The history of the Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company begins with Andrew Planche, a Huguenot refugee from Saxony, in 1750. Fleeing religious persecution, Planche relocated to England, bringing with him his extensive knowledge of porcelain production. In Derby, he established a porcelain factory, manufacturing high-quality pieces inspired by the aesthetics […]
Founded in 1761, Fry’s Chocolate represents more than just a brand of confectionery – it’s a time capsule of a bygone era. However, if there’s one aspect that stands as an enduring testament to Fry’s rich history, it’s the brand’s collection of enamel advertising signs. We take a look at […]
In the bustling world of 18th century Britain, creativity and originality were paramount not just in the arts, but also in the advertisement game. Enter the Mansion House Dwarfs, an exceptional advertising phenomenon that emerged in 1784 from Derby, offering a whimsical and memorable approach to publicizing various events and […]
Following our feature on the Dunhill Aquarium Lighters we take a look at the specific avian examples of these fabulous designs with a Dunhill Aviary Lighters information and price guide. As the name ‘Aviary’ suggests, these designs focused on birds, akin to the fish featured in the ‘Aquarium’ series. They […]
The Whimsical Magic of Michael Graves’ Mickey Mouse Gourmet Collection – In 1993, renowned American architect and designer Michael Graves breathed life into the Disney’s beloved character Mickey Mouse, reshaping him into an iconic symbol of both whimsy and gourmet sophistication. Famed for his multi-faceted design talents, Graves was no […]
Collecting Morph A look at Morph Collectables – With the the amazing Morph’s Epic Art Adventure, featuring 56 super-sized sculptures of everyone’s favourite plasticine figure, we thought it would be of interest to look at some of the other Morph collectables and memorabilia that has been available over the years. […]
The year was 1969, a monumental year when the world witnessed the first man setting foot on the moon. This era, defined by technological advances and limitless possibilities, inspired artists to venture into the unknown, in the realms of imagination and creativity. One such artist was Susan William-Ellis, renowned for […]
Once upon a time in the realm of children’s television, an odd yet endearing show charmed its way into the hearts of young viewers across Britain. A true testament to the power of imagination and storytelling, the iconic series, ‘The Clangers,’ took viewers on surreal cosmic adventures that remain a […]
Morph’s Epic Art Adventure and Auction – In the bustling city of London, an extraordinary art expedition is about to take over the streets, promising a fantastic, inclusive experience for all. Morph’s Epic Art Adventure in London, the UK’s first step-free art trail, is set to be the highlight of […]
Beneath the world’s oceans lie sunken vessels carrying stories of a bygone era, their holds bursting with a rich trove of material culture. These shipwrecks, silent witnesses to the vibrant ebb and flow of historical maritime trade, hold cargoes that speak volumes about our ancestors’ craftsmanship, taste, and their far-reaching […]
