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| With the pendulum of fashion swinging back towards antiques, the timely arrival is opportune for the fourth edition of "The Victorian House Book" by the late Robin Guild, (Sheldrake Press, £30). As the author wrote, "What is important today is not so much the pursuit of authenticity as finding a balance which reconciles our way of living with what we see as valuable in Victorian style and decoration". The reader is offered just such an acquaintance. Almost every aspect of the Victorian house is enthusiastically explained and illustrated. Here is inspiration with the addition of invaluable technical advice. | ||||||||||||||||
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| "The Antiques Roadshow A-Z of Antiques and Collectables (Dorland Kindersley, £20), is published to coincide with the 30th anniversary of BBC-TV's programme. This 416 page reference book offers 1500 photos and 3000 alphabetically-arranged comprehensive entries from Aalto Alva, the Finnish furniture designer to Zurich pottery. Judith Miller edits with information checked by Antiques Roadshow experts. Entries are brief and factual. But before you consider a purchase, check your bookshelf as the text was first published in 2001 under the title, "The Illustrated Dictionary of Antiques & Collectables". | ||||||||||||||||
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| When one thought that almost everything had been written about antique furniture, it is refreshing to find a book that covers a hitherto unknown niche area of increasing interest the more one turns the pages. "West Indian Antique Furniture of the Lesser Antilles, 1740-1940 by Philip Sturm (Antique Collectors Club, £45) has an especial appeal to collectors. The inspiration for the book comes for a collection formed between 1939 and 1981 by Dorothy Sturm, the author's mother. When she started collecting, much "old time furniture", as it was locally called, was being discarded for more modern styles. Her interest gave her an entre into local society. She was sometimes even given larger pieces if she would remove them. There is plenty of background to the Lesser Antilles and much detail on the American, English, Spanish and Swedish influences on design and construction of the furniture. Coupled with fine illustations, one is fired with enthusiasm to see more of this furniture. It is all more than sufficient to make one feel a Caribbean holiday coming on. | ||||||||||||||||
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| As Judith Miller says at the end of her introduction to "Collectables Price Guide 2008" (Dorland Kindersley, £17.99) "Despite fashion often changing exactly what we collect, there's one thing that fashion never changes and that's collecting itself. Certainly this latest issue contains thousands of colour illustations, descriptions and prices of things that lots of people are currently collecting, the majority within a reasonable price range. More importantly it offers an inspiration for some readers to start collections and others to mvoe back in time from more recent things to the world of antiques. | ||||||||||||||||
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| When people proudly moved into their new houses during the 1930s they were soon seeking new furnishings and decorative things. Brightly coloured ceramics were the choice of many to adorn the mantelpieces and window-sills. Andrew Casey in "Art Deco Ceramics" (Antique Collector Club, £35) focuses on these pieces produced by British potteries during the period. Authoritative authors contribute articles about designers' shapes and patterns with a comprehensive survey of smaller factories, many hithero never discussed in such detail. This book is a welcome addition to every Art Deco collector's library. | ||||||||||||||||
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| Attractive alternatives to ubiquitous motorway service areas throughout Britain are pinpointed in a glove-box size book for motorists, not least antiques dealers searching for fresh stock throughout Britain. A revised edition of "Breaks near the motorways" by Hugh Cantlie, (Cheviot Books, £12.95) offers an independent appraisal of places to find food and drink within five minutes of almost every motorway junction in the UK. All reports are based on personal visits. Each is accompanied by maps and clear directions. | ||||||||||||||||
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| Collectables is the preferred name for 20th century "antiques" and pottery is amongst the most collectable of these. "Starting to Collect 20th Century Ceramics" by Andrew Casey (Antique Collectors' Club, £14.99) is an admirable book for the novice. Over 70 important ceramics manufacturers have been selected. Brief histories and designs are given and well illustrated. This is one of the best books in a series that delivers exactly what it says in the title. | ||||||||||||||||
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| "The need for peoples to come together to celebrate their industry, demonstrate their skills and to trade, has existed since man first organised himself into socially cohesive units." This is written on flyleaf of "Great Exhibitions" edited by John Meyer (Antique Collectors' Club, £45). Never was this sentiment been more true than in the scond half of the 19th century. In London, New York, Paris and Philadelphia, the work of skilled craftsmen was assembled. This book dips into the original catalogues and presents a magnificent volume of delight and reference. | ||||||||||||||||
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| More and more British antiques hunting is taking place in France. Dealers are seeking out different things and different accommodation. Traditional hotels are being forsaken for B&B at Chambres d'Hotes. Breakfasts are often better than usual French fare, and ideal for travellers with the added bonus of more secure overnight parking for vehicles loaded with antiques. To find Chambres d'Hotes, "AA Bed & Breakfast in France" lists over 4000 B&Bs inspected by Gites de France, with 70 per cent charging under 60 euros (?40) for double rooms. Whilst there are places in plenty, finding them is not so simple. Addresses and phone numbers are given, but maps arranged numerically by department (county), coupled with lack of directions from towns or main roads, makes finding exact locations difficult. By contrast, Alastair Sawday's "French Bed & Breakfast" offers 720 B&Bs; quality rather than quantity. Many are furnished with antiques. Each of Sawday's good value "special places to stay" has an illustrated entry with much detail and precise directions. Combined with clear regional maps, this is an idea guide for the traveller. | ||||||||||||||||
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| Over the years Petworth-based dealer Richard Gardner has acquired many antiques, "Whilst some have a known history, sadly most come with no provenance," he says. "Perhaps we should start to keep a permanent note of each item purchased, when we bought it and who from. Then hopefully, future owners will have someidea of its past."
