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A love of antiques, collectibles and curios is something that has always been with Raymond May.
“I’ve always liked history ever since I was a little boy,” he told The Profile. So it should come as no surprise the curious curios collector has been at the helm of two iconic Auckland stores called Just Plane Interesting for around 33 years.
But in October this year, the owner-operator closed one of the Auckland branches and relocated it to the Hauraki, to set up shop in the old Depot building at 24 Belmont Rd, Paeroa.
“I’m happy to be at Paeroa, that’s for sure. I’m very, very at peace with having a business down here. It’s really good and eventually I hope to relocate myself down here as well,” Ray said.
Just Plane Interesting doesn’t specialise in just one area of antiques because “there’s too many cool and interesting things out there”, he said.
“It’s the most diverse range of products you’ll find under one roof. I think that’s a fairly safe thing to say.”
Entering through the store’s big open doors feels like stepping into a labyrinth of memories, a treasure trove. There’s a nautical section on my right with model-ships, captain’s wheels and a life-size handcrafted killer whale named Wally. Antiques, collectables, militaria, furniture and strange and wondrous things sit comfortably across the store – but they’re not just on the floor.
Every surface, every nook, even the walls and ceilings hold items and treasures that hold special stories, from chairs and dinghies to American Eagles to circus folk and a Pulp Comedy sign.
My eyes don’t know where to rest because everywhere I look something captures my attention.
There’s even a mechanical prehistoric rhinoceros at the back of the store next to a caravan filled with collectable toys.
One thing that’s really significant to Ray is the importance of community. Ray and the team aimed to upload a video to Facebook each week to share something that’s happening in store, such as new pieces that have come in, or an interview with a person or business.
“We did one on the opening of the shop and the last one we did, last Friday, we did one that introduced the businesses next to us. And then we went out to the shed, Sam’s at The Shed & Co. We did a video there because I just like the man so much and he impresses me so much.”
“We get to see different people’s collections as well which is rather unusual. Next week we’re filming at a museum. So there’s always something different.”
It was important for Ray to find out the story behind the pieces he stocked.
“I try to find the provenance, the history of everything to present it to people when they come in and if they express an interest in it. And if they buy it, I like to tell them all about it.
“It gives the piece more soul.”
His admiration of antique pieces and also repurposing items was evident. Everything’s made with so much soul, interest and passion,” he said. “Things are made to last and they can be refurbished and repurposed. I’m extremely passionate about recycling. There’s far too much waste and the restoration of things and bringing them back to life is very much on my agenda,” he said.
“If we minimise waste, everybody’s better off.”
The most important part about running the store was that “it’s all about continuing history”, he said.
“I like to present things that remind people of their past. You know, they come in and they see a machine they played on in their grandfather’s lounge or a table and chairs that they sat on in their grandfather’s dining room.
“You get so busy every day trying to earn a living and looking after your family, you tend to forget about the history that made you into the person you are,” he said.
“So having a shop full of history or interesting things reminds people of their roots.”
DETAILS: Visit Just Plane Interesting at 24 Belmont Rd Paeroa, Ph 07 862 6600, or visit the Auckland location at 100 Parrs Cross Rd, Henderson, Ph 09 837 2656. Follow Just Plane Interesting on Facebook to stay up to date.
– By Davidda Hikatangata
