Gregory Bolton, proprietor of Minerva Vintage, 109B Macleay Street, Potts Point, is a man on the go.

With over 3,000 items of fashionable high quality designer clothing, jewellery, accessories, glass wear and “the unusual”, his atelier showroom is a magnet of allure, intrigue and glamour.

The boutique of pre-loved and vintage items is a masterclass in design elegance with its curved entrance window, original designer terrazo and dramatic gold embossed lettering, all signature elements of his favourite Art Deco period.

It is named after Minerva, the former name of the area’s most famous Art Deco building, now named the Metro, which was once a combined cinema and theatre in nearby Orwell Street. Minerva boutique is housed in the Minerva building, the buddy building of the Metro. It was built shortly after the Minerva Theatre was built in 1939. Minerva was the Roman goddess of wisdom and warfare and sponsor of the arts. Her five-day festival began on the 19th of March each year.

Gregory has been a small business owner for over 40 years and is fascinated by history and architecture. His clients are “fantastic” he says, “and always interesting, especially other creatives”. He has previously run his own successful fashion label and jewellery business and has been fascinated with design since the age of 14. He ran his own boutique at 16 years old!

Minerva stocks many objet d’art and attracts local fashionistas. It often caters for models and appeals to those who don’t fear fashion. Jewellery is the most popular item.

Minerva is well-stocked with Christmas bijoux.

2020 has not been easy for retailers on Macleay Street with the COVID-19 pandemic and on- going council streetscape works. In fact, it has been very tough.

He used his marketing experience and hard work to keep going and remain resilient.

“I’ve learnt not to assume too much or take things for granted like going to the movies or the dentist or borrowing a library book.

“Council’s street works should not forget that streetscape design is like designing a stage set. It is the platform on which something attractive and enticing is created. In this heritage area there is an opportunity to insert some new items into the heritage streetscape but which are sympathetic to its past. The design should be in the same design “language” as the street. After all, heritage is about maintaining the significance of any period,” he suggests

“So it’s a Merry Christmas from me to you. I sincerely thank all our loyal customers for their support in 2020 and look forward to a really great 2021,” he says.

Minerva Vintage Potts Point

109B Macleay Street Potts Point NSW 2011

Instagram: Minerva Vintage Potts Point

By Andrew Woodhouse

Heritage Solutions