Business Details
Your Trusted Antique Dealers in Reading
Reading Collector Centre in Reading is a unique establishment housing two specialist shops dedicated to preserving the tradition of independent second-hand retail. Shop No.14, operated by Jim Donovan as Just Imagination Memorabilia, specialises in vintage film, TV, and pop culture memorabilia alongside rare comics and specialist dance vinyl records. Shop No.15, run by Tony Taplin under AT Collectables, focuses on militaria, antiques, and collectables including military medals, swords, and model trains. Both proprietors bring decades of experience to their respective fields, offering expert guidance and a personal service to collectors and enthusiasts.The centre actively maintains a diverse stock of rare items while embracing the evolving needs of its clientele. Customers are encouraged to contact the shop owners directly to verify availability and opening times, ensuring a tailored experience. Reading Collector Centre stands as a testament to the enduring value of specialist retail in an era of declining independent shops.
Services
Antique Dealers
Militaria Sales
Vintage Memorabilia
Collectable Items
Specialist Vinyl Records
Military Medals
Model Trains
Vintage Comics
Dance Vinyl
Pop Vinyl
Highlights and features
- We offer decades of specialist experience in antiques and collectables
- Specialise in military memorabilia and vintage vinyl records
- Provide a friendly and personal service to collectors
- Maintain a diverse stock of rare and unique items
- Offer expert guidance on buying and selling antiques
Services
Militaria Sales
AT Collectables specialises in military medals, swords, bayonets, and daggers. Our stock includes authentic historical pieces from various conflicts, catering to serious collectors and historians. Each item is carefully authenticated and presented with provenance details.
Vintage Memorabilia
Just Imagination Memorabilia offers rare film, TV, and pop culture memorabilia. Our collection includes vintage toys, posters, and props from classic media, appealing to nostalgia-driven collectors seeking authentic pieces from the 20th century.
Specialist Vinyl Records
We provide specialist dance vinyl covering club tracks, samples, and breakbeats from the 1960s to 1990s. Our curated selection includes rare pressings and modern jazz records, appealing to DJs and audiophiles seeking unique audio treasures.
Antique Dealers
Reading Collector Centre offers a diverse range of antiques including Beswick and Doulton ceramics, Wade ornaments, and model trains. Our stock caters to both casual collectors and serious enthusiasts seeking quality vintage items.
Military Medals
Tony Taplin's AT Collectables specialises in military medal collections from various campaigns. We offer individual medals and complete sets with historical documentation, serving both new collectors and those expanding existing displays.
People
Tony Taplin
Owner, AT Collectables
Tony Taplin has traded in collectable items and antiques for many years. He specialises in military medals, swords, and model trains, maintaining a stock of authentic historical pieces for collectors.
Jim B. Donovan
Owner, Just Imagination Memorabilia
Jim Donovan operates Just Imagination Memorabilia, a long-established shop specialising in vintage film/TV toys and specialist dance vinyl records. He brings extensive knowledge of pop culture and music history to his curation.
Questions
What are your opening hours?
We operate Tuesday to Saturday with varying times. Please phone 01189 588 666 before visiting to confirm availability.
Do you buy items for resale?
Yes, both proprietors purchase antiques and collectables. Contact Tony Taplin or Jim Donovan directly to discuss potential sales.
What specialist vinyl do you stock?
We offer dance vinyl covering club tracks, samples, and breakbeats from the 1960s-1990s, plus modern jazz and cult soundtracks.
Can I find military medals at your shop?
Yes, AT Collectables specialises in military medals, swords, and bayonets with historical provenance documentation available.
