Antique Collection

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 [...]

If you want to collect on a modest budget, the vast array of small novel objects made from silver can provide an ideal collecting area.

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 [...]

Once mistakenly regarded as funfair kitsch, carnival glass — charged with brilliant colour and a rich lustre — is now a worthy collectable.
By 1905 art nouveau was all the rage. Expensive ‘art‘ glass was in vogue, and American factories were soon mass producing affordable substitutes sold under exotic names such as Etruscan and Venetian.

Examples of signed, handmade cameo glass command high prices, but less expensive mass-produced pieces are still very collectable.
Roman masterpiece the Portland Vase, probably made in Rome between 25 BC and AD 25, is the most famous example of cameo glass. It was eventually brought to England and acquired by the Duchess of Portland.

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 [...]

Few modern homes have room for a large chandelier, but a fine set of candlesticks or a graceful lamp can add a touch of elegance — at a price.
The earlier glass light fittings from the mid- 17th century were designed to hold candles – either singly or in groups – and some designs were extremely [...]