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 […]
Original pieces of William de Morgan’s work are out of the price range for the majority of us, but we thought we would show a few pieces and price guide, just in case any of our readers win the lottery. For a brief introduction to William de Morgan click here. […]
Classed as one of the most important pioneers of the Arts & Crafts movement, William De Morgan was a prolific potter, inventor, novelist and designer.
1961 was the best of times. JFK and Jackie were in the White House, NASA was in space, Elvis was back from the Army, and Marx Disneykins were introduced on toyshop shelves throughout the Western world. Made of injection molded hard plastic and hand-painted by artists in British Hong Kong, […]
Collecting for me is about amassing items that give you pleasure. Now that may well be a collection of stamps, ceramic ornaments or even toy cars but whatever you choose they are items that either bring back nostalgic memories or you simply purchase them because you love them. For me […]
