The Hoard Limited (scottishantiques.com )

ALL HEALTH TO THE, OLD APPLE TREE !

A look at the seasonal staple of wassailing, traditional pursuit of Twelfth Night and a sure sign that the festive season is at an end...

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY TWELVE - LEAPING LORDS !

fierljeppen, leaping lords, twelve, days, twelve days, christmas, pole-vaulting, canals, hurdles

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY ELEVEN - DANCING GIRLS !

Eric regales us with tales of ancient debauchery and how such lewd goings-on inspired one of the truly great glass artists to create some of his most memorable pieces...

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - TEN - PIPERS PIPING

Eric's getting all musical today, with his tenth offering, referencing Phil Drabble, exquisitely-engraved Georgian glassware and an enduring Christmas Cacophony....

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY NINE - DRUMMERS DRUMMING

eric, knowles, christmas, sale, drummers, drumming, meissen, porcelain, figurine, fipple

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY EIGHT - MAIDS-A-MILKING

Further reflections by Mr Knowles on a gentler, more pastoral way of life, encapsulated by ceramicists in the late 1700's...

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY SEVEN - SWANS

Eric tracks down the original source of images used on Worcester porcelain, and muses on the fate of some of the UK's wildlife...

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY SIX - GEESE

Eric does love a good goose, and what finer day to take a look at the spiteful, hissing things than this - the Sixth Day of Christmas...

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY FIVE - GOLD RINGS

Eric's fifth excursion in to the realms of Christmas's Twelve Days sets him on a collision course with an astrophysicist and has him waxing lyrical about some new colleagues...

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY FOUR - CALLING BIRDS

Eric Knowles heads to the north-east of England to uncover the meaning behind the 'calling birds' which are mistakenly taken as being the standard 'motif' for the Fourth Day of Christmas...

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY THREE - FRENCH HENS

Eric strides purposefully on to Day Three of our Twelve Days of Christmas countdown...

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY TWO - TURTLE DOVES

Eric moves on to day two of the Twelve Days of Christmas, invites you to take advantage of our ongoing sale and touches on a story which has everything...

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - DAY ONE - PARTRIDGES AND PEAR TREES

Eric Knowles takes a look at items which relate to the Partridge and the Pear Tree on Day One of the Twelve Days of Christmas - and don't forget our sale !

ERIC KNOWLES WAXES LYRICAL ABOUT TREES AND LEAVES

Some thoughts on the use of glass to invoke the colours, shadows and shifting light of autumn

A RIGHT ROYAL KNEES-UP AND NO MISTAKE

A look at how commemorative artefacts have been made for Royal occasions since the latter part of the 17th century

MILKMAIDS & PLOUGHMEN – AN EVERYDAY TALE OF GEORGIAN INDISCRETION (AND PORCELAIN, AND GLASS)

A Worcester First Period Porcelain Milkmaids And Mayday Mug c1762

TUNBRIDGE WARE - MADE AND SOLD ON THE PANTILES ONCE AGAIN

The Hoard are pleased and very proud to be producing and selling bespoke Tunbridge Ware on The Pantiles, reintroducing this wonderful craft to its spiritual home

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RENÉ, HAPPY BIRTHDAY RENÉ, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR RENÉ….

Eric Knowles waxes lyrical about his favourite designer, as an excuse to crack open the bubbly….

LOCAL ANTIQUES FOR LOCAL PEOPLE - SUSSEX PIGS AND MORE...

Mr Knowles steps out to the far-flung extremities of Sussex, following his nose in hunt of pigs...

THUMBING THROUGH THE PAGES OF THE ANTIQUARIANS’ THESAURUS

An explanation of some of the Antiquarian's 'secret language' (only some of it, mind - sssshhhh...!)

A SPRING IN THE STEP, AND A SPARKLE IN THE EYE...

Eric muses on the first signs of spring, and how the season has been an inspiration for the art-glass masters he so admires...

ERIC KNOWLES AND THE NAKED DANCING GIRLS - WHATEVER NEXT !

Eric and his new colleagues share their thoughts as to why Art Deco material - bronzes, art glass and even furniture - are so universally appealing...

A PROPERLY BLUSTERY DAY - POOH AND PIGLET WOULD HAVE APPROVED !

The Pantiles Arcade will be showcasing some very fine wooden artefacts - Art Deco furniture - contemporary pieces - traditional and modern Tunbridge Ware

WELCOME TO THE PANTILES ARCADE - HICKMET FINE ARTS

Another very welcome new addition to The Pantiles Arcade - Mr David Hickmet - renowned specialist in Art Deco bronzes and art glass.

ART DECO MAKING A SPLASH AT THE CORN EXCHANGE - NEW PARTNERS AND NEW EVENTS !

ERIC KNOWLES TAKES HIS PLACE ON THE FILMSET OF A NAPOLEONIC DRAMA (SORT OF)

ERIC KNOWLES TAKES HIS PLACE ON THE FILMSET OF A NAPOLEONIC DRAMA

SIMPLER TIMES WHEN PARTIES WERE VERY DEFINITELY PARTIES (YOU COULD TELL BY THE FROG PIE...)

