Antique Collection

Even though we no longer depend on candlelight for illumination, nothing graces a dining table more elegantly than a pair of silver candlesticks. Most candlesticks and candelabra were originally made in pairs or larger sets. Expect to pay more than double for a pair of candlesticks than for two single ones – even if they’re [...]

Whether you prefer the subtle sensuality of the Art Nouveau potters, or the uncluttered modern approach of the Art Deco era, pottery of this period provides something to suit almost every taste. If you’re an inexperienced collector this could be an ideal choice of subject to begin with: most pottery and porcelain is marked; wares [...]

Various exciting new porcelain-making techniques were introduced and perfected in the 19th century. The development of bone china, which was made from the same ingredients as hard-paste porcelain with large quantities of animal bone added, meant that less expensive porcelain became widely available.

The antique market changes as fashions come and go. For many years now the business of importing antiques from the UK, selling them from salerooms, shops and private homes has proved very lucrative. But now the pound is emerging as a strong currency.

Collectors of old prints are generally interested in the work of George Baxter. He was born in 1804, a printer by trade. Later he became a book illustrator and produced many fine woodblock prints. He and his father published the ‘Baxter Illustrated Bible’ which showed many good examples of this work.

The late Victorian and Edwardian times. Art Nouveau designs when they were introduced failed to make any real impact on contemporary society the designs were considered degenerate and frivilous but their rediscovery in modern times has caused more excitement than anyone could ever have anticipated. The period was short lived about 25 years from about [...]

Many thousands of immigrant families settled in this country from Europe in the last 150 years, and the little girls brought their dolls with them. The little girls eventually became old ladies and passed away, but the dolls remained. Some were given to the servants’ children, and others were simply thrown away. Fortunately many were [...]

The oldest silver serving dishes designed for use rather than display are simple, with moulded or gadrooned rims. Display pieces are often silver gilt, with elaborate chased and applied strapwork and lobbing. Most date from the 17th century, although similar ones continued to be made until the early l9th century, mainly for ceremonial services.

The variety and decorative nature of vases and bowls, combined with their practical uses, make them doubly appealing objects to collect.
It is over 200 years since the first glass vases and bowls were made, but most older items are so rare and expensive that they are virtually all museum pieces. Collectable pieces date from the [...]

Cabinets have been prized possessions since the 17th century, and are among the most visually arresting and impressive forms of furniture.
The earliest cabinets made in Britain, in the mid-17th century, were used to store precious belongings and papers.
By the end of the 17th century, however, they had become objects of distinction and elegance in their [...]