There are some things in my collection that I don’t really know about. In fact, it’s these things I’m drawn to – and buy – the most. The world has enough experts and dealers in Royal Worcester, Meissen, and such things that have been heavily researched for decades, even centuries. If it’s highly unusual and […]
The world hasn’t really been very kind to paperweights lately. We’ve used heavy objects to hold down papers on our desks since the dawn of paper in China in around 105AD. All manner of stone, wood and other weighty materials were used, but it wasn’t until the 1840s that the decorative glass paperweight as we […]
What goes on in my head when deciding to buy or not to buy… There’s so much scope with small sculptures. In my experience, unless a sculpture looks something like a Henry Moore, is clearly Art Deco, or looks like some fine 18thC Classical marble, it’s often ignored. Most people focus on ‘flat art’ for […]
I adore costume jewellery pins, and I do love a good crown pin. Forget the precious metal and gemstone ones, especially with gold being at the heights that it is now. Costume jewellery designs are just as eye-catching, and the story behind them can be a ‘crowning glory’. There’s one pin in particular that always […]
I don’t usually buy blue and white transfer-printed pottery. If I did, I guess it would be to use. And that’s what it was made for – solid, workaday dinner and tea wares for ordinary homes, inspired by the ever-present fashion for Chinese blue and white porcelains. Just much less expensive, and much more resilient. […]
Mark Hill examines a newly rediscovered 1930s Modern British painting by studio potter and artist William Staite Murray.
Antiques and modern design expert Mark Hill examines the incredible life and work of artist and sculptor Ron Hitchins.
Antiques expert Mark Hill examines a ceramic vase by Edge Malkin, which is not as modern as it may appear.
Antiques & modern design expert Mark Hill looks at the life and work of studio glassmaker William Warehall.
Last month, I was lucky enough to be asked to be the special guest at the biannual SylvaC collectors’ event in Peterborough. After a thoroughly fascinating day with friendly, warm and dedicated collectors, I was presented with a thank you gift of a piece of SylvaC for my collection – how incredibly kind! I had […]
I love finding a piece with its original label or sticker still attached, as it can yield a lot of useful information, especially if the piece is otherwise unmarked. Most labels were washed off, or otherwise removed, by the original owner when they got home, so survivors are scarce. Obviously, the first indication a label […]
The third Bruton Decorative Antiques Fair will be held from the 19th to 21st October 2018, near the beautiful and deeply trendy Somerset town of Bruton. I’ve been attending since it began in 2016, having been a fan of its big sister, the Bath Decorative Antiques Fair, which was first held in 1989! At the […]