Eric Knowles turns his hand to matters of how to be a good host, and of biting political satire

A WINTER WONDERLAND IN GLASS AND PRECIOUS METALS

Eric Knowles muses on how artworks by some of the great craftsmen are able to evoke memories of a chilly childhood

A FESTIVE TREASURE HUNT WITH FORK AND SPOON

Eric Knowles takes a look at the tradition of coins being baked into Christmas pudding and cakes from his armchair in the Pantiles Arcade Tunbridge Wells. It transpires that a Roman coin bearing the image of the Emperor Hadrian has made it's way onto his

EBENEZER SCROOGE’S GUIDE TO THE FELICITOUS PROVISION OF CHRISTMAS SPIRITS

Avoid the social faux pas which is dispensing inaccurate portions of your favourite tipple over the Festive Season with the aid of 150 year old spirit measures

FLIGHTS OF FANCY AND FLIGHTLESS BIRDS – A GERMAN JUXTAPOSITION

WMF Silver Plate Secessionist Cigar Box, Württembergische MetallwarenFabrik AG

A Potted History of Ink and Inkwells

A Potted History of Ink and Inkwells

ERIC’S CHRISTMAS SHOPPING PLANS – UNMASKED AND IN THE RAW

Miserable at the prospect of another year's Christmas shopping 'under cover' - follow Eric's tips for a liberating experience !

DREAMING OF A GREEN CHRISTMAS WITH AN ANTIQUE WINE GLASS

HAVE A GREEN CHRISTMAS WITH AN ANTIQUE WINE GLASS. Antique wine glasses are the ideal gift, everyone enjoys a tipple at Christmas and they are also approved by Greta Thunberg, very very green

AN ACCORD BETWEEN GIO PONTI, PAOLO VENINI AND GIORGIO MORANDI

An Italian bottle for you to admire today, which is notable, more than anything else, for the rich provenance of the thought process behind its production.

A FRENCH, CHINESE OR ENGLISH WINE, SAKE OR TEA TASTER, OR MEASURE – PROBABLY…

Bow Porcelain Tastevin

THE CORN EXCHANGE – AN HISTORIC VENUE FOR OUR NEW VENTURE

To continue zooming in towards our new centre of operations – having looked at the broader history of Tunbridge Wells, then that of The Pantiles – it’s time to complete our progress by featuring the Corn Exchange itself – the building in to which we will

THE PANTILES - AN 18TH CENTURY USER GUIDE

Whilst the addition of the Royal prefix to the name of Tunbridge Wells was a demonstrable means by which the standing of the locality could be esteemed, it is the Pantiles – formerly the Walks and the Parade – which remain as the embodiment of everything

THE HISTORY OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS - PART TWO

As Eric Knowles counts down the days leading up to our opening the Royal Corn Exchange in Tunbridge Wells, we delve a little further into the history of the town in this second instalment and discover how this popular spa town came to be named…

THE HISTORY OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS (Part One)

As we prepare for Tunbridge Wells to become our new home, we delve into the history of the town and discover how this popular spa town came to be. Our potted history of Tunbridge Wells

What's It Worth? A fundraising event with Eric Knowles and Friends

What's it worth? A charity fundraising valuation with Eric Knowles and friends to celebrate the opening of Art Exchange in The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells. Come and see Eric Knowles shop and gallery

WIPE THE WOOL OFF YOUR PEACHES!

A Georgian Dog-tooth Rim Sweetmeat Glass . This inspired me to meander my way back through history.

'BRISTOL' GREEN WINE GLASSES

Bristol Green Wine Glasses. Having recently taken a brief look at the derivation of Bristol blue glass we turn to the green cousin

BLUE IS THE COLOUR COOKSWORTHY IS THE NAME

Bristol, William Cooksworthy and Schneeburg cobalt . A potted history of Bristol blue glass

NOBLE ALEXANDER THE KING OF SCOTLAND, HIS INNUMERABLE LADY FRIENDS – AND HIS MUM

Alexander III Long Cross Penny, King of Scotland

INCREASED REFINEMENT IN 18th CENTURY WINE GLASS FORMS

Georgian balustroid wine glasses – and light balusters – are vessels which are essentially a stylised 18th century incarnation of earlier, more substantial baluster glasses

A TREATISE ON THE REPRODUCTION OF ANCIENT GREEK ARTEFACTS AND THE CORRESPONDING VALUE OF SUCH ITEMS COMPARED TO THE PRICE OF A COW

A late 19th century vase, produced by Thomas Webb & Sons, a homage to Homer and ancient Greece

DAVID GUÉRON – INTERNATIONAL (AND ENIGMATIC!) MAN OF MYSTERY

To be formal Verrerie d'Art Degue, the art glass of David Gueron simply known as Degue

FIVE GUYS NAMED BILL, A PORCELAIN FACTORY AND A MOUNTAIN OF DEBT

We are often able to identify and acquire examples of porcelain wares from sources outside of the select group which make up the trade’s usual litany of leading names; Worcester, Wedgewood, Derby, but – today – step forward Longton Hall…

