information about Imports, Exports and total population of the Empire are included. The hunt for unique objects is endless even addictive. The more we look, the more we learn about period design and function. Furnishing domestic interiors is the most common starting point. With our home in mind, typically a ‘must-have’ shopping list gradually emerges. The process usually begins when we decide what antiques would suit our homes. The list is endless: collectible lamps, carpets, crockery, mirrors, furniture and even wallpapers. Every item reflects the period in which it was made. Late 19th century Arts and Crafts designs embody a craftsman-like use of materials. Ever popular, they continue to enjoy wide appeal. A few examples pictured here would suit most homes. Mirrors are both decorative and practical. Seen here is an elegant large mirror C1905, decorated with stylised heart shaped foliage. It can be hung either in a landscape or portrait position. And good lighting is essential. This classic Arts and Crafts dome top lantern in heavy gauge brass C1910, is a stunning example of the perfect hall fixture. Look for examples of original Arts and Crafts furnishings at ‘Art Furniture’, dealers in arts and crafts. ‘Art Furniture’ is well-established and an excellent source for acquiring original period furnishings. https://www.artfurniture.co.uk/. www.antiques-atlas.com Collectors may be also attracted to a wide variety of early 20th century crockery. Cobalt blue designs on plates and sets of dishes are widely available in fairs and online. Costing from pennies to pounds, these dishes can be found where you least expect. Check out your local charity shops, online sites like Ebay or individual dealers. They are highly suited as display pieces in your kitchen, hung on walls, and can be collected in multiples for serving your meals (plates pictured here). Especially fascinating are the variety of platters and serving dishes. Buy a diverse array of them. Mix and match collections are definitely ‘in’.
Tiffany table lamp
Cobalt blue designs on plates.
Classic Arts and Crafts dome top lantern in heavy gauge brass C1910.
Expand your collecting interests to appreciate important historical designers. An outstanding example are the famous Tiffany stained glass lamps and windows featured in museum collections and found in online auctions. Reproductions of Tiffany lamps are available at affordable prices and really do spruce up an interior. Do not forget period wallpapers. One of the most enduring series of historic wallpaper designs is the William Morris collection. Hand-blocked or machine made, they help to set the scene in most interiors. You might even consider researching textiles and tiles with Morris patterns. The marketplace is bursting with all manner of Morris memorabilia - tablecloths, oven napkins - the list is endless. Pictured here is the beautiful and popular Morris pattern, Honeysuckle from 1883. It is as fresh today as it was over 100 years ago. Your initial collecting habits may have begun with holiday souvenirs like a fabulous scarf from your trip to India or a special piece of jewellery from the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. These spur-of-the-moment purchases are enduring reminders of leisurely trips abroad. But more serious knowledge is required as you add to your ‘cabinet of curiosities’. As the years pass, your ‘cabinet’
The beautiful and popular Morris pattern, Honeysuckle from 1883.
will contain more than a collection. It will house your own unique taste and reflect your lifestyle. It can be summed up in the following words: ‘...have no regrets about what you have bought but plenty of regrets about what you didn’t buy’. Make decisions based on what you truly fall in love with.
Elegant large mirror C1905, decorated with stylised heart shaped foliage.
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AMERICAN IN BRITAIN
Images courtesy of Abby Cronin & www.artfurniture.co.uk Tiffany Table lamp Courtesy Wikimedia Commons Get in Touch: Contact: Abby Cronin Email: artsjournalist@abbycronin.co.uk Website: abbycronin.co.uk
