Could my flea market art find be worth thousands? Over the past few years, it’s struck me that there’s an increasingly huge number of fakes in Modern British art out there in the wild. And, yes, I use that word intentionally – fakes. Because that’s exactly what they are, as they are intended to deceive. […]
Although novelty animal figurines can be desirable and even valuable, the vast majority are of relatively low value, commonly found, and can be hard to sell even though favourites such as dogs have a legion of fans. But never dismiss them out of hand – always look closer. This strange old bird holds a great […]
Mark Hill examines a 1970s abstract painting by an as yet unknown Iranian or Persian woman artist.
Antiques expert Mark Hill looks at a battered antique 1920s Steiff teddy bear bought in Berlin. Worn by love but still full of character, think about the stories he holeds within him.
Antiques expert Mark Hill looks at the history of Sekonda vintage watches, revealing a surprising origin.
Antiques expert Mark Hill finds a rare etching of a Georgian print collector and dealer called Nathaniel Hillier and discovers a story involving staining prints with strong coffee.
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 curious, sculptural wooden hand carved during the Victorian period in Malawi, Africa.
Antiques expert Mark Hill examines a rare 19th century German or Bohemian enamelled glass painter’s advertising or promotional goblet.
In 2013, I wrote a blog post on the origins of iridescent glass. Despite credit usually going to the hugely successful Art Nouveau iridescent glass produced by Tiffany and Loetz from the 1890s onwards, the origins of iridescent glass actually date back to 1856 and a Hungarian chemist and technician called Leo Valentin Pantocek. You […]
You’ll no doubt know that I’m a more of 20th century boy in terms of my personal collecting habits. My tastes are much broader, however, but even I was a little surprised when I bought the piece below from my friends the top French and Bohemian art glass dealers M&D Moir at the always-amazing Battersea […]