RESOUNDING HOME WIN FOR YORKSHIRE IN ROSES MATCH

Our coin is a silver groat, worth four pennies, and was struck in Edward’s London mint, based in the Tower of London. It was minted during the House of York's first visit to the throne

THE DARKEST BEERS AND PALEST OF RUMPS – A TALE OF FIELD AND HEDGEROW

Georgian Ale Glass Engraved With Elderberry, a most unusual and rare example for sale at scottishantiques.com

A LESSER LUMINARY OF THE FRENCH ART GLASS FIRMAMENT (AND BADLY DRAWN TREES)

The manufacturer of today’s item – an Art Deco vase bearing an enamelled image over frosted lead glass – was a gentleman by the name of Jean Gauthier

EVIDENTLY WORTH A BIT MORE THAN A BRASS FARTHING

Brass somehow seems to lack the antiquarian heft of other metals and alloys (hence the rather dismissive title with regard to its perceived worth), not having quite the same plangency as sterling silver or pewter.

YOU SAY CHRYZOPRAS, I SAY CHRYSOPHRASE – LET’S CALL THE WHOLE THING OFF

There’s very little which captures my imagination as much as a new and peculiar word, and today’s item very much hits the mark in this respect…

A SCOTTISH ANTIQUES LIVE EVENT: RATAFIA PRODUCTION (AND NICE GLASSES)

An almost impossibly elegant pair of glasses for your consideration today, dating from the early to mid-19th century and having been classified as ratafia glasses.

REBELLIOUS SCOTS AND HOW TO DISCOURAGE THEIR UNWANTED ATTENTIONS

It’s always interesting (possibly insert ‘sic’ here) to come across any sort of utensil or vessel which is an even marginal departure from the norm, and this particular joy has been induced to swell unconfined by what is today’s outwardly rather uninsp

A NUMISMATIC NATIVITY – Coins at the Time of Jesus’s Birth (with not a foil-wrapped chocolate to be found)

Even the most zealous of agnostics will, I’m sure you will agree, have to concede that there are numerous characters from the apocryphal ‘Christmas story’ who are based, wholly or in part, on real-life figures from antiquity.

18th CENTURY GIN – A CRIPPLING POISON BY ANY OTHER NAME

We’ve written a lot about gin – and gin glasses in particular – over the years, almost entirely as a result of the pernicious scars it managed to carve into the collective English consciousness after its three separate periods of holding a large part of t

LEAD CRYSTAL TABLEWARE THAT HAS A REAL RING TO IT…

It’s a pineapple stand – a substantial Victorian cut-glass vessel, produced for one purpose and one purpose alone – to demonstrate one’s personal wealth.

HIGHWAYMEN, BATS, STUDIOUS FISCAL DEVOIR AND A NICE VIEW OF THE GOLF CLUB

Here’s an unassuming little pair of Regency porcelain artefacts, of little intrinsic value but – as ever – throwing some light on a forgotten place and the people who lived there. It’s a teacup and saucer – as well as being something of a time capsule – f

THE EFFICACIOUS DIFFUSION OF FETID FESTIVE FUNKS

Domestic life, as we all know, has the propensity to generate any number of smells; blocked drains, improperly stored food, the daily travails of the great unwashed – but to a greater or lesser extent these can be easily masked by deodorant sprays, a swif

MID EIGHTEENTH CENTURY GLASSMAKING PERFECTION (WELL, ALMOST…)

Examples of Georgian wine glasses which feature a two-part stem are not uncommon, to the extent that as a group they have their own collective name, with all such pieces being said to feature a composite stem.

BUTCHERS, BAKERS AND RATHER FINE PORCELAIN FIGURINE MAKERS

As you have probably noticed, the social history behind our antiques – and the people who made them – is an endless source of fascination to me, whether it’s the personal intrigues which inveigled the craftsmen themselves, or the circumstances behind how

TRAPPED AIR – CONSIDERABLY MORE AESTHETIC POTENTIAL THAN TRAPPED WIND!

Although not especially uncommon, a particular feature of today’s glass is a sumptuous example of its kind, and it’s not at all unreasonable to laud such finery when the occasion presents itself.

FAVOURITE MYTHOLOGICAL FEMALE FIGURE – ROMA OR BRITANNIA – IT’S A BIT OF A COIN TOSS…

Another deep (some would say unfathomable) dive into the realms of ancient coinage today, but something of a departure from the more usual format as – although we’re featuring a Roman coin – there is no heroic emperor whose profile has been captured on th

THE CONSUMPTION OF HOT CHOCOLATE – CONFUSION ON A GRAND SCALE

The current perception of chocolate, in its liquid form rather than that of a solidified sweet or confection, is one of relaxation and warmth, the ultimate comfort drink at the end of a hard day at work or having been out and about in the cold.

