FIRST WORD
Welcome
I’ve always thought what this business needs is an antiques ambassador who would fly the flag for it in the same way Mary Portas did for the high street. Someone ideally suited to the role recently appeared on the Antiques Roadshow revealing herself to be both an avid book collector and fan of the Guild of Women Binders. The woman I refer to is, of course, Queen Camilla who popped into filming at the Eden Project with a Cornish silver snuffbox which had belonged to the Prince Regent.
Needless to say her husband would be equally suited to the role.
Not only is he in charge of the priceless Royal Collection Trust, he also recently appeared on The Repair Shop. But if, as we must, we assume both are too busy, can I present another candidate?
A couple of days after the Roadshow aired acting superstar Johnny Depp touched down in a helicopter at the Hemswell Antique Centres, south of Scunthorpe.
As reported in Lincolnshire Live, Depp, who arranged the trip in secret, perused the antiques on offer and eventually left with a number of items, including several guitars. Robert Miller, the owner, told reporters: “He was very down to earth and very chatty. For someone like that to come through our doors was brilliant. He played with and bought a few guitars. I’m sure he’ll be back.”
So, whether its a royal A-lister, or a Hollywood one, it seems the fashion for antiques may be on the up and long may it continue.
Talking of fashion, did you know Pablo Picasso once launched a range of skiwear? Unlikely as this may seem, a recent exhibition of his textiles reveals that, in the 1950s, a number of clothing companies teamed up with some of the greatest artists of the 20th century to produce both fashion ranges and furnishings. Have a look on page 32.
The name Constance Spry may be familiar to a lot of readers of a certain age. Not only did she help come up with the recipe for coronation chicken in 1953 she was also one of the best-known and most avant-garde florists of the inter-war period. Added to which the vases she designed for her floral displays are today highly sought after by collectors – discover more on page 18.
Elsewhere in the magazine, on page 22, we consider why once out-of-favour marine art is floating collectors’ boats and reveal why an 11.3cm bowl featuring two swallows is set to make £21 million, have a look on page 44. Enjoy the issue.
IN THIS ISSUE
RHYANON DEMERY reveals why marine art has the wind
in its sails, page 22
LUKE MACDONALD previews eight photographs by the
author Lewis Carroll, page 30
ASHLEY GRAY introduces the surprising textiles of
Pablo Picasso, page 32
Georgina Wroe, Editor
KEEP IN TOUCH Write to us at Antique Collecting, Riverside House Dock Lane, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1PE, or email magazine@accartbooks.com. Visit the website at www.antique-collecting.co.uk and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @AntiqueMag
We love!
this vintage glass petrol pump sign which has an estimate of £1,000-£1,500 in Charterhouse’s sale on
April 4 in Sherborne in
Dorset.
Antique Collecting
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ISSN: 0003-584X
JUSTIN ROBERTS explores the exquisite world of art
deco brooches, page 38
THE TEAM
Editor: Georgina Wroe, georgina.
wroe@accartbooks.com Online Editor: Richard Ginger, richard.ginger@accartbooks.com
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ANTIQUE COLLECTING 3