I’m not much of a fan of bar brooches, if I’m honest. But I know that those once-reviled Victorian silver bar brooches engraved with names have become popular once again, driven by the recent revival of girl’s names from that period. Still, not for me. At all. However, one bar brooch kept gently waving at […]
To use common parlance among the kids, “Oooh, sick!” It’s a penis bone! Quite literally, and it always catches eyes gazing over the cabinet of curiosities that is my desk. It makes muggles smile when they want a tour of my office – antiques aren’t dry, dusty and boring at all. ‘Oosik’ is the word […]
A few weeks ago, I was helping a dear friend go through some ephemera he had collected into a folio over the years. As a thank you, he kindly gave me two small mounted Victorian prints that I had rather taken a shine to. He knows I’m a fan of antique prints – an undisputed […]
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.