DEMYSTIFYING THE BOURNE IDENTITY (SPOILER – IT’S A SUGAR BOWL)

Here’s a quite unassuming piece of late Regency porcelain, notable not for its great craftsmanship or exquisite decoration, but simply because it is a rare extant example of the work of one of the lesser lights of the collective Staffordshire Potteries, o

LIVERPOOL’S POTTERS AND THE QUEST FOR FINE PORCELAIN

Today’s piece is a porcelain tankard, which is a very fine example of the work of one of the leading protagonists in the formative years of Liverpool’s notable ceramics industry – Richard Chaffers. Potteries on the banks of the Mersey grew up as an integr

ANCIENT COINAGE AND AN EARLY SOURCE OF BEE GEE NOMENCLATURE

I’m afraid that I’m going to have to ask you to look away if you are not in the mood for one of my historical diatribes, prompted by a coin and fuelled by the usual ill-concealed glee at unearthing a previously unknown tale. On the other hand – buckle up

STERLING SILVER MADIERIA LABEL

A return to more familiar territory today after a brief (though interminable for those that read it) sortie in to the first millennial, middle eastern realm of Khosrow II’s Sassanid Empire; back to that most reliable of standbys, bottle and decanter label

DRUNKEN EXCESS – BY ORDER OF HIS MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT (YET AGAIN!)

The close of our last missive left the gin-sodden inebriates of England’s Regency quite literally floundering in the gutter, with the take-away trade of gin shops dispensing doses of their debilitating spirit to all comers in vast quantities, having provi

DRUNKEN EXCESS – BY ORDER OF HIS MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT

We’ve taken many a look back at the English preoccupation with gin over the years, from the affected posturing intended to mirror the tastes of the Anglo-Dutch royal court at the end of the 17th century to the abject squalor of London’s gin-craze which he

A MEMENTO OF THE MASTERMIND BEHIND A MONUMENTAL MUNIMENTUM

Hadrianus Augustus is, to many, just a nondescript Roman emperor who happened to build a fancy wall - but he had hidden depths - and was at pains to hide them behind a carefully crafted facade...

AN INDULGENT, PROPERLY BOHEMIAN SPIRIT FLASK

Never ones to knowingly miss an opportunity, Bohemian craftsmen enthusiastically embraced the production of glass and metal art glass

ALMOST SUNK WITHOUT TRACE – VERRIERE D’ART DEGUÉ

David Guéron is the gentleman in question, of Spanish/Turkish extraction and who was invalided out of the Foreign Legion before setting up a glass works in North East France – Cristalleries De Compiègne.

A MATCHBOX-SIZED ANTEDOTE FOR THE GREAT STINK

An elegant solution for a distinctly inelegant problem by way of a portable dispenser of pleasing fragrances intended to mask the stench of everyday life...

MARIE ROSE, RED LAMBRUSCO & CHARLES LUTWIDGE DODGSON

Of course - the full name of none other than Lewis Carroll, some quintessential 1970's fare and a nice piece of cheese - it's another helping of, well, something or other which may turn out to have some vague relevance to antiques, with a bit of luck...

ANTIQUE GLASSWARE AND CHOCOLATE COMESTIBLES – A FINE PARTNERSHIP - by Colin Sutherland

The Kit Cat style glass – where did its name derive from?

ADULTERATED GIN – A PANACEA FOR ALL AILMENTS

The infamous Gin Craze of the eighteenth century left us with a great many examples of glasses which were mass-produced to slake the thirst of the inebriate multitudes - but some may have a slightly more involved tale to tell...

IN A VIENNESE WHIRL ABOUT TANGO GLASS

Convention dictates that the Loetz manufactory produced a great deal of distinctive tango glass designed by Michael Powolny - but there's more (or in actual fact, less) to this holy trinity of art deco glassware than you might think...

SOARING ARCHITECTURAL SPLENDOUR ON A TABLE-TOP SCALE

It's a rare ability to be able to make your name in disparate fields of artistic endeavour - Josef Hoffman - architect and designer of interiors and glassware was one of these multi-talented individuals...

DARK ARTS PERFECTED IN THE BLACK COUNTRY - by Colin Sutherland

Time to turn the spotlight on an19th century glass engraver who set the standard for his peers, and yet who remains a curiously maligned figure

COLLECTORS - AND WHY by Eric Knowles

Eric muses on why some folk are driven to assiduously collect examples of a particular type of object, considers the imperative behind his own compulsions, and points you in the direction of some bargains...

LACK OF DUE DILIGENCE, THE WRONG PRINCE AND PORK SCRATCHINGS - by Colin Sutherland

Colin takes a self-indulgent departure from the norm to talk about a letter, written in 1799, to 'The Grand Old Duke of York'…

MOTHERING SUNDAY by Eric Knowles

Eric Knowles muses upon the perfect gift for a mother who has spent a lifetime hoarding examples of fine porcelain - a silicone spatula, a bag of tulip bulbs and some chocolate buttons just aren't going to live up to expectations...

