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View Issue/Sample - Hurst Media Company
16
face
value
30
driven to
distraction
26
timeless
pieces
34
going for
a song
The historical world
of coins and stamps
Classic motoring and car
show enthusiasts
The fascinating story
of clocks and watches
The wonderful world of
film & music memorabilia
a grand day out
The growing popularity of antiques fairs & auctions
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www.calibreinsights.com
Sunday 02.02.14
2
STATE OF PLAY
STATE OF PLAY
Economic growth is proving slow to spread to the world of
arts and antiques, unless you are at the very top of course
T
he New Year marks a
natural opportunity
to take stock of how
the antiques market is faring,
and look ahead to what the
next twelve months may
bring. As with the wider
economy, 2013 was a ‘green
shoots’ kind of year, with
some signs of the market
emerging from previous
years of retraction, despite
no tangible sense of stability.
Indeed, for reasons outlined
below, the overall picture in
the antiques market is one
Alan Walker
of a squeezed middle. The
top of the market has continued to thrive, and the ubiquity
of cheap antiques – whether through charity shops or online
start-ups like Freecycle – means the bottom has not fallen
out of the market either. As long as people continue to enjoy
pretty, old things, the antiques market will continue to
Until roughly eight years ago the antiques market was
pretty buoyant, as many sought to furnish their homes
with unique items. However, as the economic downturn
robbed many families of a chunk of their disposable income,
so too certain parts of the antiques market experienced a
downward turn. Yet now, as the economy-at-large appears
to be showing signs of growth, the antiques market remains
lethargic. There are, however, if you look hard enough,
At the top of the antiques market, as with the property
market, the highest quality items continue to sell for record
prices. Part of this is down to the emerging wealth of China,
and the fine porcelain the West accumulated in previous
decades returning home for astonishing figures. Indeed, a
friend of mine who is a very good dealer in fine porcelain,
told me their main problem these days is getting hold of
stock, such is the demand.
Yet the record prices are not limited to Chinese pieces.
The Old Masters and Modern Art pieces continue to exist
in their own bubble of billionaire bidding. The top earners
have seen their pay and bonuses rise, and disposable income
of the rich often finds its way to auction houses. In late
November, Christie’s Post-War and Contemporary Art
auction grossed in excess of £420 million. Francis Bacon’s
triptych of Lucian Freud sold for over £87 million alone.
It is the single highest figure for an auction sale in art
market history. Crisis? What crisis?
at its more traditional and recognisable core. Antique
furniture, for example, has fallen through the floor.
Longcase clocks have been showing poor demand for
years. Modern living and taste has not helped this decline.
CALIBRE
case and a slim line £25 storage unit from IKEA and there
is no competition.
Perhaps that is an unfair analogy – antiques, like golf,
or gardening, is something you become interested in as you
grow older. However, compared with ten years ago, I have
noticed there are far fewer adults over 40 looking to buy.
It may be that this age group does not yet feel able to
justify spending, given their personal economy, and are
waiting to put the recession far behind before doing so.
One trend I have noticed in the antiques trade – one
I have witnessed first-hand at fairs and through my own
business – is the number of people in their 50s and 60s
who tell me they have decided to buy fine antiques with
money originally earmarked for investment elsewhere. Yet
when faced with the decision of investing in an economic
investment ventures and the possibility of owning a
particularly nice item (“Something we’ve always wanted,”
as they often say), increasingly people of retirement age
or nearing retirement age are treating themselves. And
not just because antiques can be relied upon to hold their
“At the top of the antiques
market, as with the property
market, the highest quality
items continue to sell for
record prices. Part of this is
down to the emerging wealth
of China... Indeed, a friend
of mine who is a very good
dealer in fine porcelain, told
me their main problem these
days is getting hold of stock,
such is the demand”
value – because they think they deserve something nice.
This seems to be the crux of the situation: demand for
fine antiques has held firm throughout the downturn, but
in this age of Google, where information is ubiquitous, the
buyers are in a much stronger position than they used to be.
The Internet is one area where the antiques business can
improve. I know some in the trade who have only just created
their website, and they remain quite rudimentary. It is no longer
viable for antiques businesses to depend on footfall, they should
be doing more to capture the interest of those with a love of
the finer things – those looking to buy something that they will
appreciate, rather than something that just ‘appreciates’.
2 State of Play
4 A Grand Day Out
12 Period Homes
16 Face Value
20 Model Citizens
24 Hidden Gems
26 Timeless Pieces
28 Sporting Gold
30 Driven to Distraction
32 Grape Expectations
34 Going for a Song
36 Spotlight
CALIBRE
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Arts, Antiques & Pastimes is published by Absolute Publishing Ltd. Every care is taken in compiling the contents of the publications but the publishers
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Art, Antiques & Pastimes
An independent supplement distributed with the Mail on Sunday on behalf of Absolute Publishing which takes sole responsibility for its content
STATE OF PLAY
3
HAMISH MACKIE SCULPTURES
Advertorial Feature
‘Hamish Mackie,
now internationally
acclaimed, has
emerged as one of
the most talented
and original wildlife
sculptors of his time…’
F
ollowing the success of British
sculptor Hamish Mackie’s most
recent solo show in Cork Street,
London, Mackie is concentrating on his
latest commission: six life-and-a-quarter size
horses for Goodman’s Fields, a prestigious
development in London, being built by
The Berkeley Group Holdings PLC. These
horses are to be the artistic centrepiece for
the project.
Born in 1973, Hamish grew up on a
livestock farm in Cornwall, England. In
1996, he began sculpting full time and in
2007 Hamish built a studio in Oxfordshire,
where he now lives and works.
Largely self-taught, Mackie’s style
captures the inner core, strength and grace
of the subject. It is this confident handling of
materials which results in strong, dynamic,
living sculpture.
As Edward Lucie-Smith, the well known
art critic and historian, wrote: “Hamish
Mackie, now internationally acclaimed,
has emerged as one of the most talented
and original wildlife sculptors of his time…
What Rodin did with the human body,
Mackie applies to animal forms.”
Hamish has travelled to Antarctica,
South Georgia, Europe, Africa and the
United Arab Emirates to study his subjects
close at hand. “Observing animals in
their own environment is essential to
understanding the subject,” he comments.
Mackie has works in public and private
collections around the world. His sculptures
are all limited editions in bronze or silver.
To view Mackie’s work
visit his website at
hamishmackie.com.
To request his latest
catalogue or speak to
Hamish in person,
please email
hamish@hamishmackie.com
or telephone 07971 028098
www.calibreinsights.com
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
4
A GRAND DAY OUT
A GRAND DAY OUT
Alan Walker, Antiques Dealer
The growing mass-market
popularity of antiques fairs,
auctions and galleries has meant
the serious retailers have had
to respond by refining and
improving their offerings
These days it is possible for someone looking to buy a
nice piece of art to strike up a conversation with a specialist
dealer and have a good sense of what it is worth. That did not
used to be the norm. Whilst many large arts and antiques
events are running today, some of the smaller events have
disappeared, as vendors fail to see the value in attending
events where a now-online buyer might glean specialist
information from them, but make their eventual purchase
elsewhere (a trend sadly all-too-commonly experienced by
independent bookshops). Indeed, it used to be common
practice for auction houses to divide their wares into
‘Antiques’ for the omniscient specialists to peruse, and
‘General’ for the ignorant public. Of course, these days
one click on a search engine and we are all-knowing.
I
t is not completely David Dickinson’s fault the popularity
of antiques has gone from strength to strength. He has
definitely been a contributing factor though, with Bargain
Hunt and other programmes of that ilk, such as Flog It and
his Real Deal bringing greater awareness of antiques to the
mass market. Naturally a great number of the ‘antiques’
featured on such shows are of pretty pedestrian quality, but
they often do a good job of informing their audience by going
into detail about various facets of the industry, for example
Bargain Hunt seems to regularly feature and discuss the life
and work of Clarice Cliff.
Antiques dealers have thus witnessed a shift in dynamic
between buyer and seller in the last couple of decades,
where buyers are increasingly better informed, and more
sophisticated in what they are seeking to buy. The consumer
is empowered and the vendor’s position weakened. The
demise of caveat emptor is a welcome one for people looking
to acquire items with a history behind them.
Arts and antiques fairs are gaining in popularity. Image: IACF
Continued on page 6 »
The Mathias Lock Mirror
The carved gilt wood frame with central mirror plate flanked
by caryatides issuing from foliate scrolls to the sides, with
adorned ‘C’scrolls to the base, the wing spandrels dressed
with icicle waterfalls within a framework of asymmetrical
ribbed scroll work and a leaf finial.
E: info@jonathan-sainsbury.com www.jonathan-sainsbury.com
T: 01258 857 573 F: 01258 858 752
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
An independent supplement distributed with the Mail on Sunday on behalf of Absolute Publishing which takes sole responsibility for its content
A GRAND DAY OUT
5
*ON O
2fo
F
CE F r1
RT E
AI R
The
INTERNATIONAL
Largest
Antiques&CollectorsFair
in the South of England
N
EXPERIENCE THE UK’S
BIGGEST AND BEST
ANTIQUES EVENTS WITH
INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUES
& COLLECTORS FAIRS LTD
The Largest Antiques Fair in Europe
Antiques&CollectorsFairs
Advertorial Feature
O
ffering a multitude of antique
and vintage choice, IACF’s
Ardingly International Antiques &
Collectors Fair holds a world of possibilities
for the house proud. Held in West Sussex at
the South of England Showground, it is the
largest event of its kind in the South, with a
cosmopolitan mix of goods. From decorative
pieces, to collectables, vintage textiles to
silverware and delicate china suitable to
grace even the grandest of dining tables,
there’s something for each room at this
mid-week fair.
With its location, just 12 miles from
Gatwick, only an hour from London
and 90 minutes from Dover, it is easy to
understand why this easily accessible event is
so favoured by professional dealers, stylists
and those who simply love their interiors.
It takes place this February on Tuesday 18
and Wednesday 19 — with its eclectic mix
of items, it will provide the perfect tonic to
all those January sales. It also returns to the
showground on Tuesday 15 and Wednesday
16 April (with another five outings
throughout the year), if you’re unable to
make this month’s event.
IACF have another ‘largest’ event in
its calendar — the Newark International
Antiques & Collectors Fair, in
Nottinghamshire. Known around the world,
and the largest antiques event in Europe,
all interiors (and shopping) enthusiasts
need to experience this fair. Covering 84
acres at the Newark & Nottinghamshire
Showground, it features thousands of stalls
holding all manner of goods, from brass and
bronze to glassware to gardenalia, furniture
and fine chandeliers. Make the trip to the
East Midlands (two hours by road and 90
minutes by train from London) on Thursday
6 and Friday 7 February to discover all this
event has to offer. It takes place six times a
year at the showground.
Shepton Mallet Antiques, Vintage &
Collectors Fair is held at the Royal Bath &
West Showground in Somerset. A weekend
fair, it’s well known for the plethora of
quality goods available. Take a shopping
excursion to IACF’s West Country event to
fill your home with exquisite pieces.
If single-day fairs are preferential, then
IACF has two possibilities — ‘One Day
Monday’ Antiques & Collectors Fairs at
both Swinderby near Lincoln and Newbury
in Berkshire. Each offers a host of exciting
options for interiors. Visit iacf.co.uk for
details of admission prices and timings.
2 FOR 1 OFFER
Please visit iacf.co.uk/offers and
register your details to access
2 for 1 entry deals for the very best
in antiques fairs throughout 2014.
iacf.co.uk T: 01636 702326
www.calibreinsights.com
DA
YS
Tue 18 & Wed 19 Feb l Tue 15 & Wed 16 Apr
INTERNATIONAL
Tues 9am - 5pm £20 (Tues ticket allows
entry on Weds) Weds 8am - 4pm £5
South of Eng. Showground, West Sussex SAT NAV RH17 6TL
The Largest Antiques Fair in Europe
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Thur 6 & Fri 7 February l Thur 3 & Fri 4 April
INTERNATIONAL
Thurs 9am - 6pm £20 (Thurs ticket
allows entry on Friday) Fri 8am - 4pm £5
Newark & Nottinghamshire Showground SAT NAV NG24 2NY
Near Lincoln
Antiques&CollectorsFairs
ONE DAY MONDAY
Monday 10 March l Monday 28 April
8am-10am £10 l 10am onwards £5
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The Largest Antiques Fair in the West Country
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Friday 14-16 March l Friday 9-11 May
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Fri 12noon - 5pm £10 (Fri ticket allows entry Sat & Sun)
Sat 9am - 5pm £5 l Sun 10am - 4pm £5
Royal Bath & West Showground, Somerset SAT NAV BA4 6QN
1 hour West of London
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ONE DAY MONDAY
Monday 24 March l Monday 23 June
8am-10am £10 l 10am onwards £5
Newbury Racecourse, Berkshire SAT NAV RG14 7NZ
*To access the 2for1 register at: www.iacf.co.uk/offers
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www.iacf.co.uk
enquiries@iacf.co.uk
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
6
A GRAND DAY OUT
» continued from page 4
people can appreciate a glass of wine whilst they
peruse the artworks and indulge in a sense of
privilege and exclusive access. It is an approach
that is slowly filtering through to antiques fairs,
which have been, in the past, a little on the
stuffy side.
