with the world of antiques, French brocante, and textile restoration. With decades of experience, she has carved a niche for herself as one of the leading experts in vintage fabrics and restored antique items. Alongside her husband, Adrian Higham, Tara has not only achieved personal success but has also built a business that attracts antique lovers and collectors from around the world. Her journey is one of passion, craftsmanship, and a relentless pursuit of preserving history through antiques.
Early Life and Background
A Passion for Textiles and Antiques
Born in January 1972, Tara Franklin developed a keen interest in textiles and antiques from an early age. Raised in an environment that valued craftsmanship and history, she quickly became fascinated by the artistry involved in creating vintage items. Her love for antiques, particularly French vintage fabrics, set the foundation for her career.
Tara’s appreciation for French brocante and antique restoration grew as she explored various art forms and craft techniques. Over time, she honed her skills in sourcing, restoring, and preserving antique textiles, eventually making a name for herself in the industry.
Tara Franklin’s Age
Tara Franklin was born in January 1972, which makes her 54 years old as of 2026.
Building a Career in Antiques
The Founding of Hoof Brocante
In collaboration with her husband, Adrian Higham, Tara co-founded Hoof Brocante, an antique business that specialises in 18th and 19th-century French decorative antiques, brocante, and vintage home décor. The business operates out of Brooklands, Kent, and the couple has also established a secondary home and base near the Normandy border in France.
Hoof Brocante offers an extensive collection of restored French antiques, with a particular emphasis on furniture and textiles. Tara plays a pivotal role in the business, focusing on the restoration of vintage textiles and sourcing authentic French brocante for sale to collectors, interior designers, and antique lovers alike.
Her deep knowledge of textile restoration and antiques preservation ensures that every piece in the Hoof Brocante collection is carefully restored to its original beauty, with an emphasis on preserving the integrity of each item’s historical value.
Expertise in French Vintage Fabrics and Textiles
Tara’s expertise in vintage textiles has been a defining feature of her career. She has developed a niche in restoring French vintage fabrics, which are highly sought after for their quality, craftsmanship, and unique aesthetic. Tara uses her skills to breathe new life into these fabrics, turning them into beautiful pieces for the modern home while maintaining their historical charm.
Her work in textile restoration has earned her a loyal following among antique collectors, interior designers, and those with an appreciation for high-quality, timeless pieces. Tara is highly regarded for her attention to detail and her ability to restore fabrics to their former glory without compromising their original character.
Contribution to the Antiques Community
Through Hoof Brocante, Tara has made significant contributions to the antiques community, particularly in the realm of restoration and preservation. Her work has not only helped to rejuvenate antique textiles but has also helped raise awareness of the importance of antique preservation. Tara is an advocate for upcycling and sustainable design, promoting the value of restoring older items rather than discarding them.
As an antiques expert, Tara often shares her knowledge with others in the industry, offering insights on textile restoration, French brocante, and vintage home décor. She has also participated in numerous events and workshops, teaching others about the value of antiques and the art of restoration.
Tara Franklin husband
Tara Franklin’s professional life is closely intertwined with that of her husband, Adrian Higham. Together, they form a dynamic duo in the world of antiques. While Tara focuses on textiles and the restoration of French vintage fabrics, Adrian handles the broader aspects of antiques dealing and furniture restoration. The couple’s complementary skill sets have allowed Hoof Brocante to flourish, with both contributing to the business’s success in their own unique ways.
Adrian Higham, a well-known figure on BBC One’s The Bidding Room, brings his expertise as an antiques dealer to the table, while Tara’s deep knowledge of vintage textiles and French brocante helps to make their business stand out in the competitive antiques market. Together, they have built a thriving business that continues to attract customers from all over the world.
Living Between Two Countries
Tara and Adrian divide their time between their home in East Sussex, United Kingdom, and their secondary property in France, near the Normandy border. This arrangement allows them to source antique items from both Britain and France, giving them access to a broader range of vintage French brocante and antique materials.
Their time spent in France not only allows them to explore new antiques but also lets them connect with the French countryside and immerse themselves in the historical charm that fuels their passion for vintage restoration.
Social Media and Public Presence
Instagram and Online Engagement
Tara Franklin has an active social media presence, particularly on Instagram, where she shares her work and the progress of textile restoration projects. With her handle @tara.franklin_antiques, Tara connects with a growing number of followers who share her love for antiques and vintage textiles. Her posts often feature her restored fabrics, French brocante, and insights into the world of vintage home décor.
Her engaging content has helped her build a community of antique enthusiasts, designers, and collectors who appreciate her craftsmanship and expertise in textile restoration.
Public Appearances and Events
In addition to her work on Instagram, Tara has appeared at various antiques events and workshops, where she shares her knowledge of antique restoration. These events provide a platform for Tara to interact with other professionals in the industry and educate others on the value of preserving antique textiles.
Her participation in these events has made her a recognised figure in the antiques community, further cementing her reputation as an expert in the field.
Tara Franklin’s Impact on the Antiques Industry
A Commitment to Sustainability
Tara Franklin’s work goes beyond antiques restoration—she is committed to promoting sustainability and the upcycling of vintage items. In an age where fast fashion and mass production dominate the market, Tara’s commitment to restoring and preserving antiques provides an alternative to the throwaway culture. By rejuvenating vintage fabrics and antiques, Tara is helping to preserve history while offering modern consumers the chance to own unique, sustainable pieces for their homes.
Building a Legacy
Through her expertise, commitment to quality, and passion for textiles, Tara Franklin has built a legacy in the antiques industry. Her work has not only helped restore countless items but has also contributed to the broader appreciation of antique preservation. Tara continues to inspire others with her craftsmanship, encouraging a deeper understanding of the importance of vintage restoration.
Conclusion
Tara Franklin’s journey in the antiques industry is a testament to her skill, passion, and dedication. From her early fascination with French vintage fabrics to her current role as a co-owner of Hoof Brocante, Tara has made a significant impact on the world of antiques restoration. Alongside her husband, Adrian Higham, Tara has built a thriving business that continues to attract antique lovers and collectors from all over the world.
Through her expertise in textile restoration and French brocante, Tara Franklin has cemented her position as one of the leading experts in the industry, and her dedication to upcycling and sustainability makes her a true innovator in the field. As she continues to share her knowledge and passion, Tara Franklin’s influence on the world of antiques is bound to grow, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
Frequently asked Questions
1. Who is Tara Franklin?
Tara Franklin is a British antiques expert and textile specialist, best known for her work with Hoof Brocante, the business she co-founded with her husband Adrian Higham. She is an expert in French vintage fabrics and antiques restoration, particularly focusing on 18th and 19th-century decorative antiques and brocante. Tara is actively involved in the antiques industry, where she shares her expertise and passion for preserving historical items.
2. How old is Tara Franklin?
Tara Franklin was born in January 1972, making her 54 years old as of 2026.
3. Who are Tara Franklin and Adrian Higham?
Tara Franklin and Adrian Higham are a married couple and business partners in Hoof Brocante, an antiques business specialising in French vintage fabrics, brocante, and restored 18th and 19th-century furniture. Adrian is a well-known antiques dealer and television personality, having appeared on BBC One’s The Bidding Room. Together, they run the business, which operates in Kent, UK, and near the Normandy borders in France.