NONSUCH A PALACE EVER EXISTED - by Eric Knowles

Eric explains how a chilly field near Cheam relates to regal Tudor finery, an unexpected cache of stained glass artefacts and a jealous regard for those who can wield power tools...all in the name of Bargain Hunt

A GODDESS BANISH'ED by Eric Knowles

Eric Knowles recounts a tale of youthful awakening in post-industrial Lancashire and a lost love 'midst the sack-trucks and packing crates of a London auction house...

JUDITH HOWARD - AN APPRECIATION by Eric Knowles

A personal reflection on the passing of a long time friend and fellow doyen of the UK's antiques firmament, Eric shares his thoughts on the legacy of Judith Howard

WORCESTER PORCELAIN - THE PERFECT STARTER - by Eric Knowles

Eric reveals how two days down a hole in the ground some forty years ago has lead to a life-long affinity with a particular commodity...

PASSION & PORCELAIN by Eric Knowles

"After 43 years of marriage you might, quite properly, have expected me to have the mechanics of the event well and truly sorted." says Eric Knowles who woud rather say it with flowers on antique Derby porcelain

FIRST ENCOUNTERS OF THE IRIDESCENT KIND - by Eric Knowles

How I fell in love with iridescent glass, Tiffany and more by Eric Knowles. In this article Eric describes how he was first enamoured with Favrille glass, Tiffany glass in general and how this lead to a wider appreciation of iridescent glass...

THE DINNER PARTY SET – Part 2 by Eric Knowles

The Dinner Set, an article by Eric Knowles antiques roadshow. A whistle stop tour through vintage corkscrews, worcesteer and derby porcelain, via the king street factory, fight and barr and back. You dont get this content on the TV and we have no license

THE DINNER PARTY SET – Part 1 by Eric Knowles

The Dinner Party Set by Eric Knowles. candlelit suppers, silver candlesticks, silver sauceboats, cut glass decanters and choosing the right antique glasswares. An article by Eric Knowles the bloke on the antiques roadshow and latterly Bargain Hunt

A WINTER'S TALE – an article by Eric Knowles

My struggle with Seasonal Adjustment Disorder and a Bow Porcelain Figure of Winter c1765. An article by soft paste Eric Knowles best known for summer and the antiques roadshow. Read how eric passes from one season to the next via winter blu and white, tra

A SPARROW BEAK JUG CONUNDRUM – an article by Eric Knowles

A Sparrow Beak Jug Conundrum. An article by Eric Knowles, the bloke from the Antiques rodashow. Eric examines a most unusual sparrow beak jug and draws in Worcester porcelain, Philip Christian, blue and white, transfer printing and richard chaffers

RENE LALIQUE - an article by Eric Knowles

An article by Scottish Antiques chairman. Mr Eric Knowles from the Antiques Roadshow, which outlines the life and work of Rene Lalique witha focus on Lalique jewellery and Lalaique Art Deco

HOCKS AWAY BIGGLESWORTH – UP AND AWAY AFTER THE BALLY HUN !

Hock is (or at least, should be) a term familiar to any oenophile be they earnest or casual, and – as with many parts of language, has seen its meaning change during its evolution across the years. The wines of Germany, be they pinot noir, german white wi

LIKE DOTH QUIT LIKE, AND MEASURE STILL FOR MEASURE….

Before you pour youself short measures of blended whisky or scotch whisky then you must read this. The impact of the weoghts and measures act or imperial units for single malts, be that fluid ounces or gills has a had a significant impact on spirit measur

COLONEL MUSTARD, IN THE DINING ROOM, WITH THE LITTLE PORCELAIN POT AND THE TINY, TINY SPOON…

An antique silver mustard pot with a glass liner be that modern or an antique victorian sterling silver mustard pot in English silver is vastly superior to anything produced in French silver and is an essential for dining table.

A SIDEWAYS LOOK AT TIMELESS GLASSMAKING PROCESSES THROUGH ROSE TINTED SPECTACLES...

There is much more t a coloured wine glass and the uniquitous Bristol gree and Bristol blue. The uses of lead crystal, Czech glass and bohemian glass extends to a range of colours, ruby red is achieves by the addition of gild chloride.

THOMAS TURNER, CAUGHLEY AND THE INGRATE POTTERS OF SHROPSHIRE

Ever the champion of the underdog here at Scottish Antiques, it’s time to take a look at one of Britain’s lesser-known porcelain manufactories – not one of the names that first springs to mind, but certainly one which has – albeit a little obliquely....

RECOLLECTIONS OF A MISSPENT YOUTH, LONG STICKS AND ENORMOUS BALLS OF STRING

It’s an increasingly rare thing to see nowadays, but as a youngster growing up on the Kent & East Sussex borders (before heading back north to a more sensible part of the UK for formal education and an introduction in to many of the finer things...

YOU ARE HEREBY CORDIALLY INVITED BY THE CAPTAIN TO FIRE SHOTS ACROSS THE DINING TABLE !

Over time we’ve looked at many different classifications of antique stemware, where glasses are grouped by purpose, form, decoration, source or manufacturer, but it should not be forgotten that there are also broader categories which can encompass....