Across the UK, whether online or offline,
people looking to invest in arts and antiques have
unparalleled access to vendors. Footfall at major
fairs is stronger than ever. BADA’s Winter Fine
Art & Antiques Fair at Olympia this November
(olympia-antiques.com) – where I am exhibiting –
regularly achieves attendance figures of 20,000.
It is now in its 23rd year, and at each event
the iconic National Hall of Olympia comes to
life with an exceptional range of over 30,000
informed decision. It is difficult to feel truly
pieces of art and antiques to whet all appetites,
engaged and interested in an object when
primarily focusing on high quality antiques from
viewing it on a computer screen. There is
around 130 different dealers.
joy to be had in seeing the way light reflects
The numbers often speak for themselves, and the
off varnished wood, or viewing the brush
UK currently represents nearly 60% of Europe’s
strokes of a painting up close.
share of the international arts and antiques
It might sound banal, but I am conAntiques fairs have really moved in to the mainstream, allowing the general public easy access
market. London has been at the centre of the arts
fident it is one of the reasons antiques fairs
to the world of antique bargain hunting.
and antiques market since the early 1800s, and is
and auction houses are still busy. People
currently believed by experts to be the most important city
want to interact with the thing, to see it hanging on a wall,
authenticity and condition. Such fairs are well-staged to
in Europe for this trade.
or from a variety of angles in the afternoon light.
be aesthetically pleasing environments, and many offer a
So, when it comes to amassing antiques specialists and
One of the knock-on effects of the digital age and the way
diverse and enjoyable day out – the British Antique Dealers’
their wares all under the same roof, it seems to be the case
we are increasingly online consumers – yes, even of antiques
Association’s Antiques and Fine Art Fair in Duke of York
that if you build it, they will come. For as long as those
– is that many dealers have vacated their shops and rely on
Square (bada-antiques-fair.co.uk) being one example.
seeking to buy fine works wish to view examples, chat with
their websites. However, the dealers of quality antiques are
Art galleries have understood for a while now that
a specialist or discover an item’s providence – and only then
still attending the larger fairs, which remain environments
creating a positive experience for prospective buyers
make their decision – then galleries and fairs will continue
where a concentration of reputable dealers can be found.
increases the chance of an eventual sale. Hence the focus
to thrive.
Also, exhibited items are usually independently vetted for
in the art world on special exhibitions and events, where
It remains one of the joys of going to a
fair that you can discuss items of interest
in depth with the dealer, learn more about
them from a specialist, and then make an
“There is joy to be had in
seeing the way light reflects
off varnished wood, or
viewing the brush strokes
of a painting up close”
DOMINIC WINTER - WE VALUE YOU!
Advertorial Feature
T
his family-run auction house was
founded in Swindon by Dominic Winter
25 years ago. Already with a wealth of
experience in the book and antiques auction
trade, Dominic has built up a loyal team
of specialist cataloguers and valuers. With
increasing demand for diversification beyond
initial strengths in books and all things
paper, Dominic Winter Auctioneers moved
to larger premises in the Cotswolds in 2006
and has flourished further ever since.
With over 20 sales each year, we
are on hand to offer selling and buying
advice for Printed Books, Maps & Prints,
Estates & Archives, Autographs &
Documents, Vintage Photography, Fine
Art and Antiques, Medals & Militaria,
Fossils & Taxidermy, Stamps & Coins,
Toys & Games, Sporting Memorabilia,
Royalty Memorabilia, Rock, Pop & Film
Memorabilia, Aviation & Transport
Memorabilia, etc. In short, we offer a
complete service for all things collectable.
We believe the auction experience should
be enjoyable and exciting, whether you’re
an old hand or a first-time buyer or seller.
We’re passionate about what we do and our
enthusiasm is evident in the much-praised
and detailed catalogues we produce and the
great results we consistently achieve.
Whether you have a modest-looking book
worth under £100, or a gallery of fine art
works worth millions, we are here to honestly
and independently advise and put you on the
right track. With 10 in-house specialists and
a team of on-hand consultants to back up our
judgements you can be sure you are in safe
and friendly hands.
We believe the
auction experience
should be enjoyable,
whether you’re an old
hand or a first-time
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• Individual items and
complete estates handled
• Free valuation advice and
home visits by appointment
• Internet, commission, phone
and in-person bidding facilities
• Top prices and competitive rates
• Worldwide marketing in addition
to world-record prices
• Ample parking and sale-day cafe
• First class reputation and first class service
dominicwinter.co.uk 01285 860006 info@dominicwinter.co.uk
Dominic Winter Auctioneers Ltd, Mallard House, Broadway Lane, South Cerney, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 5UQ
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
An independent supplement distributed with the Mail on Sunday on behalf of Absolute Publishing which takes sole responsibility for its content
A GRAND DAY OUT
7
FINE ART & ANTIQUES
ANTIQUES FOR
IN SOUTH LONDON
EVERYONE SPRING FAIR AND BEYOND
Advertorial Feature
Advertorial Feature
I
f you love antiques and collectables then
you should visit Antiques for Everyone,
one of the UK’s largest antiques fairs, which
runs three times a year at Birmingham’s NEC
from 10 to 13 April, then again in summer
(24-27 July) and winter (4-7 December).
The fair is a key event in Britain for
pottery, porcelain and glass collectors and
includes stunning examples of period and
art deco furniture, vintage and decorative
collectables, jewellery, silver, maps, treen,
fine art, armoury and militaria.
Items on sale range in price from £10 to
£100,000 and all are independently vetted
by a huge team of industry experts, so you
can buy with confidence from around 240
friendly exhibitors. And there’s the added
draw of BBC experts Judith Miller and
Mark Hill holding daily talks. Unique items
will be on sale for the first time with rare
collections attracting collectors from all over
the world. A specially curated glass feature
will be one of the many star attractions.
For details on ticket, offers and T&Cs, visit
antiquesforeveryone.co.uk. Tickets £15 with
free car parking. Advance tickets £12 from
box office T: 0844 581 0827
R
2 for 1 Reader Offer
Valid from 11 to 13 April
Special Arts, Antiques and Pastimes
2 for 1 ticket offer for the Spring Fair
at Birmingham’s NEC. Worth £15.
Bring this page when visiting the fair
to redeem offer.
AFFORDABLE WORKS
BY BRITISH ARTISTS
oseberys is South London’s fine art and
antiques auction house. Established in
1987, it auctions more than 13,000 lots a
year from extensive auction rooms in West
Norwood, between Clapham and Dulwich.
All its auctions are broadcast online so, in
addition to bidders in the saleroom itself,
buyers from around the globe are able to
compete for the lots. More than a quarter of
all Roseberys lots are now bought by internet
bidders, many of them from overseas.
Roseberys’ experts have a wide range
of knowledge from paintings to furniture,
ceramics to jewellery and much more.
The firm also undertakes valuations,
works with solicitors and executors on
probate valuations and can also help
with house clearances.
Auctions take place monthly and there
are regular specialist sales of Asian Arts,
Decorative Arts and Modern Design,
Antique Textiles, Vintage Fashion and
Fine Wine and Whisky.
For details, visit roseberys.co.uk
or call 020 8761 2522
SPECIALISTS IN
SPORTING, WILDLIFE
AND MARINE PAINTINGS
Advertorial Feature
L
ittle Gems will bring together images
from across the British Isles, picturing
pockets of our glorious country. From
landscapes to secluded scenes, members of
the Federation of British Artists will explore
the gems of our land through print, pastel
and paint.
The pictures will be small, emphasising
the feeling of discovery, and providing
‘picture postcard’ works that are accessible
in price and easy to carry home. All works
are for sale.
15 to 22 February
10am to 5pm
Images(Clockise from left): Carry Akroyd
SWLA, Winter; Francis Bowyer
NEAC, Towards the Ferry; Melissa Scott-Miller RP,
Bedford Square Gardens;
Barry Peckham RSMA, The Harbour St Ives
Mall Galleries
The Mall, London SW1
mallgalleries.org.uk
E: info@mallgalleries.com
T: 020 7930 6844
www.calibreinsights.com
David Shepherd, CBE (born 1931), Hippos. Oil on canvas. 8in x 12in.
Advertorial Feature
Artists in stock also include:
Paul Augustinus, JW Carmichael, Ray Ching,
Nicholas Condy, EW Cooke, Montague
Dawson, Steven Dews, David Ord Kerr,
Emily Lamb, GE Lodge, Ian MacGillivray,
Rodger McPhail, Keith Shackleton, Mandy
Shepherd, Archibald Thorburn, Norman
Wilkinson, WL Wyllie
Please contact the Gallery for
further details and visit our website:
rountreetryon.com
7 Bury Street, St James’s,
London SW1Y 6AL
T: 020 7839 8083
E: info@rountreetryon.com
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
8
A GRAND DAY OUT
COMPETITION
Add elegance to your home with this Dartington Crystal Decanter & Goblets
CALIBRE Arts, Antiques & Pastimes has
teamed up with Dartington Crystal, to
offer you the chance to win this elegant
Crystal Decanter and pair of Wine
Goblets, worth £165.
In 1967 a group of Swedish glassmakers brought their skills to
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Working with the finest natural materials, these craftsmen soon
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This Crystal Decanter and pair of Wine Goblets are handmade
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Terms and Conditions: This draw is open to UK residents excluding employees or agents of Dartington Crystal or anyone professionally connected with the promotion and their immediate families. No purchase necessary. The prize is subject to availability, non-transferable, nonrefundable and there is no cash alternative. In the unlikely event a prize should become unavailable Dartington Crystal reserves the right to substitute for a prize of equal or greater value. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries received before the closing date. By
registering and entering your details you consent to calibre and its clients sending you information about products and/or services that may be of interest to you. You also agree to the terms and conditions of the privacy policy that govern how your information will be processed.
LONDON’S BIGGEST
ANTIQUES & VINTAGE FAIR
ONLINE AUCTIONS - FORTNIGHTLY
FURNITURE & HOMEWARES
Sunday 9 February | 8.00am-4.30pm
SOURCED FROM JOHN LEWIS DEPARTMENT STORES
Advertorial Feature
R
THOUSANDS OF LOTS & NO RESERVES
At: John Pye Auctions, Alliance Court, Alliance Rd, Park Royal, London W3 0RB
Bidding online, viewings available for each auction. For details go to:
johnpye.co.uk
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
unning for over 30 years, this fair
presents hundreds of dealers, offering
the widest range of antiques, collectables,
art deco, 20th century, books and ephemera
in London.
Bringing their best, hand-picked, vintage
traders, Pop Up Vintage Fairs London will
also be offering a wide range of ladies and
menswear, both designer and affordable, a
stunning array of vintage jewellery, fashion
accessories, haberdashery, retro furnishings,
homeware, vintage posters and antique
maps, collectables and more.
Alexandra Palace
Alexandra Palace Way
London, N22 7AY
nelsonevents.co.uk 01263 456111
An independent supplement distributed with the Mail on Sunday on behalf of Absolute Publishing which takes sole responsibility for its content
A GRAND DAY OUT
MORE SAILS
MORE OFTEN!
ARTBENEFACT.COM
ARTBENEFACT.COM
Advertorial Feature
Advertorial Feature
T
he art and artefacts of our maritime
past are rarely out of the news. If you
own a ship model or scientific instrument,
who do you ask for commercial advice?
Charles Miller Ltd is a specialist
independent auction house with a worldwide
reputation. Over the years, it has hosted
teams from the BBC’s Flog It! (securing
a record for the programme with the
sale of a unique log book dating back to
American Independence) and Restoration
Roadshow, and Sky Arts have contrasted its
performance favourably against one of the
main London houses. In October 2009, it
handled the sale of the only available Union
flag flown at Trafalgar, which sold for a
world record of £380,000!
King William
IV’s telescope
£9400
Founder Charles Miller is always on
the lookout for rare and unusual material
relating to the maritime world. The sales,
held in April and October each year, are
a fantastic opportunity to see and handle
9
Trafalgar flag
from HMS
‘Spartiate’
£380,000
some of the most amazing privately
owned exhibits. Sale and viewing days are
very popular and have a vibrant and fun
atmosphere. They are open to all and offer
not only a unique opportunity to see the
exhibits first-hand but also the rare chance
to buy them.
If you love history, or just want an
opinion on the market value of your item,
visit charlesmillerltd.com to find out more.
