Welcome to the WCN Collecting Articles and Features Channel dedicated to all things related to collecting, antiques, pottery, vintage toys, dolls, teddy bears, memorabilia, books, comics, figurines and everything else collectable. Our aim is to provide collectors with information on all aspects of antiques and collecting, from identifying and valuing antiques, to tips on starting and growing a collection, and to featured collectible histories.
We feature hundreds of articles and features on all aspects of collecting, written by experts in the field. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, we hope you’ll find something of interest here. Thanks for reading! You can also search for articles using the magnifying glass to the top right of the web site.
Carlton Ware, a name synonymous with vibrant ceramic artistry and exceptional craftsmanship, originated in the heart of the British pottery industry, Stoke-on-Trent. The company was established in 1890 at the Carlton Works through a partnership between James Frederick Wiltshaw and the Robinson brothers, J.A. and H.T. Robinson. Initially trading as […]
Thimble production in 19th-century France was marked by exceptional artistry and variety, encompassing gold, silver, and the famed Palais Royal mother-of-pearl types. These thimbles were not just functional tools but also decorative items, showcasing the sophistication of French craftsmanship. We include a brief overview of French 19th-Century Thimbles, along with […]
Among the most desirable treasures for collectors of sewing accessories are Palais Royal thimbles, exquisite examples of 19th-century French craftsmanship. Typically made from delicate mother-of-pearl, these thimbles originated from the prestigious workshops near the Palais Royal in Paris, an area synonymous with luxury and refinement. Originally built in 1629 for […]
W. H. Goss, or William Henry Goss, is a name synonymous with one of the most recognizable and collectible forms of British pottery: crested china. Known for producing miniature porcelain souvenirs adorned with coats of arms and town crests, the Goss brand rose to prominence during the late 19th and […]
Stig Lindberg (1916-1982) was one of Sweden’s most celebrated designers, known for his contributions to ceramics, textiles, and industrial design. Working for the Gustavsberg porcelain factory for much of his career, Lindberg became a versatile artist whose playful and imaginative designs left a lasting impression on Scandinavian design. In this […]
Argy-Rousseau’s Moth Paperweights are among the most enchanting examples of 20th-century French glass. Gabriel Argy‑Rousseau turned fragile moths into glowing jewels of pâte de verre. His moth paperweights reveal both technical genius and a love of natural forms. Collectors still prize them for their rich colour, texture, and sense of […]
In the early 1960s, after completing her studies at art school in Aberdeen, Sheena MacLeod embarked on a journey to create a unique collection of dolls that would capture the essence of traditional Scottish life. With a deep passion for her heritage, MacLeod chose to depict the lives of 19th-century […]
Amphora Pottery, originally known as Riessner, Stellmacher & Kessel (R.S.K.), was founded in 1892 by Alfred Stellmacher in Turn-Teplitz, Bohemia. This renowned ceramic manufacturer made significant contributions to the Art Nouveau movement, gaining international acclaim for its exquisite earthenware vases and other decorative pieces. The factory’s history is intertwined with […]
The Beswick Characters of David Hand’s Animaland were all modelled by Arthur Gredington and were based on David Hand’s Animaland characters. There were eight figures in the collection and were produced by Beswick from 1949 to 1955. The figures were: Dinkum Platypus, Zimmy the Lion, Felia, Ginger Nutt & Hazel […]
The Memphis Milano design movement, which emerged in the early 1980s, is renowned for its bold, eclectic aesthetic that defied the norms of functional design and embraced a playful, postmodern approach. Founded in Milan in 1981 by Ettore Sottsass and a collective of young designers, the Memphis Group sought to […]
