About

I'm Jay Graham, and you may be wondering why the business is called Donaldson Vintage.

It's a surname from one side of my family, and I've always loved the sound of it. It felt right for a business built around things with a bit of history.

I live by the sea in East Lothian, Scotland, and I've been obsessed with old things for many moons. That obsession eventually took over, and I found myself trawling online auctions, visiting fairs and going to antique shops whenever I could.

I spent a lot of time learning to spot the pieces that have something genuinely special about them. Eventually, starting Donaldson Vintage felt like the natural next step.

What I look for is things that sing! For example, a piece of mid-century Scandinavian metalwork, a hand-signed Charlotte Rhead jug, a ceramic vase by a studio potter you've never heard of but immediately love — things you won't stumble across on the high street, and that bring a bit of unexpected joy into a room.

Every item I sell is carefully chosen, inspired by nature in some way, and honestly described. If there's a flaw, I'll tell you. And because I'm a one-person business, you can always reach me directly if you have a question.

Life's too short for boring decor. I reckon the things we surround ourselves with should have a cool story behind them.