And [...]]]> It’s that time of year again; as it is with the crocus and the primrose, the West Wales Antiques Guide reminds us it is spring…

And this year I InDesign-ed it myself; well done me!

Wales Antiques Guide 2010

The WALES ANTIQUES GUIDE is published annually each spring and distributed across Mid and West Wales and beyond. We have been publishing the Guide since 1987 – twenty-three sucessful years! If you are interested in finding out more about the Wales Antiques Guide contact Paul Williams on 01239 615866 or 07790438157 or by email at paul_williams@btinternet.com. Prepared and designed by Paul Williams with the help of Norman Williams and John Higginbottom.

Colours out of a tin [...]]]> Another carpet; this time a real clunky, hairy one. Various opinions to its origin and its age; and none particularly flattering.

Colours out of a tin I suspect and an in-elegant but ‘not folky enough’ design to get the carpet heads interested.

It looks fine on the floor though; I like it.

Measuring a useful 4′6″ by 3′3″, it has the look of the Turk about it but I’m guessing it’s going to turnout to be “off piste”, maybe Indian.

I’m looking forward to your comments, David!

*How wrong can you be? See David Gardiner’s reply to get the true story of this Persian Carpet.

[Show as slideshow]

 

January has been a bit of [...]]]> Anyone following my blog will have noticed a drop-off in posts and I think a drop-off in quality.

January has been a bit of a drag really, travel and schooling disrupted and so on, a lot of new projects to nurture, not least the 2010 – 2011 Wales Antiques Guide.

As well, I have been clearing out a lot of bits and pieces and selling some of them quite well in Steve Furness’s Newcastle Emlyn Antiques Centre. My stall, Number 23, is bursting mainly with things ‘Mid Century Modern‘ (20th century, that is). I hope to post more about this later and perhaps introduce you to the G Plan revolution!

For today I thought I’d post a recent find. Unremarkable in design (it’s pretty much a Chinese Ginger Jar shape), and decoration (silver lustre, nothing new there). It’s the monogram that matters. The painted mark of Louise Powell (ne Lessore, 1882-1956) is rather rare to find (or rather, rare to find in these parts!). Damaged as you can see and repaired, old style, with staples, presumably not long after it was bought in the 1920’s or 30’s.

It is a trifle compared with the Arts and Crafts work she produced with her husband Alfred Powell, but interesting nonetheless. Not a keeper but one to remember.

If you want to know more about Wedgwood in the 20th Century here are two superbly researched and illustrated books.

Wedgwood Ceramics 1846-1959. A New Appraisal. Most Lavishly Illustrated, With Some Colour-Plates

Ravilious and Wedgwood: The Complete Wedgwood Designs of Eric Ravilious

The Peter Francis monthly catalogue sale is a must for eager dealers especially those looking for sleepers. Experienced dealers read sale catalogues like gardeners [...]]]>

The Peter Francis monthly catalogue sale is a must for eager dealers especially those looking for sleepers. Experienced dealers read sale catalogues like gardeners read seed catalogues. The crucial difference for potential buyers is that bidders from around the world on the interest and on the phone are crowding into the room as well.

I snapped this scene while Nigel Hodson was selling an eighteenth century silver silver by celebrated Boston silversmith Nathaniel Hurd. Estimated somewhat overcautiously at 1000 – 1500 pounds this was the moment when the hammer fell at 19500 + premium.