Pursuing this theme is Richad Gardner's latest and most adventurous hard-back 128 page catalogue. It offers a selection of choice antiques from his current stock. Besides the excellent illustrations, there is a personal comment on each piece and an accompanying well-researched history. This catalogue, on a par with many reference books, is an introduction to serious collecting with the excitement of an opportunity to own the antiques illustrated. For a copy (£20) telephone 01798 343411. Richard Gardner's website maybe viewed via our Trade Index under the heading Furniture. | ||||||||||||||||
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| Serious antique hunting inevitably involves a considerable amount of travelling.
Overnight accommodation in Britain comes in many shapes and sizes, as do the many guides of where to stay. Of course, the internet provides an alternative with quick-click directory websites. However few of us use a computer in the car! Anyway, this is a book review, so here we report on some guidebooks recommended by our readers with personal experience. The "AA Hotel Guide" ( £16.99) and companion "AA Bed & Breakfast Guide" (£12.99) offer a choice of around 8,000 places to lay one's head. All establishments are inspected, graded and with clear information often offering a welcome alternative to both upmarket and budget big hotel groups' accommodation. For a more personal selection, "Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay - British Bed & Breakfast" (£14.99) providing an eclectic collection of around 700 house owners' establishments. There is a photograph of each with clear travel directions. "Bed & Breakfast Nationwide" (£1 by post. Telephone 01255 831235) has found favour with some antiques dealers. Our only experience was as no doubt untypical as it was unfortunate. We arrived after a 300 mile journey only to have a verbal agreement to accommodate our cat renaged on at the door. That experience reminded us always to confirm bookings in writing and, for anyone travelling with pets, a copy of another AA publication, "Pet Friendly Places to stay" (£9.99) could well be worth inclusion in the car glovebox! | ||||||||||||||||
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| With the possible exception of the introduction of value added tax (VAT), nothing over the past forty years has had such an impact on the antiques trade as the buyer's premium. Many sides of the story have been aired over the years, however amongst the least known is Sotheby's finance director in the 1970's, Peter Spira's view, included in his autobiography, "Ladders & Snakes". 75 year-old Peter Spira's detailed account surrounding the announcement of the buyer's premium, subsequent climax and denouement of the litigation that followed between the British Antique Dealers' Association and Christie's and Sotheby's makes essential reading for anyone who still rightly complains about the practice. Until recently out of print, copies are now available again. (£20 + p&p, telephone 020 7603 2820} | ||||||||||||||||
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| Tea features strongly in most of the antiques world disciplines, in particular furniture, ceramics and silver. And good taste, of course.