The next sale is on 30 April, with a
closing date for entries of 7 March, and,
best of all, appraisals are free by mail and
email — now that’s a good reason to splice
the main brace!
charlesmillerltd.com
6 Imperial Studios, 3-11 Imperial Rd,
London SW6 2AG
020 7806 5530
ARTBenefact brings
morethan
than 25 years experience in the Art
market by
and
brings together
together more
‘Wisdom’
25
years’
experience
in
the
art
market
Jack
Banister
Charitable sector in order to foster partnerships between charity, business and the
and
sector
in order tomay
foster
“Jack’s painting
arts charitable
so that artistic
endeavour
have a wider benefit.
partnerships between charity, business and
featured in our
the
arts
so
that
artistic
endeavour
may
have
Excellence of Youth
We provide a specialist arts consulting service for the mutual benefit of artists,
a wider benefit.
exhibition in 2013.
collectors, galleries, corporations, public and private institutions, schools and
We provide a specialist arts consulting
Having raised funds
charities, heralding a new era of ‘responsible’ investment in art.
service for the mutual benefit of artists,
for the Magic Bus
collectors, galleries, corporations, public and
charity at a gala dinner at The Dorchester
We have an extensive network of both emerging and established artists and work
private institutions, schools and charities,
in London, several young artists were then
with an increasing portfolio of charitable organisations, most recently The Lady
heralding a new era of ‘responsible’
invited to take part in this exhibition to
Taverners, Elizabeth Finn Care, The Teenage Cancer Trust, Save the Children, The
investment in art.
raise funds for Elizabeth Finn Care”
Magic Bus and ARCC. Please visit us online at www.artbenefact.com
We have an extensive network of both
emerging and established artists and work
with
an increasing
portfolio :of charitable
ARTBENEFACT
CONSULTANTS
organisations, most recently The Lady
HonsCare,
DAVIDONA
DE WINTON
JENNIFER TWOMEY
Taverners,
ElizabethLLBFinn
The
jennifer@artbenefact.com
davidona@artbenefact.com
Teenage
Cancer Trust, Save the
Children,
The Magic Bus and ARCC. Please visit us
ARTBenefact is an initiative by Resipole at The Drey LLP.
online at artbenefact.com
Jennifer Twomey Llb Hons
jennifer@artbenefact.com
Davidona de Winton
davidona@artbenefact.com
ARTBenefact is an initiative by
Resipole at The Drey LLP.
‘River Pageant 2’ by David Porteous-Butler
“This painting by David Porteous-Butler
raised £20,000 for Save the Children”
ARTBENEFACT.COM
ARTBenefact brings together more than 25 years experience in the Art market and
BUYING...? SELLING...?
VALUATIONS...? WE CAN HELP. AUCTIONEERS SPECIALISING
CRITERION AUCTIONEERS,
IN ANTIQUES & INTERIORS
LONDON’S LOCAL
Advertorial Feature
AUCTION HOUSE
B
Charitable sector in order to foster partnerships between charity, business and the
arts so that artistic endeavour may have a wider benefit.
We provide a specialist arts consulting service for the mutual benefit of artists,
collectors, galleries, corporations, public and private institutions, schools and
charities, heralding a new era of ‘responsible’ investment in art.
We have an extensive network of both emerging and established artists and work
with an increasing portfolio of charitable organisations, most recently The Lady
Taverners, Elizabeth Finn Care, The Teenage Cancer Trust, Save the Children, The
Magic Bus and ARCC. Please visit us online at www.artbenefact.com
ARTBENEFACT CONSULTANTS :
Advertorial Feature
C
riterion Auctions of London have been
established since 1989 in Islington
and have become an institution in London,
with two central salerooms in Islington
and Wandsworth. We offer a friendly,
professional, reliable and prompt service.
We have more than 1,200 lots on
offer every week with Monday sales and
viewings over the weekends. With over
100 antiques sales yearly and regular
specialised sales, we offer an eclectic array
of antique and contemporary furniture, art,
silver, jewellery, porcelain, collectables and
unusual decorative items.
We have a team of experienced staff who
ensure you will receive the highest level of
www.calibreinsights.com
service whether buying or selling.
For a free appraisal please
email inquiries or photographs to
valuations@criterionauctioneers.com
ellmans prides itself on offering
a professional and confidential
service in the sale of your antiques
and collector’s items. The Bellmans team
of fully qualified specialists are able
to provide valuations at the Sussex
saleroom and at the London office.
JENNIFER TWOMEY LLB Hons
DAVIDONA DE WINTON
jennifer@artbenefact.com
davidona@artbenefact.com
Bellmans caters for both small and
large consignments, having the facility
to host single-owner-collection auctions.
Bellmans offers diverse and eclectic sales,
providing all our consigners with the
perfect platform to sell your most prized
and cherished items.
ARTBenefact is an initiative by Resipole at The Drey LLP.
criterionauctioneers.com
41-47 Chaqtfield Road,
London SW11 3SE
T: 0207 228 5563
53 Essex Road,
London N1 2SF
T: 0207 3595707
valuations@criterionauctioneers.com
Pair of Chinese yellow
ground-oval jardinieres.
Sold for £10,500
Art Deco platinum and
diamond set panel shaped ring.
Sold for £8,200
19th-century Continental
grey painted side cabinet.
Sold for £1,200
Landscape with rainbow,
attributed to Joseph Wright
of Derby.
Sold for £135,000
Egyptian revival enameled,
diamond, ruby and emerald
set bangle.
Sold for £4,500
T: 01403700858
bellmans.co.uk
enquiries@bellmans.co.uk
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
10
PERIOD HOMES
LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR
Welcome to Arts, Antiques & Pastimes, one in a series of themed
publications from CALIBRE, the new mature man’s quarterly magazine
T
his publication features a
series of themed articles
covering the world of
arts and antiques, from fairs
and galleries to vintage toys and
old vinyl records. Could there
be something of value hiding in
your attic?
In our range of Insights
publications we aim to give
our readers an intelligent and
diversified look at the usual
perspectives surrounding the activities and interests closest
to them. We have included a broad summary of the world
of arts and antiques, with insights ranging from the current
trends in interior design to the history and development of
the first wristwatches and mass-production electric guitars
– we hope there is something for everyone.
You might be inspired to see what is of value in your
home, or perhaps just to redecorate – after all, there could
be a long-forgotten childhood collection somewhere,
gathering dust and accumulating value.
In Alan Walker’s ‘A Grand Day Out’ piece (page 4) he
explins that an increase in awareness of antiques and the
spread of information means the relationship people have
with antiques has shifted perceptibly, placing the ball in the
buyer’s court, but obviously caveat emptor is one maxim
that still must apply.
The theme of our next publication will be Sports, Leisure
& Pastimes, so we’ll be aiming to sagaciously blend useful
facts and figures on new gadgets and scientific matters that
might be affecting your health and your pocket.
Staying with this issue for the moment, on the previous
page (page 8) you will find our competition feature. We
have teamed up with the world famous Dartington Crystal
to offer you something stylish and timeless for your home.
You can get your hands on this by entering the free prizedraw online.
CALIBRE Quarterly, our forthcoming 180-page luxury
lifestyle magazine for grown-up gentlemen, will also feature
timely advice on all things important to you and yours.
Each edition of CALIBRE Quarterly will feature exclusive
interviews with empathic public figures and social heroes;
allowing you to derive new insights and inspirations for the
road ahead.
On sale 27th March 2014, this new publication will
be full of more interesting, erudite and convivial articles.
You will also be able to join our CALIBRE Members club,
where we will be offering a wealth of exclusive offers and
experiences.
And if you really like it, why not take out a subscription
or go to our website calibreinsights.com to find out more?
Barnaby Dracup
Editor-in-Chief
Whatever you need to move
Hedley’s Art & Antiques Packing, Moving and Storage
www.hedleyshumpers.com
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
.
+44 20 8965 8733
L O N D O N . PA R I S . N E W Y O R K . AV I G N O N
An independent supplement distributed with the Mail on Sunday on behalf of Absolute Publishing which takes sole responsibility for its content
PERIOD HOMES
11
THE COUNTRY HOUSE SALE
NOW ACCEPTING
ENTRIES
Now accepting good-quality
entries of paintings, works
of art clocks, furniture
& Chinese ceramics
Advertorial Feature
• Free valuations, advice and guidance
for individual items, house contents
and collections
• Free collection service
• International online auction
with live internet bidding
• An opportunity to ensure your
possessions realise their maximum
potential in the global art and
antique market
Date of sale:
Wednesday 16 July 2014
Early 18th-century chinoiserie bracket clock,
sold for £4,000
Oil on panel by William Charles Thomas
Dobson, sold for £9,600.
Part of an important single private owner
collection that realised £60,000
19th-century Chinese porcelain vase, sold
for £9,000
Entries close Friday 6 June 2014
Contact
Luke Bodalbhai
Boningtons Ltd, Auctioneers & Valuers, Old Station Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 4PE
02085084800 admin@boningtons.com boningtons.com
BELGRAVIA GALLERY
NELSON MANDELA
THE LONG WALK TO FREEDOM
Lithographs, Photographs & Drawings
6 January – 10 February 2014
Advertorial Feature
F
ollowing their success in selling signed lithographs based
on watercolours by HRH The Prince of Wales, Belgravia
Gallery was asked to launch artworks by Nelson Mandela.
Owners of the gallery are mother and daughter Anna Hunter
and Laura Walford, who had the privilege of spending a
morning with Mandela at his Johannesburg home signing
the works, and again on Robben Island where he attended a
dinner and spoke of his love of drawing and colour.
The inspirational and iconic works express his intention
to triumph over tragedy and to look to the future.
All works come with a full signature authentication and
may be seen in their London gallery.
Voted Best Art Gallery in The Mayfair Awards 2013
45 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4JL
laura@belgraviagallery.com
020 7495 1010
belgraviagallery.com
www.calibreinsights.com
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
12 PERIOD HOMES
PERIOD HOMES
Out with the new, in with the old, the current popularity of antique,
reclaimed and vintage interior décor is greater than it ever was
D
ecorative antiques and interiors
have seen a persistent surge in
interest over the past few years, with
undiminished demand from growing numbers
of both professional decorators and private
buyers. Antique interior design fairs, with
their objet d’art and ceramic collectibles,
are consistently en vogue and the revival of
reclaimed ‘traditional’ styles has definitely
captured the public imagination.
Nadine Davies, of the Architectural
Forum (thearchitecturalforum.com), has
worked with such famous names as Ralph
Lauren and Selfridges and made numerous
television appearances. She notes, “The
current passion for antique and reclaimed
interiors is mostly driven by trends. At the
moment, there’s an awful lot of exposure
to these styles through the media, and there
has literally been a whole market that’s
grown up around it.”
As famous British designer Paul Smith
was quoted as saying, “After many years
of minimalism and simplicity, I think
people want to add more personality into
their homes.” Indeed, antique interior
design is often the starting point for
interior des igners and private buyers
seeking a unique look – a look and
“Business has improved
massively because of the
Internet, people are very
short of time. Now the ‘worn’
look has become fashionable,
customers are not so worried
by cosmetic damage”
feel that is an antidote to the modern
world, creating evocative ‘emotional’
environments within their dwellings.
Current trends are for good, traditional
furniture and decorations, with a strong
lean towards a country feel. Perhaps due
to the current climate of austerity, people
are attracted to this softer, more reassuring
look, with items of intrinsic and lasting
value being the most popular.
“Our business was established in 1988
and, since then, the demand has grown.
Recently a ‘make do and mend’ attitude
has resurfaced. This has encouraged people to lose their social fear of going into
secondhand shops. It’s become cool again,”
says Mrs Davies.
Inexpensive furnishings that hark back
to bygone times, to things that brought us
comfort in the past, could be considered
an understandable reaction to a general
zeitgeist of economic pessimism and depression. The style of an interior is greatly
shaped by the things in it, from antique
textiles and upholstered chairs, to original
vintage glass and ceramics. The selections
a buyer can make are vast and varied. For
the shrewd, such investments can often be
Continued on page 14 »
Antique stained glass church windows: A pair of
impressive original stained glass church windows
depicting Saint John and Saint Luke.
LONDON
ARCHITECTURAL
SALVAGE
Advertorial Feature
B
ased in North London, the
Architectural Forum has been
a treasure trove of architectural
salvage for over 25 years.
Specialising in antique fireplaces and
original cast iron radiators, the Architectural
Forum is an essential destination for those
seeking original features for their home,
small or large. The impressive array of items
is largely salvaged from within London, often
with exceptional provenance from notable
buildings across the city. Its unique range is
frequently snapped up by interior designers
of top restaurants and well-known stores
wanting something special as a centrepiece.
The large showroom houses everything
from retro furniture and industrial lighting to
precious antique curiosities. The yard, located
just around the corner, offers reclaimed
flooring, antique doors, period bathroom
fittings, and pub, school and church fittings.
With many years’ experience, owners Jason
and Nadine offer expert advice to help you
find the perfect features for your space.
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
thearchitecturalforum.com
T: 020 7704 0982
An independent supplement distributed with the Mail on Sunday on behalf of Absolute Publishing which takes sole responsibility for its content
PERIOD HOMES
13
WHO DESIGNS FURNITURE FOR
INTERIORS LIKE THIS?