INDIANA SUTHERLAND AND THE QUEST FOR THE SILVER KINDA CHALICEY BOWL TYPE THING

Time to take a look at an individual piece of antique silver with interesting (if rather long-winded) Scottish provenance – a sucrier (sugar bowl) dating from 1784. The beauty of silver, of course, is that pieces tend to be hallmarked, so it's possible...

THOMAS BOTTS – SPADE-MAKER, PAINTER* AND BRUSH LICKER (*BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN VICTORIA)

Time for one of our occasional looks at the individual characters who made a significant contribution to the reputation of British porcelain, not by way of founding a particular manufactory or making a breakthrough in the development of the production pro

EUSTACE BUDGELL (October 1714): IMITATION IS A KIND OF ARTLESS FLATTERY - NAILSEA GLASS

You’ll no doubt be familiar with the convention of naming styles of porcelain production after the location of the factory from whence it came; Bow, Worcester, Pinxton and Derby from the UK for instance; Sevres, Meissen and Dresden from the continent...

SPICE STALLS AN’ MONKEY SHOWS AND AUD WIVES SELLIN’ CIDERS…

There's more to Newcastle than pease pudding, underachieving football clubs and an accent which can rival Hielan' Scottish for indecipherability (gu cinnteach !) - there's 1200 years of glassmaking history, for a start...

ONE LAST PIECE OF FESTIVE BUSINESS - OUR COMPETITION WINNER !

A look at the winner of our Festive Competition, with pictures of the winning pieces and notes from our triumphant contributor !

CUSTARD: AN EXERCISE IN FRENCH SOPHISTICATION, SWEDISH PRETENTIOUSNESS AND ENGLISH IGNORANCE

Right - a spot of festive frippery for you as befits pre-Christmas congeniality, not (very much) tedious historical rambling, little or no archaeological investigation and absolutely no retrospectives of minor military engagements whatsoever – the chosen

THE GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO TAKING COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF TEPIFYING AND EFFICACIOUS BEVERAGE WHEN INCONVENIENCED BY FRIGHTFULLY FRIGID INCLEMENCY OF THE ELEMENTS

December – a fine, fresh, frosty time of year. The mercury is falling and the first snows of winter have swirled around The Trossachs (which – I might tell you – is not a particularly comforting thing to endure); a Hot Toddy's just what's required...

ROLL UP –THE POT-MAKING HISTORY TOUR IS HOPING TO TAKE YOU AWAY (part two)

Further examination of Liverpool's porcelain trade, with an innovative decorative process, and the development of a world-wide brand !

ROLL UP –THE POT-MAKING HISTORY TOUR IS HOPING TO TAKE YOU AWAY (part one)

In continuing our series looking at some of the less celebrated centres of English porcelain manufacture, it’s time to set a northward bearing, and strike out towards the banks of the River Mersey and the City of Liverpool.

A’WIGHT ME OLD CHINA – PROPER COCKNEY CROCKERY, AN’ NO MISTAKE (NEARLY) !

So, there was an Irishman, a Welshman, some Englishmen, some American Indians and a load of pigs....

PORCELAIN PRODUCTION IN THE FAR EAST – OF ENGLAND !

The curious tale of herring fishermen, shipwrecked Dutch sailors with muddy boots and a cottage industry that deserves wider recognition

HAPPY 200TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY, WILLIAM AND SARAH SIDEBOTTOM !

Another instance where a simple engraved wedding ale glass can point the way to stories of life, love, criminality, hardship, redemption and rebirth - quite literally from one side of the world to the other...

BOTTLES AND BATTLES – A CORKING TALE FROM COUNTY CORK

Geneology, Heraldry and History collide to shed light on the provenance of an early 19th century bottle

ITALIAN PORCELAIN - NOT JUST PASTA BOWLS AND FESTIVALE MASKS…

A somewhat overlooked sphere of endeavour, Italian porcelain has given rise to pieces every bit as wonderful as those from any other source in Europe, and the politicking that underwrote the trade there also rivals machinations across the continent...

PORZELLANMANUFAKTUR IM DEUTSCHLAND – DON’T MENTION THE WAR (OF THE SECOND COALITION) !

Always recognised as one of the leading producers of European porcelain, Germany - and Prussia beforehand - have also had many fine manufactories garnering less widespread recognition than the most famous names - here's a look at some of them:

LIBERTÉ, EGALITÉ - POTERIÉ - QUESTIONABLE PURSUITS OF THE GRUBBY-HANDED FRENCH

There were many more production facilities across France in the 18th century (and later) producing material every bit as good as Sevres and Vincennes - here's a look at the most prominent of these manufactories

HOW DO YOU MAKE A MALTESE CROSS – TELL HIM THAT YOU DON’T LIKE MDINA GLASS !

Colourful, inspirational art glass from Mdina on the island of Malta, in the heart of the Mediterranean - vases, decanters, bottles and sculptures

A GUIDE TO SPOTTING REPAIRED, REPRODUCTION AND FAKE ANTIQUE GLASSWARE

An outline of what to keep an eye out for when you're thinking about buying antique glassware, and how to avoid some of the more obvious pitfalls...