Tania Buckrell Pos, author of "Tea & Taste - The Visual Language of Tea",(Schiffer Books, USA) concludes that "Tea has come to communicate a universal language in Great Britain. So intertwined in the fabric of its culture, tea has in many ways become a symbol of the nation." This is an extremely well-researched story of tea as it relates to both the fine and decorative arts. Although most of the items illustrated are likely to be beyond the means of the average tea drinker, there is great pleasure to be derived from the 330 colour images. Many illustrate items of museum quality. The whole story is told from the myths and legends, art and philosophy of tea through accessories and equipage to its imagery in art. Wringing out the last drop of flavour from the tale of tea would be to enquire whether the 21st century stainless steel, dishwasher-safe, Scrooge-like teabag squeezer will become the antique of the future? But that might not be good taste? Author Tania Pos tells everything else, leaving the reader ready for a second cup of cheer, coming soon from this resourceful and dedicated researcher. "Tea & Taste" $35 USA email schifferbks@aol.com Europe Hardback £29.95 UK post free. | ||||||||||||||||
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| "It was hard work, but fun and it worked," says Roger Warner, in his "Memoirs of a Twentieth Century Antique Dealer" (£20, Regional Furniture Society, telephone 01751 417801). This is a personal account of dealing over half a century including the greatest buying period of British antiques we have known, 1960-1965. This book is full of prices and descriptions of purchases together with anecdotes of dealers and customers. As with every dealer's reminiscences, the text is littered with regrets at opportunities missed and things sold too soon for too little. But there are far more achievements, real excitements and great words of wisdom, not least an overiding belief that honesty, prudence and offering a fresh stock of unusual interesting things ensures success. If you only buy one book about antique dealing this year make it this one. | ||||||||||||||||
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| In 1925, in "The Making of a Connoisseur", H Mordaunt Rogers wrote, "With regard to New Hall, little need be said as the ware which emanated therefrom is of little importance". Almost 80 years later, Geoffrey Godden has every reason to disagree and eloquently states the case for current appreciation of the product of this Staffordshire factory during its working period from 1781 to the mid-1830s in the "New Hall Porcelain" (Antique Collectors Club, £65). This latest Godden standard work of reference is essential for every collector of these wares. Everything so far discovered about New Hall porcelain is to be found between the covers of this book. | ||||||||||||||||
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| Autobiographies of antiques dealers are rare - life's too busy to keep a journal - so it is a bonus that "The Unforgiving Minute" by David Sanctuary Howard (The Memoir Club, £25) is so full of topics and tales retained in his very precise memory throughout his life. He died recently aged 77. Heraldry was the constant thread running through his life. Firstly,in spare time, whilst a researcher for London silver dealer John Bourdon-Smith, he became a leading dealer in Chinese export porcelain and author of definitive works on Chinese armorial wares. As a boy, after being evacuated with his school to Nassau, he survived disappointments working for the family business but moved on without bitterness and used his knowledge to establish Heirloom and Howard, specialising in antique porcelain and heraldry in Mayfair, London in 1973. Though at times David Howard's habit of mentioning everyone he met by name can be wearying, this is outweighed by the amusing, informative and wideranging scope of his story. | ||||||||||||||||
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| In a feast of fine colour illustrations, "Louis Philipe Furniture" by Rainer Haaff (Arnoldsche Ar Publishers, £55 - ISBN 3-89790-207-9)) offers a comprehensive insight into the most widespread style in furnishings and interiors during the 19th century. For all its elegance, Louis Philippe furniture was made of inexpensive affordable wood and upholstery. In consequence, the style dominated middle-class interiors between 1850 and 1870, it is suggested as a backlash against the more austere Biedermier style that preceded it. Overall this is an invaluable volume for every French furniture collector and dealer. Of particular value is a catalogue section with more than 600 illustations documenting over 40 furniture types together with a price guide. | ||||||||||||||||
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| Researched over ten years, "Christopher Dresser - The People's Designer 1834-1904" by Harry Lyons (Antique Collectors Club, £25) provides an opportunity to reassess the work of an important 19th century designer who was decades ahead of his time. A general dealer in the Arts and Crafts, the author has handled many of the wares described and devotes a chapter to each of Dresser's disciplines. These include ceramics, furniture, textiles, wallpaper and his most famous, metalware. Some 650 illustrations will greatly assist in the identification of Dresser designs. | ||||||||||||||||
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| The new English language edition of "Directory of European Porcelain" by Ludwig Danckert (Robert Hale, £45), originally published in 1954, has been completely revised and substantially updated. Over 300 more maker's marks are amongst 5,800 included with 400 new keywords in a total of more than 3,200. | ||||||||||||||||
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| Take a catalogue illustrating products made at the Meiseen porcelain factory during the late 19th century and up to 1911, add a brief history of the factory and some photographs of pieces a specialist dealer has handled during the past 25 years and you have an inspired "Meissen Collectors' Catalogue" by Laurence Mitchell. (Antique Collectors' Club, £65). The publisher and printer have made a good job of reproducing the 80 black and white photographs from the 94 year old catalogue, however it is the 120 colour iullustrations that will thrill readers. Equally excellent is Laurence Mitchell's meticulous job of indexing. This book is an essential reference work for every collector of the factory's wares and will doubtless stimulate interest in many newcomers crossing swords with the world of Meissen for the first time. | ||||||||||||||||
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| After a career in fund management and stockbroking, Peter Temple became a full-time writer. "Superhobby Investing" (Harriman House Publishing £14.99) examines "how you can ratchet up a hobby or collecting passion into an investment option".