Fine English furniture expert, Jonathan Sainsbury, uses 18th- and 19th-century design and
craftsmanship to create some of the most magnificent furniture and mirrors available today.
By Charlotte Birtles
Advertorial Feature
I
had, I suppose, what you might like
to call a standing invitation to visit
an old friend who had moved to rural
Herefordshire some time ago. I knew she
loved antique furniture and that she now
lived in a Georgian rectory, near Ledbury,
which I thought would display her collection
to better effect. By chance an opportunity
recently occurred to call on her and we
arranged to meet at her house.
I was not at all surprised at what I found
there. Apart from a lovely garden the house
was full of the most beautiful antiques. I
spotted a Sheraton sideboard and a pair
of Chippendale Gainsborough chairs. On
showing me around, I was amazed when
she told me that the mirror in the hall was
not an original William Kent and that in
fact the chairs I had so admired were not
Chippendale. Somewhat reluctantly my
friend revealed that they were actually
made for her by a period furniture expert
in Dorset. She was reticent in revealing
his name to me as she knew he likes to
keep a low profile, as many of his clients
want their friends (and in some cases
their family) to believe that the admired
piece is in fact an original. In the end, I
managed to wheedle out of her the name
of Jonathan Sainsbury.
I was intrigued to find out more about
him and arranged to meet him at his
workshop in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset. I
was warmly greeted by Jonathan dressed as
the archetypal English country gentleman in
tweeds and a Hermes neck scarf.
His office, although classical in design,
contained an eclectic and fascinating mix
of quirky one-off pieces. As he showed
me around the workshop it felt like time
had stood still — an enormous library
containing piles of 18th-century furniture
designs, the smell of freshly carved wood,
and an array of chisels — and I wondered
if Chippendale’s workshop would have
differed much from this.
Jonathan explained how the business
has been in the Sainsbury family for five
generations and he was not abashed to
“Each piece is designed
and made by skilled
craftsmen in the
workshop under
my supervision”
let me know he was an expert in period
furniture, with particular reference to the
Georgian and Regency periods.
“Each piece is designed and made by
skilled craftsmen in the workshop under
my supervision,” he said. “We have an
unrivalled position in the field of fine
furniture making as we’re able to utilise the
expert knowledge passed down through the
generations. We are proud to be keeping
these traditional skills alive.”
I asked if he would reveal to me if there
were any members of the royal family or
celebrities among his clients as I felt that
might make good copy! But he was adamant
that he would not give the name of any
of his clients as he knew they valued their
anonymity.
Jonathan went on to explain how
collectors and interior decorators often find
it difficult to locate that special item for a
particular place in the house.
He continued: “With the rapid
escalation in the price of original antiques of
exceptional quality in recent years, together
with the difficulty in finding such pieces, the
furniture we make commend themselves.”
He believes, with justification, that the
market for bespoke furniture is enjoying a
revival. “A piece of furniture or a mirror,
well made and pleasing to the eye, will
inevitably have longevity and desirability
and therefore makes for a very good
investment,” he added.
As I looked at the lines of a Chippendale
chair I could see that this furniture, with
its distinctive English design, works as well
in today’s interiors as in those for which
they were originally designed by the great
masters.
With the depth and detail of carving
that a genuine Chippendale has, Jonathan
Sainsbury is able to make heirloom pieces
that will be cherished and handed down
through future generations. A glance around
the workshop revealed, at various stages of
design, tables, chairs, sideboards, mirrors,
wall lights and brackets, lamps and stools,
so obviously there are many people who
agree with him.
On the way home I thought what an
astute friend I had in Herefordshire.
Please call Jonathan Sainsbury Ltd on 01258 857 573 or email info@jonathan-sainsbury.com to make an appointment. Please visit jonathan-sainsbury.com to view
the full range of furniture and mirrors. Jonathan Sainsbury Ltd has rapidly gained an international reputation for supplying the finest handmade mirrors and furniture.
The company works closely with top international designers, private clients and the National Trust. Work has ranged from supplying fine furniture and mirrors to
classical country houses, hotels, London residences and super yachts.
www.calibreinsights.com
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
14
PERIOD HOMES
» continued from page 12
This antique Victorian Glastonbury chair dating from the late 19th century was reclaimed from an old church. The chair is solid oak and
has Gothic Revival touches. The 65 piece Stirling Silver is from maker H.J. Cooper & Co. Ltd and includes a carving set, serving spoons,
and is all contained within a lockable, teak box. A complete set such as this can fetch a fine price at auction.
profitable if you have an experienced eye when attending
fairs and other events.
“There’s an increased confidence in buying vintage items
now. Where before buyers might not have been so certain,
they now appreciate that items of old manufacture are generally much better quality. Antique, vintage or reclaimed
furnishings are still around for a reason and that long lasting
durability and uniqueness of style just can’t be found on the
high street today,” says Mrs Davies.
Ceramics particularly continue to be popular among
interiors enthusiasts, although the purchasing behaviour
of collectors has changed over the last few years. Famous
names in the ceramics world include Moorcroft, Royal
Doulton and Burleigh, all of which are still surviving today,
although in a different form to that in which they were
originally developed.
Moorcroft was founded in 1897 and is still a leader in
the world of art pottery, developing new ranges with its own
distinctive style and selling products all over the world,
very much as it has since its heyday in the mid-1920s.
Royal Doulton is a household name dating back to 1851
and nowadays manufactures modern ceramics as well as
practical ranges for all household applications. The Burleigh
ceramics business was also established in 1851 and is still
making a pure English earthenware product today. Pieces
from these famous makers are highly sought after and keeneyed collectors are occasionally lucky.
The United Kingdom is considered globally as the best
ground to cover in the search for such antiques, due to
its rich history of conquest, invasion, continental trade
and invention. The Internet has also helped play a role in
opening up our markets to international buyers and for
collectors of any calibre. The UK’s reclamation businesses
and antiques fairs are among the most desirable – not only
due to this depth of variety, but also due to cost.
As Mrs Davies points out, “Business has improved
massively because of the internet, people are very short of
time. Now the antique ‘worn’ look has become fashionable,
customers are not so worried by cosmetic damage.
“We ship internationally right across the world from
America, to Japan and Australia. The interest in what we offer
comes from the price. There are a few reclamation dealers in
New York that are astronomically priced. For example we
have customers in Sydney and Sweden who buy from us all
the time because they love the antique look – and resources in
their own countries are slim and the markets really expensive.
Logistically, it’s simply more cost efficient for them.”
Testament to this international appeal is the size and
scale of the International Antiques and Collectors Fairs
(IACF). The IACF organise the largest antiques fairs in the
UK, with a total of 33 antique fairs in six different locations across the country each year. With over 150,000
public and 60,000 trade buyers annually from across the
world at their events, the IACF’s flagship show, held in
Newark, justifiably holds the title of largest antiques fair
in Europe. As an event that is expanding year-on-year,
it is a sure indicator the appetite for period design,
traditional interiors and antique objet d’art is here to
stay for the long term.
COLLINS AND HAYES
Quality British furniture at its best
Advertorial Feature
C
ollins and Hayes have been designing,
developing and manufacturing
upholstered furniture for over 140 years
and is one of the few truly British furniture
manufacturers in the UK today.
Our furniture is constructed from
the highest quality materials using both
traditional and modern techniques. We offer
a large selection of fabrics and leathers,
selected from all over the world, to enhance
and complement our furniture.
Every piece is individually hand-made to
meet our customers’ specific requirements
and we offer a bespoke service to allow
greater individuality. Comfort and
durability are essential and to this end, all
our furniture designs are archived, which
means nothing is discontinued. So, should
you wish to add to, refresh or replace your
favourite furniture, you can.
At Collins and Hayes we’re proud to be
able to offer you such a wide and wonderful
choice of products. We hope you’ll be as
proud to have us in your home.
Visit our website:
collinsandhayes.com
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
An independent supplement distributed with the Mail on Sunday on behalf of Absolute Publishing which takes sole responsibility for its content
PERIOD HOMES
15
KINGHAMS ART POTTERY LTD
Advertorial Feature
E
stablished in 2011, Kinghams Art Pottery
is the latest incarnation of George
Kingham’s blossoming 23-year career in the
antiques marketplace. George specialises in
British Art Pottery and factories that include
Doulton, Wedgwood, Moorcroft, William
De Morgan, Martin Brothers, Della Robbia,
Ruskin and collaborations in contemporary
design with Dennis China Works.
A distinguished reputation, extensive
knowledge, integrity and passion have
established George as one of the market’s
leading dealers of British Art Pottery. Now
settled in the heart of the Cotswolds, he is
a treasured member of organisations BADA
and CADA and a regular face at the leading
British and international antique shows,
having exhibited at Olympia, Blenheim
Palace, Harrogate, New York and Miami.
George has gained prominence for owning
and being involved in the sale of some of
the most rare and sought after pieces of
Martinware, fetching previously unheard
of prices of up to £250,000.
Successfully building and maintaining
concrete relationships with varied clientele
and sourcing the highest quality pieces
continues to be George’s passion. With
another exciting year ahead, George will be
exhibiting at the BADA Antiques and Fine
Art Fair at Duke of York Square, London,
19-25 March, as well as the CADA Art and
Antiques Fair at Blenheim, 3-6 April.
Kinghams Art Pottery Ltd
PO Box 60, Chipping Campden,
Gloucestershire GL55 9AH
T: 01386 840334 / 07976 919836
E: george@kinghamsartpottery.com
RACHEL TALBOT | Fine Art Bronze
W
e are very pleased to be showing Rachel Talbot’s beautiful fine art bronze
sculpture.Her pieces are uniquely modern with there vibrant patinas yet elegantly
classic and timeless in style.
Her attention to detail is above and beyond, not to mention the distinct english
humour that is celebrated the world over. Rachel exhibits her work across the
country in a number of exclusive galleries.
www.racheltalbotsculpture.com
E | info@racheltalbotsculpture.com
www.calibreinsights.com
M | 07791 783353 T | 01538 398 150
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
16
FACE VALUE
FACE VALUE
Coins, banknotes and stamps may have fallen out of favour in this digital age,
but there is still great interest from the alternative investment sector
Mike Abramov
N
o doubt, some of our generation at some point or another
started to collect stamps when we were kids. The Xbox
was 50 years in to the future and the TV offered two
channels. How on earth did we get through childhood without
all the distractions that our children and grandchildren now have?
Simple, we read, we played in the streets and if our parents were
well-off, we had a bike. Some of us got the bug for collecting and in
our local sweetshop, packets of 10 stamps would have been available.
These were mostly franked and used stamps from countries that we
could only dream about, which was probably part of the charm.
Little did we know that, later in life, stamp collections would
become an alternative investment.
In 1840, the GPO, of blessed memory, introduced the pre-paid
delivery service for letters. Prior to this logical step, the postal service
relied upon the recipient to pay for the letter. Needless to say, this
proved a problem on more than one occasion.
The first stamp, as everyone knows here in Britain, was the
1d Black (or Penny Black for those not familiar with pre-decimal
currency). This was a dull monochrome depiction of Queen
Victoria’s head. The following day the 2d Blue was issued and
then a year later the 1d Red.
“However, like any
investment, you
need to be picky,
careful and focused.
Coin enthusiasts,
like philatelists,
have realised that
quality always
pays for itself in
the long run”
For those people who had the foresight, stamps had started to become
a ‘series’. In any sphere of collecting, if your collection can demonstrate a
series of date issues or a chronological running order, you are halfway to
whetting the appetite of potential buyers.
With stamps, British and French colonial examples are always popular
and command high prices because this is a bygone era; in many cases there
are no further issues past a given date.
About face
If there was ever a more reliable piece of evidence to pinpoint when and
where a king or emperor lived and ruled, you can normally rely upon the
coins found in circulation at that time. I believe it was Alexander the Great
who first came up with an extension of his ego being cast on to coins for his
short reign. The variety of metals used for coins was a simple way of placing
some monetary value on goods in the market place. Bartering was all well
and good in a very small economy, but when you have an empire, you need
a common denominator.
Along with war medals, this area of collecting in the last ten years has
exploded. However, like any investment, you need to be picky, careful and
focused. Coin and medal collectors, like stamp collectors, have realised that
quality always pays for itself in the long run.
Continued on page 18 »
COLLECTABLES FROM GUERNSEY POST
ww
O
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Guernsey Post has issued its own stamps since 1969 and
er LI ER
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during this time we have produced many unusual and
ey E
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A real collectors item!
For more information please look at our web site:
www.guernseystamps.com
2013 STAMP YEARBOOK
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The complete
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The Thomas De La Rue Guernsey £1 note has been
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Supplied in mint uncirculated condition these are a
popular collectors item!
For a full list of our collectables go online today!
Guernsey Philatelic Bureau
Envoy House, La Vrangue, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 5SS, C.I.
