I first fell in love with USSR porcelain in the late 1960s – 1969, to be precise – when I purchased a small figurine of a badger. I loved it because it was so smooth, so tactile and was so different from the fussy, whimsical ornaments that were around at […]
“IT IS AN AMERICAN DREAM. IT IS AN ALLEGORY. AND IT HAS BECOME AN ANTHEM.” – Don McLean On April 7, Christie’s New York will auction the original manuscript and notes to Don McLean’s “American Pie,” sold by the singer-songwriter. Arguably the most iconic and recognizable American song of the […]
When it comes to design innovation, in my opinion the Italians have always gotten it right. Now this may be a piece of hand blown glass created on the Island of Murano, or a fashion garment that resembles a work of art rather than an everyday outfit. However, for me, […]
Throughout the horrors of the First World War, artist Bruce Bairnsfather managed to raise smiles with his drawings of life in the trenches. But who was he?
The distinctive designs of Elsa Schiaparelli can only be described as outrageous and ironic, and yet these innovative creations infused the romance of art together with the spirit of surrealism. With the ability to make fun, yet sophisticated, garments, worn by the likes of Mrs Wallis Simpson, The Duchess of […]
Do you remember Cassy? Cassy was an innovative little doll who became popular in the early 1990s, manufactured by the Hornby company. A few years before, Hornby had enjoyed a huge success with their Flower Fairies – dainty dolls who inhabited their own small world – and obviously, they hoped […]
An exceedingly rare and important cobalt-decorated stoneware presentation harvest jug with applied faces is one of the highlights at Crocker Farm’s forthcoming March American Stoneware and Redware auction. Pictured: Exceedingly Rare and Important Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Presentation Harvest Jug with Applied Faces, Incised “R.G. Simkin,” attributed to Henry Harrison or Richard […]
1996 saw the centenary of the death of William Morris. William Morris has increasingly become a household name and as the father-figure of the Arts and Crafts movement has had a great impact on 20th century design. He was the first to champion such art and craft principles as “truth […]
Unique Auctions Book auction on the 11th February includes nearly 200 lots of books and maps including an excellent collection of Rupert the Bear books and annuals dating from the late 1940s to the present. The collection includes reading copies as well and fine examples of some of the earlier and […]
Snowstorms, snow globes, snow shakers, snow domes, whatever you like to call them, are one of those collectables on which you can spend pounds or pence – the choice is yours. At the top end of the scale, you could pay a small fortune for an antique snowstorm, but an […]