GEORGIAN PEDESTAL STEMWARE & REGENCY SWEETMEATS

Early 18th century glass-makers sought to copy designs from Venice and Bohemia in order to pander to a desire for German-style material after the coronation of King George I in 1714

GLASS CUTTING – A DECORATIVE TECHNIQUE FOR THE AGES

A quick poke through the piles of abrasive dust, broken glassware and disconsolate hinnies of cut-glass decoration from ancient times to Regency Britain; more exhaustive and detailed examinations to follow...

A NOISE AT NIGHT, IN BED ALL DAY - AND SWIMMING IN CHAMPAGNE....

The evolution of champagne from an irksome by-product to the defining tipple of the rich and famous - and the glasses which have accompanied it along the way

OH, FOR THE SENSUAL CURVE OF A WELL-ROUNDED BALUSTER IN THE HAND…

Something that's tantamount to being educational and informative with some clarification as to what the terms baluster and balustroid might mean with regard to georgian wine glasses and their stems...

TALL TALES ABOUT SHORT GLASSES…

A short (ho ho !) look at dwarf ale glasses - a particular type of glass that served the most pressing needs of the common man in Britain for the best part of 200 years

COMMODORE ANSON, SOME SAILORS, A NICE WORCESTER TEA BOWL AND ALLIGATORS OF CONSIDERABLE BIGNESS (part two)

Part Two of the tortuous tale of Commodore Anson's world cruise; time to cross the Pacific Ocean, finally tangle with Spanish foe, and become a folk hero in Canton - culminating in the production of a really rather nice porcelain dinner service...

COMMODORE ANSON, SOME SAILORS, A NICE WORCESTER TEA BOWL AND FOUR YEARS OF ABSOLUTE PURGATORY (part one)

The extraordinary tale of Commodore Anson and his around the world odyssey in the 18th century, which gave rise to the iconic Worcester porcelain valentine pattern.

A DRUNKEN, UNGOVERNABLE SET OF PEOPLE

Gorgian gin glasses and a look at the effects of the Gin Craze in 18th century London - and, of course, the glass antiques from which the increasingly befuddled folk of the capital city took their poison

KNOW YOUR KNOPS (A BLUFFERS GUIDE TO GARETH BALE’S HAIRCUT)

An exhaustive look at the different types of knop which were used to decorate glass stems, the complexity of which mirrored the growing finesse used in glass production over the years as production methods became more refined...

FROM THE PLAYING FIELDS OF ETON TO SPRINGFIELD ELEMENTARY

An impeccably researched historical paper with regard to the provenance and derivation of a popular phrase - and the usual ill-concealed Francophobe leanings. The Hartlepool monkey. Quite literally a potted history

WHILE THERE ON THE CARPET, HER GLASS EYE DID ROLL…

Antique glassware is widely collected. From old bottles to 18th century wine glasses, Lalique and Galle, this however is just a little different. A look at the history of glass eyes

WE WILL STICKLE IT, EVERY LITTLE BIT OF IT WE WILL FIX IT LIKE NEW, NEW NEW !

The glass and porcelain collectors version of invisible mending - but deliberately made to be easily detectable, so that once-broken and subsequently repaired pieces cannot be sold on as complete and undamaged at premium prices - all clever stuff !

ANKERS, TITTERY AND DISGUSTFUL IMPORTUNITIES

Georgian decanters and the somewhat curious names of some of the drinks which they were intended to contain...

ALES AND BEERS - AN ALTERNATIVE USERS GUIDE

There's more to a pint than just something to savour alongside a bag of crisps - here are many other uses for beers and ales, derived during Britain's prolonged love-affair with all things malty, hoppy and laden with alcohol...

ARTISTIC GENIUS - WILLIAM BILLINGSLEY

The understated genius of William Billingsley - England's finest porcelain painter and a remarkable craftsman

ABSINTHE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER (PART TWO)…

how much veracity is there to the oft-cited belief that absinthe fuelled a creative outburst in late 19th century Paris ?

ABSINTHE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER (PART ONE)…

Absinthe - scourge of French society or admirable artistic animus ? Take a look at the incandescent trail it blazed across the landscape of 19th century France, exerting an influence every bit as ruinous as the gin craze which had gripped London

PUDDING, CEREAL, TOILET, GOLDFISH – BOWLS APLENTY !

Have you ever wondered what is a baluster glass or what is a baluster stem ? Here we provide an index of the wide variety of different bowl types used on antique stemware; bowls should be categorised by their shape and form - not by any fabricated classif

SCENTS AND SENSIBILITIES

long before aerosols and plug-in fresheners, how did the householders of yore go about hiding the sundry smells that threatened to render their otherwise well-appointed dwellings more fragrant, and avoid the social catastrophe which was the gagging guest

A TABLE FIT FOR A KING

A description and images of a full Georgian table display created by Scottish Antiques and Warner Antiques, who put together over a quarter of a million pounds worth of period furniture, glassware, silver and porcelain to create an authentic tableau

CRIME & PUNISHMENT

The grisly tale behind a simple, engraved Georgian tumbler - the eternal triangle, murder most foul, retribution, death and despair...