Tel: +44 (0)1481 716486 Fax: +44 (0)1481 712082
E-mail: philatelic@guernseypost.com
Anz_Sunday-Mail-2013 Pfade.indd 1
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
09.12.13 10:16
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17
ARTHUR BRYANT COINS
For all collectors
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Art, Antiques & Pastimes
18
FACE VALUE
» continued from page 16
P
hil McDermott of the Worcester
Medal Service (worcmedals.com)
has seen an increase in the interest in
medals as investment pieces and collector’s
items. “There certainly has been an upswing
in interest due to the public not wanting to
invest in the usual places because of economic uncertainty,” he explains. Medals
are very strong at the moment – the prices
have been consistently good and are always
achieving record prices – any London
auction will see record prices being set.”
Condition grading in coins and medals
is as important as their age and origin. You
can buy a bag of Roman bronze coins for
about ten pounds. You will then be holding
and feeling the life, times and vibrations
of a long deceased empire. But remember,
even the Romans dumped them when they
left England.
However, a Charles XI Silver Crown
dated 1664 in ‘Fine Plus’ grade will cost over
£400. But try telling your better-half you are
going to blow £400 on a piece of silver which
in itself is only worth £40 scrap metal value –
just promise it will continue to gain value!
When a fiver is worth fifty quid
These Mauritius Post Office stamps dating from 1847 are the first British Empire
stamps produced outside Great Britain. With only 27 in existence, a letter with two
of these was valued at around £2m.
In the 14th century the Chinese realised
that carrying silver and gold had become
not only burdensome but also dangerous,
so the concept of the first banknote was
introduced. The hobby of collecting banknotes is relatively new when compared to
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this history and it was not until 1961 that
the International Banknote Society was
established. Early banknotes were made of
silk and some of paper. In 1694, off the back
of the South Sea Bubble, the Bank of England
was inaugurated. This also led to the printing
of the first one-pound notes. These notes
came with a serial number and fine artwork.
Bearing in mind the concept of series,
you now had the foundations for a potential
collectible. However, it was 300 years later
that the hobby very slowly took off. The
probable reason for this delay is that a
banknote is merely a ‘promissory’ note and
implies a currency value – the note in itself
has no actual worth.
In the 1960s all the European empires
started to lose members of their realm.
The French, English and Dutch colonies
stopped printing colonial currency. A lot
was destroyed. However, a good proportion
was saved from the furnaces and this is now
a highly collectible area.
As to what stimulates you as a collector
is a matter of taste and passion. The golden
rule with anything though is quality and
rarity, if you can afford it.
Coins, medals and stamps and banknotes are mostly available from Internet
auction sites these days, but there are many
specialist fairs out there, such as StampEx,
(philatelic-traders-society.co.uk) which is
a twice-yearly show held in London every
Spring and Autumn. Happy hunting.
Visit Europe’s Premier Stamp Show...
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With over 100 stands, including the world’s biggest names in stamps.
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Come and visit the always popular Royal Mail stand. Special Stampex
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For kids of all ages there is The Stamp Active Network, with various free
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Or just pop along and enjoy hundreds of interesting exhibits, including
the British National Stamp Exhibition.
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Complimentary Catalogue and Postcard when you visit
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Art, Antiques & Pastimes
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PROUD MEMBER
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FACE VALUE
19
World Wide insert_World Wide insert.qxd 16/01/2014 15:50 Page 1
“When I was 8 years of age, my
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ENJOY STAMPS and learn about the world
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Art, Antiques & Pastimes
20
MODEL CITIZENS
MODEL CITIZENS
The difference between men and boys is the size of the toys, or so the saying goes – whether
true or not, the interest in Airfix kits, Dinky toys and Hornby trains has never really waned
R
ailway modelling and vintage toys
such as the famous Dinky and
Hornby brands hold a perennial
fascination among enthusiasts of all ages.
The first model railway club in the
world was established over 100 years ago
in 1910, near the site of one of the world’s
most famous stations, King’s Cross in
London. Rail modelling has developed in
its sophistication since its inception; the
earliest model railways were known as
‘carpet railways’, so called because the
engine was simply pushed along the floor
without a track. These were introduced
around the 1840s but it was not until the
start of the 20th century that crude electric
trains began to appear.
At first, these basic model railways
were not built to scale but international
manufacturers and hobbyists soon developed de facto standards for their products
to allow interchangeability. Model trains
today are far more accurate and realistic,
with modellers constructing accurately
scaled railway and railroad scenes, known
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
apart from the obvious interest in
as ‘layouts’, often recreating real locations
trains, there is the enjoyment of personal
and periods in history with their intricately
creativity, and immersion in a micro world
detailed tableau.
of your own creation,” says Mike Lloyd,
Railway modelling has its fans the world
Publicity Manager of The Model Railway
over. Famously, musician Rod Stewart has
Club (themodelrailwayclub.org).
a 1940s period replica of New York’s
“The involvement
Grand Central Station in
of many different
his house. Pete
skill sets – consWaterman, of
truction, painting,
Stock Aitken
mechanical,
& Waterman
electrical and
pop fame, is
electronic, not to
said to have
mention historical
started out as
research, all add
a train spotter
to the wide range
and is still a
of fascinating
keen railway
elements. In
modeller today.
addition there is
Two other
n ha m s
always something new
famous rail
Im age: Bo
to try and do, combined with the challenge
modellers are
of always improving – no layout or model is
presenter Michael Palin and musician
ever perfect!”
Jools Holland.
So is it the collector’s quest for
“Railway modelling has a number of
perfection that can drive them to keep
different appeals to different people, but
seeking that perfect scene or toy from
the past?
“Collecting, as a facet of human nature,
can cover almost any subject. Vintage toys
and memorabilia also hold a nostalgic
element. Perhaps one could not afford to
have these things as a child? Investing in
toys can also have a satisfying monetary
reward whilst gratifying the human desire to
own rare and desirable things,” says Kathy
Taylor, dolls and teddy bears expert at
Vectis Toy Auctions (vectis.co.uk).
She continues, “I can remember toys
were only given for Christmas and birthday
presents and had to be looked after. Those
British manufactured Pedigree Sindy Dolls
and Palitoy Action Men were also handed
down to younger kids when we had grown
tired of them. We didn’t have the quantity
of affordable toys available in today’s
consumer, throw-away society.”
Perhaps it is this connection to a past
where toys were much more precious than
today that drives memorabilia. Vintage toys
Continued on page 22 »
An independent supplement distributed with the Mail on Sunday on behalf of Absolute Publishing which takes sole responsibility for its content
MODEL CITIZENS
21
FULL STEAM AHEAD
Advertorial Feature
I
n today’s world surrounded by
technology, you would be excused for
thinking that model railways would
be a dying hobby, however nothing could
be further from the truth. Platform Models
model shop is pleased to announce it’s
opened up a new shop and has joined forces
with Model Railway Solutions — a producer
of model railway baseboard systems. This
offers a ‘one-stop shop’ for anyone wanting
to get started in the hobby or grow an
existing layout. All prices in the model shop
are 10% below the RRP and it offers an
ordering service for items not in stock, plus
the baseboards from MRS come in 27 sizes,
including its excellent helix kits, in two
ranges: Advanced and Premium.
“Platform Models model shop is pleased to
announce it’s opened a new shop and joined
forces with Model Railway Solutions, a
producer of model railway baseboard systems”
Address: 10-12 Alder Hills, Poole, Dorset BH12 4AL. T: 01202 798068. Or take a look
at its online shops at platformmodelsltd.co.uk and modelrailwaysolutions.co.uk
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Landaulet. The Queen. Ltd. 99. £120 each
BHM Majesty MC 01/2 1938 Rover P2 4/6 light
saloon. Choice. £89.99 each
BHM Majesty MC 05 1962 Hillman Super
Minx. Choice. £94.99 each
BHM Majesty MC 06 1962 Singer Vogue.
Choice. £88.95 each
BHM Majesty MC 03/4 1948 Rover P3 4/6
light. Choice. £94.99 each
BHM Britannia BC 23 1950 Phantom IV LGP
10, Princess Elizabeth. Ltd. 150. £99.95 each
BHM Majesty MC 07 1967 Cortina MkII 1600E,
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Art, Antiques & Pastimes
22
MODEL CITIZENS
» continued from page 20
are among some of the most collectable
items in the world, with rare examples
fetching premium prices and large collections
commanding the world stage – with frequent
sales at such auspicious venues as Sotheby’s
and Bonhams auction houses. Some of
these collections can catalogue the changing
trends and designs of toys from the earliest
examples, to more modern vintage pieces.
Image: Bonhams
“Toy making has changed considerably
throughout history – governed by the
materials available and fashion trends. Many
of the early toys were only affordable if you
were rich and they were also rather delicate.
For example, the early bisque and wax dolls
were so fragile they were only played with on
Sundays and under supervision from adults,”
Mrs Taylor observes.
Despite having a connection to an
uncomplicated past, the current market
for vintage toys is driven by the speed and
efficiency of Internet transactions. The ease
of cataloguing, ordering and delivering these
types of items has greatly influenced sales,
with many shops and even home-hobbyists
having websites available for trade or the
sharing of information.
One classic stalwart of the toys and
modelling industry is Airfix. This company
was founded in 1939 by Hungarian Nicholas
Kove, who, with an eye for business, developed the name of the brand so it would
appear first alphabetically in the toy catalogues of the time.
Woolworths wanted a retail price for the
kits of two shillings, so in order to meet this
demand Airfix changed the packaging from
a cardboard box to a plastic bag fixed to a
paper header, inside which were the assembly
instructions. This first venture between Airfix
and the high street retailer proved to be a huge
success, leading the company to produce many
new designs, the first of which was a model
of the Supermarine Spitfire, in 1:72 scale,
released in 1955.
Also back in the 1950s a craze for Dinky
Toys was sweeping the United Kingdom
and it was common for some households to
have a collection, large or small, coveted by
children and adults alike.
The origins of Dinky toys begin with
that other famous vintage name, Frank
Image: Andy Dingley
Hornby, the inventor of Meccano. Frank
Hornby was a clerk from Liverpool who,
in 1901, invented and patented a boxedtoy called Mechanics Made Easy which
featured various ‘construction’ pieces
and was based on the basic principles
of mechanical engineering. As these
construction kits gained in popularity they
eventually became known as Meccano and
gained worldwide distribution. Hornby
soon registered the Meccano trade mark in
1907, finally forming the famous Meccano
Ltd company in 1908. The word Meccano
is thought to have been derived from the
phrase ‘make and know’.
The first Meccano trains began to appear
under the name of Hornby in the 1920s. It
was also around this time Meccano began
to manufacture items of countryside and
railway scenery to compliment these toy
trains. Building on this, in 1933 Meccano
issued their ‘Modelled Miniatures’ series
of railway and trackside accessories, and in
the April 1934 issue of Meccano Magazine
they were given the name ‘Dinky Toys’ for
the first time.
Legend has it the name Dinky comes
from a friend of one of Frank Hornby’s
daughters, and was likely derived from
the Scottish word ‘dink’ meaning neat or
fine. The Dinky name survived for many
decades until sadly the famous Binns Road
factory in Liverpool closed its doors in
November 1979.
EXPO Drills & Tools offer thousands of Quality Products for
Modelmaking, Restoration, Horology and Electronics.
View all of our products and find your local stockists at: www.expotools.com
EXPO Drills & Tools, Unit 6, The Salterns, Tenby SA70 7NJ Tel: 01834 845150
Mailonsunday.indd 1
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
15/12/13 4:52:47 am
An independent supplement distributed with the Mail on Sunday on behalf of Absolute Publishing which takes sole responsibility for its content
MODEL CITIZENS
23
MERCATOR TRADING
Probably the best selection of vintage
collectable lead figures on the web!
22ND & 23RD
MARCH
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ALEXANDRA PALACE, N22 7AY
In Association with The Model Railway Club
Advertorial Feature
H
ollow cast lead figures have been
collected for over 100 years.
Perfected by William Britain in the
late 19th century, the technique of hollowcasting became the method of manufacture
for a vast range of English-made toy figures.
Now antiques, these delightful
depictions of a bygone world have proved
an enduring and enjoyable collectable and
provide heirlooms that future generations
will appreciate and enjoy.
The collector can choose a subject of
personal interest - street life, farm or village
scenes, visits to the Zoo, Circus or Music
Hall, British military might, even miniature
gardening - and create pictures into the past,
charming conversation pieces.
Buy best-condition, boxed items, research
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Nostalgic themes such as London
street life will always have an appeal that
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Art, Antiques & Pastimes
24
HIDDEN GEMS
HIDDEN GEMS
T
he passion for antique and vintage
jewellery can be driven as much by
the personal individuality of the
collector wanting to own a unique piece,
as by the bargain-hunter’s instinct to track
down something of rare worth and value.
With the explosion of modern fashion
trends, there has come a great demand for
the vintage look, subsequently leading to
a rise in those searching for uniqueness in
their jewellery.
