Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy
At Holytown Antiques, we use modern digital tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help us manage and present our products online. AI is used as an assisting tool only, with the final content and decisions remaining under human control.
How We Use AI
We may use AI-assisted tools to help with:
- Drafting and improving product descriptions.
- Creating website, social media and marketing content.
- Researching terminology, styles, periods, makers and other product information.
- Suggesting product categories, keywords and search engine information.
- Improving the presentation of product photographs.
- Creating lifestyle or room-setting images to help customers visualise how an item may look in a home.
- Assisting with general administrative and website tasks.
All AI-assisted content is intended to support, rather than replace, our own knowledge, judgement and review.
Product Descriptions and Information
Some product descriptions may be initially drafted or refined using AI.
Every effort is made to check information before it is published. However, many of the items we sell are antique, vintage, pre-owned or otherwise unique, and it is not always possible to establish an exact maker, age, origin or history.
Where information such as an approximate date, period, material, style or attribution is provided, it represents our best assessment based on the information available to us at the time.
AI-generated information is not treated as independent proof of an item’s age, authenticity, maker, provenance or value.
If you would like further information about a particular item before purchasing, please contact us and we will be happy to provide additional photographs, measurements or details where possible.
AI-Assisted and Lifestyle Images
We may occasionally use AI or other digital editing tools to create room settings, lifestyle images or enhanced presentation photographs.
These images are intended to help customers visualise an item in a room or interior setting.
Where an image has been digitally created or substantially altered, elements such as the surrounding room, flooring, walls, furnishings, accessories, lighting or decorative objects may not exist in the original photograph and are not included with the item unless specifically stated.
We aim to ensure that the item being advertised remains a fair representation of the actual item. Customers should refer to the original product photographs, measurements and written description when assessing condition, colour, scale and other physical characteristics.
Pricing and Valuations
AI and online research tools may occasionally be used to assist with market research or pricing comparisons.
Our selling prices are ultimately determined by Holytown Antiques and may take into account condition, quality, rarity, desirability, provenance, comparable items and current market conditions.
Any price shown on our website is a retail selling price and should not be interpreted as a formal professional valuation.
Human Review
AI does not independently decide which items we purchase, how items are described, what they are sold for, or whether information is published.
Content produced with AI assistance is reviewed and can be amended by us before or after publication.
If we become aware that AI-assisted content contains incorrect or misleading information, we will aim to correct it as soon as reasonably possible.
Our Approach
We believe AI can be a useful tool for improving the way we photograph, research, describe and present our stock while maintaining the personal service and individual approach of an independent antiques business.
Our aim is to use these tools responsibly and transparently while ensuring that the knowledge, judgement and final decisions behind Holytown Antiques remain human.
If you have any questions about the use of AI on our website or in relation to a particular product, please contact Holytown Antiques.