The star buyer of “Affaire concluded” (La Une/France 2) confides in her passion and love of objects.
Favorite among the participants of “Affaire concluded”, Caroline Margeridon was in Brussels for “Affaire for Life”, last December. “There are often beautiful stories behind the objects, and here, I am used to buying more expensively because it doesn’t change anything in my life, but for them, it means a lot,” she confided. The charity sale raised €57,000 for Viva for Life.
Where does this passion for beautiful objects come from?
In my mother’s womb, I was already hanging out at flea markets. When I was 5 years old, when I was walking my little dog, I looked through trash cans. I stored everything I found that was pretty and when there was no school, I took out my stock to sell it. I had two older sisters, I was raised as a boy, a bit of a fighter…
Did it help you negotiate?
No, not on that point, but no one has ever said an inappropriate word or gesture to me. However, second-hand dealers are something… They are capable of fighting! I started at 15 and this good-natured side helped me. I’ve never gotten into a fight, but people are convinced I can do it.
Where does your expertise come from?
There are schools, but the teaching there is very theoretical. I was rubbish, but I loved French history and visiting museums, like that of Versailles or the Nissim de Camondo in Paris (with a collection of furniture and art objects from the 18th century).e century, editor’s note). I recognize all the woods and all the styles because in the field, I touch and look at everything. In the show, when there is a piece of furniture, the first one on the floor to look for clues is me. There’s nothing better than concrete. I learned to recognize bronzes by closing my eyes, just by touching them.
-A bit like Stéphane Bern, you maintain a heritage…
Absolutely. I love buying, I hate selling! When a customer comes into my store, I want to cry. Fortunately my son slows me down. I often tell people: “Don’t buy because it’s worth money, buy because you like it.” » When I acquire a painting, it’s not to resell it, it’s just love at first sight.
What are you actually looking for?
The object I am looking for is the one that will be offered to me tomorrow. The more we discover, the more we will discover. I feel like I’m on an Easter egg hunt every day. You understand why I love this job!
Are your children, Alexandre and Victoire, ready to take over?
When they were young, they told me that what was at home, they would never want. Today, they come and help themselves in my shop… without paying! (Laughing) Like me, they were born at a flea market, they didn’t need to learn anything. I’m very lucky, it’s been going on for three generations.
This article appeared in Le Télépro on 16/1/2025