“Individuality is a key factor,” says
Anthea Gesua, fine antiques dealer at Grays,
(graysantiques.com). “Most pieces are
unique and you rarely see exactly the same
piece twice. There is no doubt fashion has
influenced the demand for vintage jewellery.
Programmes like Downtown Abbey,
Boardwalk Empire, and Mad Men have all
helped bring fabulous antique and vintage
designs into the mainstream.”
It is generally considered that 1920 is
the cut-off point for the definition of antique
jewellery, with ‘vintage’ being dated as from
the 1920s up to around 1980, with anything
after being considered as simply ‘modern’.
The Art Deco era ran from the 1920s to
the 1940s, with some jewellery of this style
appearing up to 1950. Next was the Retro
era, running from 1945 to the late 1950s,
which was also the cocktail era, so designs
were big, bright and bold. The 1960s and
1970s featured the usual evocative symbols
from this era with charm bracelets, large
silver bangles and ‘flower power’ imagery
featuring heavily. As for the 1980s, it can be
easy to find examples from this decade, with
many dealers and traders now including
this in their jewellery offerings. The styles
will be typical of the time: large, brash and
overstated. However, regardless of what era
it is from, in general jewellery was of a much
higher quality than what is available today.
“Diamonds will always
be a girl’s best friend”
“One reason people buy antique
jewellery is that the quality can be much
better than modern counterparts,” says
Robin Haydock, fine antique jewellery
dealer at Grays. “A lot of pre-war European jewellery from the 1920s and 1930s
will have been hand-worked by skilled
craftsmen, many of whom would have
completed a classical seven-year apprenticeship. Buying a piece of antique
jewellery allows customers to tap into this
craftsmanship and quality of the past.
Thanks to the profusion of costume dramas and
retro fashions in the press and on television, antique
and vintage jewellery is in vogue like never before
The individuality of each piece is also
important, knowing you have something
that is not readily available on the highstreet
adds to the appeal.”
As with all antiques, condition makes a
big difference to its value, as does the name.
“People look for signatures and famous
design houses such as Cartier, Tiffany and
Van Cleef & Arpels. With signed pieces of
jewellery you are buying a piece of history
with its own personality. Buyers like to
make a connection with those longstanding
brands that are associated with luxury,”
says Mrs Gesua.
All other factors being equal, when
considering the cost and heritage of a
piece of vintage or antique jewellery, it
is more than likely to be less expensive
than its equivalent modern piece. This
obviously makes glad tidings for enthusiasts
and bargain hunters. Today’s fashion
conscious jewellery hunters can revamp and
compliment their outfits with relative ease
while still exercising frugality. Mrs Gesua
observes, “Each era has its own style and
you can make vintage jewellery work with
modern clothes to create a really unique
look. People want to develop their own
style and wear jewellery that no one else
is likely to possess.”
With such rich, unique and evocative
apieces, the world of antique and vintage
jewellery is one that cannot fail to stir the
emotions. Add in the possibility of getting
good value for money, and it is easy to see
why jewellery of this nature is growing more
attractive to couples looking to tie the knot.
“We have increasing numbers of customers
coming to us for antique diamond engagement
rings,” says Mrs Gesua. “After all, diamonds
will always be a girl’s best friend.”
METAL DETECTING LETS YOU
UNCOVER HIDDEN TREASURE
Advertorial Feature
H
ave you ever thought about finding
your own antiques? Metal detecting
is a unique hobby, which enables you
to uncover hidden depths.
Since its origins in 1985 Minelab
has been, and still is, the world leader in
providing metal detecting technologies for
consumer, humanitarian de-mining and
military needs.
Metal detectors work by transmitting
an electromagnetic field from the search coil
into the ground. Any metal objects (targets)
within the electromagnetic field will become
energised and retransmit an electromagnetic
field of their own. Minelab metal detectors
are capable of discriminating between
different target types and can be set to
ignore unwanted targets, like beer cans.
You can take your detector with you
practically anywhere — the opportunities are
endless and limited only by your imagination.
Finds can be made everywhere, as we will
see with some amazing finds from the past
month in the British Isles. Guidelines on best
practice are available through the National
Council for Metal Detecting.
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
The big Scottish coin hoard
Gold ingot Viking or Bronze Age
Found with one of Minelab’s flagship
CTX3030s, this truly remarkable hoard is
a sight to behold. Found by Derek and Gus
in Scotland.
Found by Peter with Minelab’s CTX3030
on a recently ploughed field, you can feel his
excitement by reading his own description
of the find:
Gaucher of Châtillon 1313-22, continental
Sterling imitation silver penny (forgery)
Robert of Bethune 1305-22, continental
Sterling imitation silver penny (forgery)
‘Turns out I was holding a 23.4-gram
solid gold ingot of either Bronze Age or
Viking origin which is possibly the end of a
bar torc. It took me a while to stop shaking
but once I did I covered the area and logged
the Findpoint on my CTX3030. Amazing
doesn’t quite sum it up and I still struggle to
believe how lucky I am.
‘The ingot/torc end is presently passing
through the treasure process so hopefully in
the future I will get a more exact opinion on
its true identification.
‘Thanks once again to Minelab — this
find simply wouldn’t have happened without
my CTX3030.’
Gold noble, groats, pennies and
a Denarius!
Here is one more amazing find from last
month from Peter in the UK with Minelab
CTX3030. In Peter’s own words:
‘It was a full gold noble, we think of
Henry IV, which together with 10 groats
and three smaller hammered
coins is now going through the
treasure process to be formally
identified and recorded.
‘An amazing day that will
live long in the memory for me and proof
there are still many fantastic detectorists
around, as my friend not only had the
kindness to invite me in the first place, but
has also insisted I have a share in the hoard!’
Read more amazing finds at Minelab.com
or contact us at minelab@minelab.ie
for more information. And remember,
to detect responsibly, abiding by the
National Council of Metal Detecting’s
code of conduct.
An independent supplement distributed with the Mail on Sunday on behalf of Absolute Publishing which takes sole responsibility for its content
HIDDEN GEMS
25
CLASSIC VINTAGE WATCHES
& ANTIQUE JEWELLERY
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Using years of invaluable experience
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Art, Antiques & Pastimes
26
TIMELESS PIECES
TIMELESS PIECES
Timekeeping and the measurement of time have long been the subject of man’s
most complex creations – here we take a look through the brief history of horology
S
ince development of the sundial, time
and timekeeping have long fascinated
mankind. The study and collection
of watches, clocks and timepieces, known
as horology, has been of great interest to
amateurs and enthusiasts alike.
Modern horology has numerous organisations relating to it around the world,
including both professional associations and
more scholarly societies that offer training and other recognised courses for the
studious. Chief among these institutions is
the British Horological Institute (bhi.co.uk),
based at Upton Hall in England.
Founded in 1858 by a small group of
clockmakers, their aim was to unify the
British horological industry in the face
of foreign competition and the growing
number of clock and watch imports. It
proved to be an overnight success, within a
year founding its own museum and library
and offering formal classes in the finer arts
of timepiece manufacture.
Although clock and watchmaking
are pursuits famously associated with
the Swiss, England too has a rich and
innovative horological past.
Thomas Tompion (1639–1713)
was an English clockmaker and
watchmaker, affectionately
referred to as the ‘father of
English clock making’.
The time-measuring
machines he created
were of international
importance to the
advancement of science
and technology and his
private customers of the
time ranged from such
notables as King William
III of England to the Grand
Duke of Tuscany.
Tompion’s catalogue
of work features some of the
most historically important
clocks and watches in the world
(he produced commissions for
The Royal Society, Charles II and
designed a turret clock for the
Tower of London), with examples
of his work commanding very
high prices whenever good
specimens come to auction.
After the first clocks came the
wristwatch. The first ‘watch
bracelets’ were originally
developed as ladies
jewellery: it was world
famous Swiss
manufacturer,
Patek Philippe,
who created the
first wristwatch
in 1868 for
Countess Koscowicz of
Hungary. However, their
practicality was soon seized
upon by the military and by
1880 fellow Swiss maker GirardPerregaux had built on the
concept, constructing them for
German naval officers, by order of
Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany.
Indeed, one etymological explanation
of the origin of the verb ‘to watch’ is
that it came from the Old English word
‘woecce’ which meant ‘watchman’.
This stage in the wristwatch’s
evolution represented the first important
commercialisation of wristwatches for
men and subsequently their proliferation
throughout society after the First World War.
“Although clock and
watch making are pursuits
famously associated with
the Swiss, England too
has a rich and innovative
horological past”
In today’s world clocks are ubiquitous
– they are on our computers, phones
and walls – so it is no longer singular
practicality that drives the buyers or
collectors. With a collector’s economy
fuelling the prices at the higher-end
of the market for luxury timepieces, it
could be said that a keen eye for intricate
mechanisms and the aesthetically pleasing
Constant Girard produced the first ever
is what drives the fascination for clocks
major commercial wristwatch, made for
and watches among horologists and
German naval officers and ordered by
Hallmarking App Advert (Arts, Antiques & Pastimes) Qtr Page_Layout 1 17/12/2013 01:41 Page 1
laymen alike.
Kaiser Wilhelm I
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Clockmakers
to the world
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There are few names in the world
of public clockmaking that carry the
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We create and care for over 4,500 of
the best known iconic and public timepieces across the world, from St Paul’s
Cathedral in London to the Majlis Palace
in Oman; our timepieces are admired
the world-over.
Company skills are passed down from
generation to generation, while keeping
pace with technology, material and
design developments. We recognise
that true success is delivered through
collaboration and working in partnership
with the world’s best conservationists,
architects, designers and clients.
Important acquisitions through the
years have created a company with
the size and economy of scale to
ensure success.
We are proud of the heritage of names in our ‘stable’ of
clockmakers: John Smith & Sons (1856); William Potts
& Sons (1833); J B Joyce & Co (1690), G&F Cope & Co
(1845) and James Ritchie & Son, Edinburgh (1809).
www.smithofderby.com
Tel. 01332 345 569
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
EASILY WORK OUT THE AGE OF A PIECE OF JEWELLERY OR SILVERWARE
The App is available for iPhone/iPad as well as Android
devices, and enables users to quickly research and identify
the date letter on precious metal jewellery and silverware.
It includes date letters from the key Assay Offices in the UK
and Ireland, going back to 1544. Priced at £9.99, the App also
contains hallmark information, and is an invaluable tool for the
jewellery industry and the public.
DOWNLOAD THE APP TODAY!
TEL: 0871 871 6020 WWW.THEASSAYOFFICE.CO.UK
An independent supplement distributed with the Mail on Sunday on behalf of Absolute Publishing which takes sole responsibility for its content
TIMELESS PIECES
IN-TIME WATCH
SERVICES LTD
GARDINER
HOULGATE
Your Watch in Safe Hands
The Bath Auction Rooms
27
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T
Advertorial Feature
he largest horological, clock and
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Offering three dedicated specialist
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n-Time have provided a quality watch
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Each branch is fully equipped to carry
out on-site repairs to all watch brands,
including re-sealing and pressure testing of
water resistant watches.
Our specialist central workshop in
Southport, Merseyside, is an accredited
service centre for Swiss brands such as
Omega, Rado, and Longines. Repairs,
servicing and restoration to all kinds
of watches and items of jewellery are
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Our internet site provides customers
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Visit us at intime.co.uk/itp14 to find
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Art, Antiques & Pastimes
28
SPORTING GOLD
SPORTING GOLD
Investing in sporting memorabilia from our favourite sports teams
and sporting heroes can prove financially, as well as personally, fruitful
F
rom an early age, many of us passionately follow a sports team or
sporting hero, which more than often
becomes entwined in our own history.
This can lead to an avid interest in sports
equipment and memorabilia – an extension
into the past of ‘our’ sport and a reverence
for the sporting heroes of a bygone era.
Large scale sporting events can achieve
world wide fame and become entwined in
the public consciousness, such as England’s
legendary 1966 World Cup win. Sporting
memorabilia from this game is continually
popular among fans, collectors, and investors alike – whether they were actually
there to watch it or not. The most popular
forms of sports memorabilia are items the
teams or individual have actually played
with or have worn, such as balls, shirts,
and bats. The prices for these items increase
dramatically if they have been signed.
Other unusual examples of sporting
equipment that gain in value over time
are antique guns and country sports
goods. These are becoming more sought
after by collectors as investment items
calibre
advert_Layout
1 11/12/2013names
13:20 Page 1
and
guns
from the big-heritage
such as Purdey, Holland & Holland
and Boss can hold their value for many
generations. Guns with special providence
alwaysdo well at auction, and a famous. or
especially a Royal connection, will add to
the final sale price.
So for the prudent buyer, aside from
owning something amounting to a totem of
hero worship, what might start as a personal
investment can turn into monetary gain.
“Like many collectable asset categories,
sports memorabilia has continued to prosper.
2012 saw the world record for any item
of sports memorabilia set by Babe Ruth’s
earliest game-worn jersey at $4.4m (£2.7m).