Antiques researched with assistance form Gail McGuffie at LAPADA, and some Lake District dealers, is claimed to be one of the most popular alternative investments. Nonetheless, the author concludes that "the antique trade can be a minefield. Auction sales are inherently unpredictable. The auction market has its share of villains and forgeries. If you venture into the antique market, do so with your eyes open. "The golden rule is to talk before you buy. Get a dealer on your side and indicate that you are considering investing a significant sum of money." There is also much advice in this book on such other diverse alternative investments as banknotes, books, classic cars, foretsry, stamps, whisky and wine. | ||||||||||||||||
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| Kay Sullivan's "Needlework Tools and Accessories" (Antique Collectors Club, £29.50) is a very personal journey of discovery of knowlege over 20 years collecting and dealing. This comprehensive history of tools and accessories used by needlewomen in Holland from 1382 onwards is profusely illustrated. The author's husband, Henny Holthuizen, provides an invaluable directory of marks on gold and silver needlework tools made within the present borders of The Netherlands. He also stimulates interest and encourages enthusiasts to persevere with a collection quoting the true meaning of the old Dutch saying: "A thread every day is a shirt sleeve in a year." | ||||||||||||||||
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| "Most collections are started purely by chance," says Gillian Neale, a dealer for over 20 years. She knows from personal experience having inherited a blue and white bowl from her grandmother from which interest and knowledge grew, culminating in her definitive book, "Collecting Blue and White Pottery", (Mitchell Beazley, £19.99).
History, descriptions, prices and advice are all bound together with over 350 items illustraed in this bible of blue and white wares. British Antique Dealers' Association member Gillian Neale gives encouragement and invaluable information on the subejct in which she deals and loves. | ||||||||||||||||
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| "Understanding Jewellery" by David Bennet and Daniela Masceti (Antiques Collectors' Club, £45) contains almost everything you need to know about the subject, except its value. In its pages one can chronologically follow fashion and craftsmanship through the centuries. It is a well researched and prsented guide for both collectors and dealers. This edition of the book, first published 15 years ago, is updated to the end of the 20th century. However, as its authors say on the final page, "little changed in the 1990s". Antique Collectors Club also publishes a beginner's guide, "Starting to Collect Antiques Jewellery" (£12.50) | ||||||||||||||||
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| "The ten hectic years that followed the First World War saw Britain reassess its character and London redefine its role as the nation's capital," says Museum of London director Professor Jack Loham in the foreward to "Twenties London" by Cathy Ross, (Philip Wilson Publishers Ltd., ?14.95), the book of the exhibition that inaugurates the new Linbury Gallery.
Collectors and dealers will gain an added understanding of this era that saw the first entirely British aluminum egg slicer and the age of synocpated civilisation. The influences and outcome of the 1920s are well covered in 160 pages of text and illustrations. Initially the pictures speak louder than the words. Nonetheless the author's considerable research throughout the book forms an exciting narrative that captures the magic of the decade. The British Empire Exhibition at Wembley in 1924 saw the Commonwealth on parade. The Caledonian Market every Friday was portrayed on a tramways poster by a Britannia-like antiques dealer surrounded by secondhand goods from around the world to remind us of the collectables the period generated. From fashion to ceramics, furniture to art, the roaring 20s roll out of the pages, an ideal appetiser for those who make it to the Museum of London's "1920s: the decade that changed London" exhibition that continues until 18 July 2004. (Details: www.museumoflondon.org.uk) | ||||||||||||||||
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| Before 1945, the scale of houses was seen in direct proportion to importance and power. Now, small houses are no longer synonymous with cheap houses or lack of privilege. Instead, they symbolize a range of culturally coded values; compactness, efficiency, discrimination, discreetness, minimalism. This theme is reviewed in exemplary fashion by Nicholas Pople in "Small Houses" (Laurence King Publishing, £35). As small antiques are an obvious asset in a small house, this book with over 400 superb illustrations and plans offers dealer and interior decorators a wealth of ideas and opportunities. | ||||||||||||||||
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| Anyone with a serious interest in the subject must acquire the reissued, "Automata - The Golden Age 1848 - 1914" by Christian Bailly (Robert Hale, £100). First published sixteen years ago, this magnificent book has been out of print for many years. Now it is back to delight and educate the increasing audience for whom automata is as much a passion as those these fantastic French creations amused a century ago. As the author says, "The automaton, neither purely toy nor objet d'art but partaking of the qualities of both, embodies in a wonderfully immediate fashion the artistic and cultural atmosphere of its time. "Through its gestures and attitudes, the 19th century comes almost literally alive." Over 150 automata are illustrated in colour, biographies of makers and pages in facsimile from their catalogues offer a complete history of the period. | ||||||||||||||||
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