Scottish Teenager Finds Solace in Antiques Amid Chronic Pain

A 16-year-old Scottish teenager, Charlie Elphinstone, who often wears a bowler hat, has stated that his passion for antiques and sharing this interest has served as therapy for his chronic pain. Mr. Elphinstone has amassed hundreds of items, many with military connections, which he exhibits at his residence near New Pitsligo, Aberdeenshire. His fascination with antiques began by chance when he was 10 years old, and he has since secured employment at a nearby antique store. He attributes his ability to navigate difficult periods, marked by years of severe ear pain, to this passion. Ultimately, his aspiration is to establish and operate his own museum, charging admission to visitors. Mr. Elphinstone presents a distinguished appearance, often sporting his great grandfather’s bowler hat. He typically reserves wearing it for outdoors, explaining that “a gentleman doesn’t usually wear his hat indoors”. “I think a lot of people would be a lot more happy if they dressed up every once in a while,” Charlie informed BBC Scotland News. He added, “It’s just a confidence booster and you get a lot of compliments.” Nevertheless, Mr. Elphinstone’s appreciation for history encompasses more than just attire. His antique collection commenced at age 10 when he discovered various items while searching under the stairs. He recounted, “Because this house has been passed through the generations I ended up finding a heap of relics.” “I had them all lined up in the sitting room. Mum was not very happy to see all this dusty stuff, but I just thought it was great, finding all these antiques, and that’s what started my interest in them,” he stated. Subsequently, he converted the conservatory, the largest room in the house, into his personal museum. The teenager remarked, “I went to my great granny. She was surprised how much she had left here, from when she had moved away. It was nice to have that link with the past.” He continued, “I would be going to antique shops, charity shops, picking up any antiques I could find.” He noted that over time, for occasions like Christmases and birthdays, he would exclusively request antiques, and his collection “just kind of grown from there.” “I do like my military stuff – medals, uniforms – I’m such a history buff, it’s just incredible I think,” he expressed. For Charlie, this pursuit transcends a mere hobby. “All my life I’ve been plagued with sore ears, I’ve had numerous operations,” he revealed. Specifically, in February 2020, he reported experiencing pain following an operation to insert grommets, designed to drain fluid from the ears. Mr. Elphinstone mentioned that these had to be extracted within a month. “I’ve been in pain every day. It’s not been easy. At my worst I could hardly leave my room,” he stated. He has received assistance from pain psychologists. His engagement with antiques has offered considerable solace. “It’s like a form of therapy I think,” he clarified. “If I’m having a rough time I’ll start researching something, or start sorting through my stamp or coin collections – which can take hours – and you just get lost in it, you go down some rabbit holes with these items.” He added, “It’s helped with my mental health, and my physical health.” He further noted: “I go to care homes and various different groups, I just teach them. That’s how I share my knowledge.” He expressed, “I love it. Before going to groups I was very scared, very anxious, but once I start talking, off I go. I’m just able to present everything.” Michelle Cruickshank, Charlie’s mother, lightheartedly remarked that her son’s intense interest could be “a pain” because of the significant space it occupies, but generally described it as “absolutely amazing.” She commented, “I just love how much he loves it and how much he gets out of it, and how positive it has been for him.” “He has not had an easy time of it, this has given him a sense of purpose. It’s been such a cure for him,” she continued. Ms. Cruickshank conveyed that she was “very proud” of her son’s accomplishments. “He’s just like a different person altogether,” she added. Charlie harbors significant ambitions for his future. “I dream to have my own actual museum, where I can charge people admission to come in, see the entire thing and tell them about everything,” he articulated. “That is quite a big goal. Antiques mean so much to me.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.