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.
In the annals of decorative arts history, few names shine as brightly as that of Amalric Walter, a French glass artist whose pioneering work in the pâte de verre technique redefined the boundaries of glass art in the early 20th century. Born in 1870 in the picturesque town of Sèvres, […]
The collaboration between Disney and Lilliput Lane has produced an enchanting series of miniature sculptures, combining the meticulous craftsmanship of Lilliput Lane’s British cottages with the magical allure of Disney’s theme parks and attractions. This collection, rich in detail and nostalgia, has been a significant part of the Disney collectibles […]
The two day Lilliput Lane and Border Fine Arts Collectors Fair 2000 took place on the 17th and 18th June, the two hottest days of the year so far in the UK. Jane Hall, Marketing Director estimated that about 7,000 collectors visited the fair, which took place at Syon Park […]
In the picturesque landscape of the Lake District in northern England, a remarkable journey began in September 1982. Sculptor David Tate founded Lilliput Lane in Skirsgill, Penrith, with a vision that was both ambitious and deeply rooted in a love for Britain’s architectural heritage. Armed with seven employees and a […]
The Royal Doulton Character Jugs from Williamsburg stand as a vivid testament to the artistry and historical reverence of the Royal Doulton brand. Introduced in 1963, these jugs soon became a popular collectible, intertwining the rich tapestry of colonial American life with the renowned craftsmanship of Royal Doulton. This origina […]
The Smurfs, a band of endearing blue characters originating from the imagination of Belgian cartoonist Pierre Culliford, better known as Peyo, have woven themselves into the fabric of global pop culture since their debut in 1958. Initially introduced in the comic series “Johan and Pirlouit,” the Smurfs quickly captivated audiences […]
The Hagenauer Workshop, founded in Vienna in 1898 by Carl Hagenauer (1872-1928), marked a pivotal shift in the world of sculpture and decorative arts. Moving away from the intricate and naturalistic details prevalent in 19th-century art, Carl Hagenauer introduced a radical, simplified, and often streamlined aesthetic that would come to […]
The Mego Corporation, established in the early 1950s by David Abrams, etched its name into the annals of toy history as a dominator of the action figure market throughout the 1970s. Initially known for producing dime store toys, the company’s trajectory shifted dramatically under Martin Abrams, David’s son, who took […]
Since debuting their inaugural collection of 18 Christmas ornaments in 1973, Hallmark has woven itself into the fabric of American holiday traditions. In 2023, the iconic company proudly commemorated its 50th Anniversary, marking a half-century of spreading joy and nostalgia through their beloved Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. Ornaments are now made […]
Founded in 1980 by Bernard and Isobel Pearson, Clarecraft emerged as a beacon of fantasy craftsmanship, captivating enthusiasts with its intricately crafted figurines and collectibles. However, it was in 1990 that Clarecraft embarked on a legendary journey, securing the rights to produce figurines based on Terry Pratchett’s beloved Discworld series. […]