This was a 17.8% per annum gain on the
previous record for Ruth’s memorabilia,
which was achieved in 2004.”
“Golf proved an incredibly popular
area in sports memorabilia investment
last year, with several high profile sales.
Late 2013 saw the world record for golfing
memorabilia, set by golfing legend Horton
Smith’s Green Jacket, from the 1934
Masters Tournament at £421,000,” says
Paul Fraser, of Paul Fraser Collectibles
(paulfrasercollectibles.com).
Spor tingold Ltd
Sports Auctioneer
Other exceptional sporting items,
such as the trunks Muhamman Ali
wore in the ‘Thrilla in Manila’
fight in 1975, have seen a massive
rise in sale value. The trunks
that Ali wore in this fight sold
at Heritage Auctions’ Vintage
Sports Collectibles sale in 2012
for $155,350 (£95,000) – a 55.3%
increase in value from the last time
they appeared at auction in the same year.
With an actual signature of The Greatest,
they were allegedly discovered in a locker
with details of the fight scrawled across
the front.
“This auction is a great example of a
knowledgeable investor capitalising on the
current buoyancy of the sports collectibles
market, and the power of Ali’s memorabilia
at auction,” says Mr Fraser.
“Many investors are looking to
diversify their portfolios – and that’s where
sporting memorabilia really stands out.
They can provide a valuable safe haven as
many assets, especially sports memorabilia,
are unaffected by the difficulties of the
stock markets.”
Aside from the nostalgia and heroic aura
that can surround sporting memorabilia,
this financial element means that its appeal
is looking set to endure for far longer than
ever before. Although their halcyon sporting
days may be long gone, due to the rarity and
high demand for memorabilia pieces, other
collectors and enthusiasts are sure to be more
than willing to compete for an item once
at auction – ensuring that the sporting and
competitive spirit remains alive.
Five Routes to High Quality Low Cost
Insurance for Collectors
ONE OF THE MAJOR UK SPORTING MEMORABILIA AUCTION HOUSES
Eight auctions held each year with over 1,000 Lots per auction,
covering football, cricket, rugby, golf , boxing, racing and many other
sports – entries include international caps, shirts, medals, programmes,
tickets, photographs, autographs and ephemera of all types.
All auctions are broadcast worldwide via the internet and take place
physically in Bucks.
WE TRAVEL NATIONWIDE TO VALUE AUCTION ENTRIES
OR FOR PROBATE AND INSURANCE PURPOSES
Leading UK auction house for football programmes, especially pre-1939
with an extensive customer base and many years expertise.
Sportingold acts for former players of all sports, collectors, dealers,
buyers and sellers with Lots valued from £10 - £10,000+
Visit our website
www.sportingold.co.uk
or
Telephone 01494 565921
for further details
Sportingold Ltd
Unit 7 Ministry Wharf
Saunderton
Bucks HP14 4HW
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
Connoisseur Policies can offer you a policy to
insure one item, a collection, or your whole
house and contents!
If you need Art cover, Jewellery cover, Watch cover, or cover for your Antiques
and Collectables on their own, we can provide this under the framework of our
Homes2Insure Household policy.
You can then choose to add other sections to your policy as and when you need
them, without having to complete a new form.
Tel: 01306 734600, or Email: aw@connoisseurpolicies.com
www.connoisseurpolicies.com
Connoisseur Policies Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Anthony Wakefield & Co. Ltd., South House,
21-37 South Street, Dorking, Surrey RH4 2JZ. Anthony Wakefield & Co. Ltd is authorised and regulated
by the Financial Conduct Authority. ‘Connoisseur’ is a registered trademark of Connoisseur Polices Limited
An independent supplement distributed with the Mail on Sunday on behalf of Absolute Publishing which takes sole responsibility for its content
SPORTING GOLD
29
LEADING SPECIALIST AUCTIONEERS
OF SPORTING MEMORABILIA
ALL SALES HELD AT SOTHEBY’S NEW BOND STREET
SALEROOM IN LONDON
FREE AUCTION APPRAISALS AND ADVICE
ENTRIES ARE NOW BEING INVITED FOR OUR 20th MAY AUCTION
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Tel: 020 8366 2525
E-Mail: gb@grahambuddauctions.co.uk
Web: www.grahambuddauctions.co.uk
CHAUCER
AUTOGRAPHS
AND MEMORABILIA
AUCTIONS
BOXALL &
EDMISTON
A sound investment in shooting history
Advertorial Feature
C
haucer Auctions run monthly live
online auctions offering celebrity and
historical autographs, sport memorabilia,
RAF and Word War II documents,
autographs and artefacts, astronaut
autographs, signed books, first-day covers,
collections and more.
We sell a wide range of items, from
valuable investment-quality autographs to
bargain basement lots.
We can sell your autographs and
memorabilia in one of our live auctions,
helping you realise the best possible prices.
We offer a free valuation service and a
simple hassle-free process for submitting
your items into one of our auctions.
Contact us
T: 0845 1304094 E: sales@chaucercollectables.co.uk chaucercollectables.co.uk
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Advertorial Feature
O
nly in their fifth year Boxall &
Edmiston have rapidly become one
of the largest shotgun manufacturers in
the UK. With a sterling history in firearm
manufacturing, the proprietors have built
a recognised and respected brand known
for quality and innovation. The Boxall &
Edmiston range features both side-by-side
and over-and-under shotguns. Numerous
calibres and aesthetic options have been
developed with many more being launched
in 2014 and beyond. The lead time for a
Boxall & Edmiston shotgun keeps rising due
to high demand, despite expansion and new
staffing, and currently sits at 18 months. At
present, each gun being delivered is worth
£2,000-£3,000 more than the purchase
price due to ongoing cost increases, which is
a sound investment for something you can
use, love and leave for the next generation.
boxallandedmiston.co.uk
T: 01743 762352
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
30
DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION
GUARDSRED
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DRIVEN TO
DISTRACTION
G
uardsRed Design is pleased to
announce the arrival of the Anatina©.
The Anatina© is a uniquely styled table
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focal point in any environment.
From concept to reality, GuardsRed
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Utilising skills and materials from the
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These stunning tables are available in a
range of Porsche colours or can be colourmatched to your requirements.
Classic cars and automobilia should feature on
every grown-child’s bucket list, however, there
is plenty a potential buyer needs to look out for
Dharam Ramlogan
H
aving worked my way up and
subsequently spending three years
at the top of the automobilia trade,
I would like to share with you one or two
observations on buying and collecting in
the world of classic cars and automobilia.
Firstly, the number one lesson for all
novices is – beware the fakes! As in many
trades of this description there are numerous
unscrupulous people out there who have
established their own workshops – workshops
that convert bits of antique items into collectables that they can then masquerade as
something other than what they are.
Some of these, shall we say, ‘untruthful’
items can be easy to spot, even for the inexperienced, but the complexity of alterations,
refurbishments and reconstructions is
improving all the time. If you have any
doubts, only buy from reputable dealers and
auction houses.
Next, I would say if you are collecting
with the intention of making a profit, you
will have to study the market very hard
in order to invest wisely, the same as you
would any other investment opportunity. It
is not easy, and the market for automobilia
has its ups and downs the same as any other.
Names, teams and cars can come and go
out of sporting dominance and fashion.
Admittedly some never do, but all these
factors can influence the desirability, and
thus the prices, of memorabilia.
Over the years I have seen countless
people with collections of cheap gun-metal
car mascots and modern reproduction
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
signs and posters, which they have often
bought at a premium price. A classic
example of this false-economy trap is the
proliferation of over-inflated James Bond
related Aston Martin memorabilia – the
majority of which will never achieve a
profitable resale value.
For the novice it is surprisingly easy to
get carried away when buying at auction
(I myself have done so once or twice), so
you should always set a maximum price
that you are not willing to go over, and
rigidly adhere to this.
If I were to be asked which areas of
automobilia are worth investing in, I would
say vintage racing and motoring posters and
artwork, especially anything original. Other
stable and safe areas for investment would
be any mid-20th Century watches with a
link to motoring or Formula One, or any
original signed F1 memorabilia.
Although again, a word of caution, as
there is so much F1 memorabilia on the
market, one should always insure a good
certificate of authenticity accompanies
any F1 pieces. Also, the better the driver
who the piece relates to, the more it will be
worth. Needless to say, the more historically
important the piece the higher its value.
With the current popularity and profile
of great historical drivers such as James
Hunt (pictured above) and the film Rush,
and also the Ayrton Senna documentary, it
is likely any items relating to them will be in
greater demand from buyers and thus will
achieve the highest prices at auction.
Dimensions:
L: 1,100mm x W: 650mm x H: 400mm
Shipping is not included. SRP £1,911
GuardsRed-Design.com
T: 01224 906179
UK postage: £25
International postage: Contact for details
Discount Code ‘MOSGRDFEB14’
for 10% off the Anatina table.
From 01.02.14 – 28.02.14
MOTORSPORTCLASSICS.COM
Advertorial Feature
U
nique photographs taken in the
1970s and ’80s of motor racing and
the spectacle surrounding those races are
captured with artistic and creative love of
the motor car by Steve Theodorou. Steve’s
collection of photographs from those
days had never been published or seen by
anyone until five years ago, when he started
Motorsportclassics.com to bring to life these
beautiful photographs by publishing them
in limited numbers — photographs of such
illustrious motor racing drivers as Senna,
Andretti and Prost. As Motorsportclassics.com took off,
Steve decided that more people should be
able to see the beauty in the lines of motor
vehicles, so subsequently issued new images
under the banner of Motorgraphics — a
selection of top-quality, generic photographs
especially for the home, office or man caves
of this world. All images are printed and presented on
high-quality photographic paper.
Visit motorsportclassics.com or call 07711 654 685 for more details
An independent supplement distributed with the Mail on Sunday on behalf of Absolute Publishing which takes sole responsibility for its content
DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION
31
1965 Aston Martin DB5 Saloon - Sold in 2013 for (£): 373,750
Race Retro & Classic Car Sale
22nd & 23rd February 2014
Stoneleigh Park
Warwickshire
CLASSIC CARS >> SPORTS CARS >> COLLECTOR CARS >> MOTORBIKES >> AUTOMOBILIA >> LIFESTYLE
www.silverstoneauctions.com
+44 (0)1926 691141
www.silverstoneauctions.com
Project1_Layout 1 08/10/2013 16:18 Page 1
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Art, Antiques & Pastimes
32 GRAPE EXPECTATIONS
de
er
liv
M
Have a think about what you might like to spend on your
new hobby. It will not be easy, but if you set yourself
a cash budget beyond ‘whatever’s in the car’, then you
might be in with a chance of acquiring something nice.
For a limit of £100 to £200 pounds a month you could
find yourself ending up with some excellent bottles
that will last well for the next couple of decades – and if
well researched, you might even double your money.
If you really enjoy your wine then your collection
needs to feature wines you actually like. Do you prefer
Old World or New World wines, light and fruity wines
or rich full-bodied vintages with plenty of grip? Most
New World wines are supposed to be drunk within
a few years, while many Old World wines are best
when well aged. The greatest collections are well
varied, but it will be no collection at all if you do not
have a tingle of excitement when contemplating the
delicious hours of quaffing that lie ahead.
Are you seriously investing or just stockpiling booze for
the looming apocalypse? If you are simply compiling a
nice selection for when you have guests over, then it
will probably not be worthwhile investing in proper
refrigeration or storage. If you are planning to cellar
your wine, and maybe even sell some at a much later
date, then you will need to make sure you are storing
the wine at an optimum and constant temperature.
If you have a favourite wine, you can buy many
bottles of the same one but from a range of different
vintages. From this you will be able to experience
– then show-off to your friends – how the wine
has developed over time, has been affected by the
weather, different growing conditions, what time
of day the grapes were harvested, how the higher
sugar concentrations from increased hang time has
affected the bouquet… You could even start a wine
appreciation club and really rub it in.
Build yourself a wine rack. It cannot be that difficult,
can it? If the head of the household voices doubt over
your DIY project, just buy one and set it up somewhere
out of the way. Ideally a good wine collection should
take a ‘bit of getting to’. This will hamper any expensive
dents being put in the collection when your decision
making processes are at their most pickled.
y
This is a magnificent high-quality ‘Grand Vin’ produced in
partnership with First Growth Bordeaux winemaker Patrick Léon
ost of us have a few bottles knocking around the house, not always of wine mind, but a
few. It is normally after the festive season that chewy clarets or pudding wines can be found
collecting dust in the quiet corner of the garage. So, what to do with them? The thought
of actually going out and purposefully spending money on a wine collection might seem a bit out of
sorts, but if you actually like your vino – and spending thirty quid on a bottle of something decent
once in a while is not uncommon for you – then it could well be worth thinking about establishing
a collection. Nothing too serious of course. Taking into account budget, limited reserves of storage
space and willpower, here is a quick CALIBRE guide to starting your own wine collection.
