I’ve just returned from the first Masterpiece fair, housed in a purpose-built temporary building at the old Chelsea Barracks site in London. And what a super experience. Somewhat replacing the now defunct Grosvenor House fair, Masterpiece showcases the very best in art and antiques from top dealers across the world. As well as being rather […]
Talking to members of our lovely audience after Judith and my talk and valuation evening with the Torbay Bookshop, one couple told me about a treasure of theirs called the KlokHeta. Having had to admit that I had never heard of it, I asked if they could send me a photograph. And I’m so glad […]
This evening Judith and I became veritable seaside artistes with an ‘Evening of Antiques’ at The Palace Theatre in Paignton. The event was organised by one of the UK’s leading and most successful independent book stores, The Torbay Bookshop, in association with Miller’s. We were hosted by the booksellers, the innovative and progressive Matthew & […]
After speeding back from the Lincoln Homes & Antiques Fair last night, and cleaning my two exciting purchases, I packed up my suitcase ready for a bit of an ‘antiques roadtrip’ with Judith Miller. First up on the agenda was the next Antiques Roadshow at the picturesque National History Museum in St Fagans, near Cardiff […]
I first went to the wonderful Lincoln Homes & Antiques Fair last year when Kathryn and I were filming Cracking Antiques for the BBC. I was so taken with it, and the enormous variety on offer, that our runner Simon had quite a task keeping me under control! Although I loved shopping with the Barkers […]
I’ve just got back from my second Antiques Roadshow of the season, at Beverley Minster in the East Riding of Yorkshire. I’ve never attended a Roadshow in a church before, and what a stunning first time it was – the Minster is truly breathtaking. Only if I had time to enjoy it properly though, as […]
I’ve just got back from Grand Designs Live at the Excel centre, where I was signing Cracking Antiques books with Kathryn this afternoon. Kathryn had given a seminar on incorporating retro furniture in interior design, together with eco-designer Oliver Heath and Wayne Hemingway, the design connoisseur and founder of ‘Red Or Dead’. We were also […]
Although I’m usually associated with 20thC design and collectables, I’m an enormous fan of prints, from engravings to etchings and aquatints. I’ve collected them since I was at school, when I used to spend money earnt from my paper round at local antiques fairs and shops. Naturally, at that level, I couldn’t afford anything valuable […]
The World Heritage Site of Saltaire, founded in 1853 by Titus Salt largely for the benefit of his workers but also his business, provided the perfect backdrop to yesterday’s Antiques Roadshow. Despite the predicted rain, the good folk of Saltaire turned in force, and the queue was already stretching around the block when I arrived […]
I’ve just got back from attending the four day Antiques For Everyone fair at the NEC in Birmingham with Judith Miller. And what a wonderful – and incredibly busy – four days we had! Hundreds of people stopped by to say hello and chat to Judith and I – and queue for signed books. We […]
Cracking Antiques is on a myth-busting mission to prove that people can add style and glamour to any type of home by investing in second-hand, vintage and antique furnishings – without breaking the bank. The prime-time series, which aired on BBC Two from 7th April to 12th May 2010, is presented by interior designer Kathryn Rayward […]
I love a good fair, especially those run by Specialist Glass Fairs. The dynamic duo behind the rapidly expanding portfolio are delighted to announce an all-new fair to be held at Dulwich College in South London on Sunday 28th March. To be held in the beautiful and aptly Modernist style Christison Hall from 10.30am until […]