The collector: Dorian Bowen, a Chartered Building Surveyor with a passion for Welsh vernacular architecture, UK.

The collection: Welsh country antiques.

The story behind the collection...

As a child I was fortunate in being able to visit traditional Welsh dwellings with their inhabitants, which encapsulated a 'simpler way of life'. Sadly most of these places have now disappeared or have been modernised beyond recognition.

In Welsh we have a word hiraeth, it describes a feeling of belonging - to a place, to a person. It's where you are from, it's what you are about - fundamentally this is why the collection has come to fruition.

This is a lifetime collection since it comprises of family heirlooms along with more recent acquisitions. Whilst I knew the collection revealed that I have a 'chair obsession', it now appears that I also have a 'spoon obsession'.

The collection is displayed within the traditional surroundings of an authentic Welsh thatched cottage - very much in the way in which it was originally intended.

My favourite find is the Welsh oak 'Cwpwrdd Deuddarn' (two part cupboard).  Whilst the collection is fairly comprehensive I'm still missing a 'Grisset pan' used for making rushlights.

Personally I don't think that the collection is out of control but I do consider myself to be 'obsessed' with the seeking of perfection.

Dorian's traditional Welsh cottage, Bryn Eglur, featuring furniture in a similar style is available to rent through Under the Thatch.

Tim Bowen Antiques is a Carmarthenshire based gallery that specialises in Welsh vernacular furniture, folk art, pottery and paintings.

Images © Dorian Bowen and Graham and Helen Powell.