TURKEY, CHESTNUTS, CHOCOLATE, A FROG PYE AND THE SCOTTISH ANTIQUES CHRISTMAS SALE - IT'S A VERITABLE FESTIVE FRENZY !

A festive take on the excesses of dressing a Regency dining table in such a way as to be fit for a Christmas Feast

A METAPHORICAL MEANDER through European Art Glass (part two)

European Art Glass - a further look at the products of Bohemia, Germany, Austria, Italy, Scandinavia and others...

A METAPHORICAL MEANDER through European Art Glass (part one)

European Art Glass - an introduction and a look at the material produced in Britain, Bohemia and France

CAREFUL WITH THAT AXE, EUGENE (part two)…

Details of how the connection was made from Rosbach's engraved pokal to the siege of Belgrade in 1717 - the outcome of which secured athe Holy Roman Empire and Hapsburg Monarchies from invasion for decades, and made a hero of Prince Eugene of Savoy (so mu

CAREFUL WITH THAT AXE, EUGENE (part one)…

Classic engraved glassware from the early Prussian Empire - endorsed and commissioned by the Royal court in Berlin, to indulge their personal pleasures or commemorate military deeds of much renown

MAKE A POINT WITH YOUR PINEAPPLE

Why on earth would the great and good of Georgian and Regency England make a point of building houses for fruit, and then commissioning display stands on which their produce could be presented ? The history of the pineapple

ALL HEALTH TO THEE, OLD APPLE TREE - old version

The traditional mid-winter wassailing ceremony - appropriate glassware, and inappropriate behaviour...

SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED

The reason behind the existence of so many undersized antique drinking glasses - not models, toys or samples, but an altogether more practical purpose...

STORM IN A B-CUP

Dispelling the myth that champagne glasses were shaped to replicate the form of the one-time Queen of France - although there's a little more to the story than may first seem to be the case...

PASSIONATE GOINGS ON...

Engraved stemware bearing the image of a passion flower - religious or political iconography, or maybe both. A passion for Jacobite glasses

MAD AS A MARCH HARE

Examples of Georgian glasses decorated with hunting scenes - specifically including hares

DERBY PORCELAIN

The story and history behind the growth and development of one of the most famous British porcelain factories. Derby porcelain

LEECHES, BILE, BLOOD, PHLEGM, FOMENT, UNEASE, DISTEMPER, MELANCHOLY AND DEATH

A look at the the role of the 18th century apothecary - his jars, vessels, potions, tinctures and leeches...

WHISKY GALORE !

How and why did whisky become the go-to drink of the Scottish nation ? A distilled history of whisky

BLOWING BUBBLES AND STRETCHING WORMS

Designs and styles of stemware pieces featuring air-twist decoration, and a look at how this delicate feature was created. A potted history of Georgian glassmaking

PORCELAIN PRODUCTION IN SOUTH WALES

An extended look at porcelain production South Wales from the 18th century onwards. A potted history of Swansea and Nantdarw porcelain

PENSIONERS, OLIGARCHS, TRACTORS, BOOTBOYS, BUNS AND PORCELAIN !

The origins of Chelsea porcelain - one of the finest and most famous of Britain's Georgian manufactories.. A potted history of Chelsea

LYNN GLASS - AN 18TH CENTURY PUZZLE

Lynn Glass is a phrase that often crops up in discussions about Georgian glassware, and the patterns of concentric rings which distinguish it are easily recognisable - but what does the name really mean ? A brief history of Lynn glass

VICTORIAN COLOURED GLASSWARE

There was a wide variety of methods by which Victorian glass manufacturers coloured their products - this article explains the most commonly used processes. How to make coloured glass and a brief hisory of Victorian coloured glass

OF MEISSEN MEN (with apologies to that nice Mr Steinbeck)

An exploration and history of not just of how Meissen porcelain production evolved in a far flung corner of the Prussian empire, but why it was that such a project was undertaken in the first place and the characters behind it.

BRITISH PORCELAIN - A POTTED HISTORY

A brief outline of how British ceramics moved from the production of utilitarian earthenware and slipware for domestic use to the very highest quality pieces for Royal courts and the dining tables of the landed gentry. A potted history on English porcelai

BLUE IS THE COLOUR, GLASSMAKING IS THE GAME...

An in-depth look at the development and production of one of the signature products from Georgian England during the early years of the industrial revolution- Bristol glue glass

THE GREEN GREEN GLASS OF HOME

A look at the development of the less well known of Bristol's two colourful glass types

BLOOMING MARVELOUS - SPRING-THEMED GLASSWARE

Engraved stemware featuring illustrations pertaining to Spring-related goings on in Georgian England and beyond

JAKE – BILL – DAVE – HARRY - DIAMOND GEEZERS ONE AND ALL (OH - AND ANNA TOO....)

A look at the extraordinary artistry of 17th and 18th century Dutch engravers which has bequeathed some singularly valuable artifacts at which we can marvel...