The lacquered objects and screens brought back to Europe by the East India Company in the late 17th century created a demand for larger, more practical objects which shared the same colourful and highly decorative surfaces of…
Antique walnut furniture
“Queen Anne period English furniture epitomises the highest pinnacle of sophistication and good taste”. I heard this time and time again from many long time friends, collectors and dealers in antiques.Furniture of this period was…
Fake or genuine?
Since my early days of dealing – which go back over 60 years – I have witnessed some incredibly talented fakers at work using what used to be called ‘breakers’. For example: large Victorian wardrobes…
How to successfully buy antiques for sale on the internet
The main dilemma facing the internet buyer is one of trust and confidence. Here are some tips: 1. The antique shop should be long established, and the best ones are usually family run businesses. 2.…
The evolution of the antique dealer/collector
It is interesting to speculate as to how antique dealers and collectors evolve. Most do so through a long family tradition of being encouraged at an early age to appreciate beautiful things. As a guest…
Some useful tips on how to establish the authenticity of Georgian multiple pedestal dining tables
Some useful tips on how to establish the authenticity of Georgian multiple pedestal dining tables. These observations are included thanks largely to conversations had back in the 1950’s with old established dealers who often started…
Do not allow your taste and good sense to be hi-jacked by any one
There are many large vested interests doing their best to dictate what constitutes good taste and sophistication in 2018. These powerful groups are determined to control the direction of the antiques market, trying to attract…
Antique Cabinets
Antique cabinets refer to furniture containing a door or doors. They often have drawers, shelves and compartments. Cabinets can be partially glazed. Cabinet makers initially were provincial estate carpenters working mainly in oak and walnut. In…
Antique Tables
Antique tables as we know them evolved gradually after the appearance of the refectory table in the early medieval period. The word ‘table’ is derived from the Latin ‘tabula’. Later in medieval English the table…
A brief introduction to inlaid furniture (marquetry work).
Hardstone inlays : ‘Marquetrie’ work was rare in England until the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, 1533-1603, but had been practised in Italy in the 16th century when hardstone inlays were highly fashionable. This technique…