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
K
Order now - save over £50
Thinking about starting-up a wine cellar?
Here is our guide of things you need to consider
Obviously a cellar is perfect because they are cool and stable temperature-wise, but for a long
term collection be sure to avoid anywhere with heat or vibration, which will damage your wines.
So please do not put them in the laundry room or leave them on top of the fridge for long
and, if you are serious, consider commercial cellar storage.
U
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EE
FR
GRAPE
EXPECTATIONS
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wine that has all the velvety
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of a first-rate Claret. Decant this
before serving, and your friends
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something costing at least three
times as much.”
Simon Hoggart,
The Spectator
One magnum (150cl) of
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of Colchester
*UK Mainland only. We’re sorry but this excludes Highlands, Islands and Northern Ireland. We will provide a competitive delivery quotation outside this
area upon request. Prices include duty and VAT at rates in force at time of going to press. © 2014 The Wine Company. Closing Date: 31st March 2014.
Colchester Wine Ltd. T/A The Wine Company, Gosbecks Park, Colchester, CO2 9JT. Registered in England 04965427.
THE LONDON WINE CELLAR
An exciting company helping you realise
the cash value of your wine assets!
Advertorial Feature
T
FINE WINE WANTED
here are many reasons
We are particularly interested in purchasing cases
why our clients may
of classified Bordeaux & Burgundy. Many other
wines including single bottles will be considered.
wish to sell wine from
Stored at home or in bond, please call Ed at The
their cellars, whether it be
London Wine Cellar today for a free appraisal.
stored in bond or at home.
They may wish to raise
t: 020 30910733 or m: 07805014095
funds for personal or business
valuation@thelondonwinecellar.com
needs, diversify their wine
www.thelondonwinecellar.com
stock, altering the profile of
their wine cellar, realise an
investment, create space or
simply divest themselves of
wine they’ll never get round
to drinking.
“Our mission is to provide our
We’re fortunate to have access to, and a
customers with a professional,
special relationship with, many individuals
friendly, discrete, transparent
and organisations that acquire fine and
and hassle-free means of
rare wines for drinking and investment.
These investors, retailers, connoisseurs and
releasing capital tied up
wine enthusiats usually enable us to make
in their wines.”
competitive offers to our clients for a wide
collection and consultancy service with
range of cellar types and sizes, bringing their
discretion always guaranteed. Due to the
wine back into the marketplace.
nature of this handheld service, TLWC can be
The London Wine Cellar is able to make
a more efficient, personal and profitable way
‘blanket offers’ for complete cellars, regardless
to sell your wine than using an auction house.
of their size and value, offering a nationwide
An independent supplement distributed with the Mail on Sunday on behalf of Absolute Publishing which takes sole responsibility for its content
GRAPE EXPECTATIONS
33
FINE WINE MARKET SET
TO SURGE IN 2014
Advertorial Feature
M
arket volatility, anxiety over sovereign
debts and the new age of austerity
have led many investors to seek out
‘investments of passion’ — assets they can
see, touch and enjoy, while also delivering
impressive annual returns, averaging 1015% for many investors.
Investing in fine wines is nothing new.
Many years before fine wine really became
global, buyers often bought more than they
intended to drink with a view to selling
on the excess to fund their next purchase.
Bordeaux, in southwest France is the
planet’s largest source of fine wine and the
wines produced here are considered by many
connoisseurs to be the world’s greatest reds.
History has shown the finest wines have
proved to be safe long-term investments and
for many, more desirable to own than assets
such as gold for example, especially since the
Gold Index recently had its worst two-day
performance since 1983, leading to the end of
a 10 year boom, and also because it is easier
to enjoy than gold. Wine has also performed
well in comparison to the UK housing market
among many other investments.
Supply & Demand
Recently, an explosion of interest from
Asian buyers has caused fine wine prices to
rise fast and over the past five years alone,
China’s levels of wine consumption have
grown at a compound annual rate of 18%.
It has also been predicted that the Russians
will consume 5.53 million more cases in
2014 than they did in 2010.
Demand for these wines has never been
higher, but supplies are limited and not
enough ‘blue chip’ wine is being produced
to satisfy the growing international market.
As bottles are uncorked and the wines
consumed, they become even rarer still,
leading to brand-obsessed buyers chasing a
rapidly diminishing supply of trophy wines.
Vine Capital Ltd
Vine Capital are a London-based team of
fine wine specialists with years of experience
in buying and selling the finest and rarest
wines. We build exclusive relationships with
suppliers, making our selection of wines
unique, therefore offering our clients a service
that distinguishes us from many others.
Offering a complete brokerage service, our
team have an in-depth knowledge of the fine
wine market as well as a background in the
financial sector, and will guide you through
our exclusive selection of fine wines to help
you build a strong and diversified portfolio.
Tax-Efficient
All our wines are stored at London City
Bond’s Vinotheque warehouse, which has
ideal conditions for wine storage, ensuring
the wines are able to mature properly. While
there, your wine will be exempt from VAT
and customs and excise duty and generally
exempt from Capital Gains Tax as they are
classed as ‘wasting assets’.
Market Growth
We take an active approach to research and
analysis and as a result we can regularly
provide you with updates on market value
and which new wines are set to surge,
ensuring we are best placed to assist you to
take advantage of opportunities when they
arise. The future of this market is exciting
and some experts expect to see the market
growing by 22% by Christmas 2014.
To find out more speak to one of the team by calling
0845 077 3041 or email enquiries@vine-capital.com
www.calibreinsights.com
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
34
GOING FOR A SONG
GOING FOR A SONG
Is there a 1964 Beatles 7-inch in your attic? Or an old 1960s Gibson in your garage? With the comeback
of vinyl and the continuing popularity of the electric guitar, you could be sitting on a gold mine
Andy Snipper
I
f you are of a certain age (certainly
if over 45) there is a fair chance you
will have purchased music on vinyl, in
either LP 33rpm 12-inch or Single 45rpm
7-inch format, and while many collections
are essentially worthless there are some
real gems to be found in even the least prepossessing of music collections. Musical
instruments, such as guitars and violins, can
also hold great value, depending on their
age, make, and origin of manufacture. But
more about that later.
Believe it or not, the popularity of vinyl
albums is higher than it has been for many
years – in contradiction to the proliferation
of digital mediums. The advent of compact
discs, digital recording and compressed
MP3s, looked like they would deal the
classic 12” vinyl long-player a fatal blow.
However, the sheer sound quality of
vinyl records over digital formats has
meant there was always a coterie of vinyl
enthusiasts who were prepared to go to
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
Repertoire, Retroworld and Esoteric. Some
almost any lengths for the ultimate in sound.
of these reissues have been truly awful with
This has kept the vinyl pressing plants alive.
highly unsympathetic transfers to the
Today, most full-length
digital format adding credence
recordings are released in
to the vinyl argument.
multiple formats, almost
This is where the
always including vinyl.
greatest potential
Some albums are even
for investment
released on vinyl
and profit can
only, for example,
be found, but
the modern blues
it is also where
musician Stephen
many unwary
Dale Petit’s
souls have found
album, Live at
themselves
High Voltage
drowning in
2010, was limited
plastic and
to a release of
without the profits
1000 vinyl albums
they had hoped for.
only. It sold out in a
Just because an
matter of weeks and is
album is on vinyl is no
now highly prized.
arbiter of worth. Investing
Along with this resurgence
in the vinyl market can be
of interest in new material
There are believed to be only four
fraught with difficulty as
has come a massive market in
copies in existence of this 1964
many owners want retail
reissues of classic albums on
7-inch of ‘Anna/Ask Me Why’ by
The Beatles, on Vee Jay Records. value for items that they may
CD through labels such as
be selling to trade; but, if you find that
elusive gem, the profits can be exceptional.
For instance a 1964 7-inch of ‘Anna/
Ask Me Why’ by The Beatles, on Vee
Jay Records, was recently valued at over
£15,000, with only four copies having been
confirmed in existence.
From making records, to the instruments
that are recorded onto them: no matter what
you think of guitars, they have always been
cool. Those playing them might not always
have been (ever heard of Jack Johnson?),
but the ones that really stick in the memory
always will be (unarguably Jimi Hendrix).
Classic guitars of certain vintages can
be worth quite a bit of money, so it may pay
to dust off the old Rickenbacker and have
a look at it. Much like wines, a guitar’s
provenance and year of production will often be of utmost importance.
In the mid-sixties, the mass-market
demand for musical instruments really
took-off, when the music scene was at
its most fecund – with everything from
Continued on page 36 »
An independent supplement distributed with the Mail on Sunday on behalf of Absolute Publishing which takes sole responsibility for its content
GOING FOR A SONG
ONE-STOP SHOP
FOR PIANO SALES
THE IDEAL WEBSITE
FOR VIOLIN SALES
Advertorial Feature
F
rom £500-£50,000, whether you’re
buying or selling a piano, the ‘one-stop’
route is with Piano Auctions Ltd. They boast
of being the world’s leading auctioneers of
pianos and keyboard instruments.
If you want to sell a piano then a simple
phone call to Piano Auctions Ltd will
provide you with an estimated value and,
if you go ahead with them, they arrange
everything including the transport. They
also arrange catalogue descriptions, free
illustration where appropriate, and even —
if it is needed — tuning .
If you want to buy a piano then there
is free expert technical advice on hand
and friendly staff to explain the auction
procedures. You can leave a bid, telephonebid live, bid live on the internet or, to
really get the adrenalin pumping, attend
the sale and wave your hand to attract the
auctioneer’s attention!
They have four auctions a year held at
Conway Hall in Holborn, London WC1.
Each sale has around 120 upright and grand
35
Advertorial Feature
pianos — all of which can be played by you!
Viewing is always on a Tuesday, Wednesday
and Thursday, and the sale starts at midday
on Thursday.
Sale dates for 2014 are 10 April, 12 June,
25 September, and 11 December.
For full details visit their website pianoauctions.co.uk or call 01234 832741
“
In an economy where money seems
tight, the market for stringed
instruments has grown beyond all
expectation. The greatest increase over
the past ten years has been in Italian
instruments, putting violins and cellos
far outside the reach of many musicians.
As a general rule of thumb the best
instruments are Italian from the 17th
and 18th centuries, by makers such
as Stradivarius, Guarneri and Amati,
who were masters of their craft.
But as the Greats become the province
of collectors and investors, other, later
makers are also becoming vastly more
expensive. All of this is terrific news if you
own an instrument and are thinking of
selling, but is less good for the musician.
Amati offers you a free online valuation
of your instrument. This could be for
insurance purposes, sale or probate. Should
you decide to sell your instrument, as a
specialist string auction house, Amati holds
regular sales throughout the year. Amati
recently auctioned a French cello by JB
Vuillaume, made in Paris in 1863, which
sold for a world record price of £210,800.
An Italian cello by Carlo
Giuseppe Testore, Milan
(circa 1720). Recently sold by
Amati for £124,000.
They combine the flexibility of online
valuations with the peace of mind of
further research in person if necessary.
Amati.com is a place where violin
shops, dealerships, individuals,
makers and auction houses all
come together to buy and sell their
instruments. At the moment they have over
300 dealers and makers, and hundreds of
auction houses submitting their instruments
to the website.
This means that if you’re looking for an
instrument, wherever you are in the world
and whatever the price range, the chances
are that you’ll end up looking on Amati.com.
amati.com
E: appraisals@amati.com
T: 0207 099 7114
DOWN UNDER MAN JM INSTRUMENTS
COMES OUT ON TOP! LUTE MAKER
Advertorial Feature
J
Advertorial Feature
8
5 year old Maurice Scott living in
Australia decided to sell his 5,500
classical records. The lifelong collection had
begun in the UK where he was born and
raised. His passion was classical music and
he began buying records in the ’50s when he
was in his early 20s. The collection featured
important conductors and instrumentalists.
Reluctantly Mr. Scott needed to find
a loving home for the records. An option
available was to use the online auction site
eBay to dispose of them. However, listing of
items is time consuming and the balance of
power is always in favour of the buyer rather
than the seller. Another key consideration is
that posted records do get lost and records
are notoriously difficult to grade without
specialist equipment. Most classical records
watsonrecords.co.uk
www.calibreinsights.com
have no commercial value therefore listing
the “wrong” records are a waste of time.
Watson Records, the premium UKbased dealer in classical records, provided
an attractive option and purchased the
collection in its entirety. All records
were collected from Mr Scott’s house in
Melbourne and delivered to one of WR’s
outlets in central Tokyo. WR are able to
purchase specialist classical collections and
typically trade in records worth upwards
of £100.
M INSTRUMENTS.COM makes fine,
hand-crafted, affordable copies of extant
lutes in museums and collections by Frei,
Burkholtzer and Sellas, as well as theorboes
and chitarroni. You can customise your
instrument with decorative extras or order a
plain instrument from the student range. The
saving could be spent on lessons, facsimiles
of manuscripts or another instrument for a
specific area of the vast lute repertoire.
Fine, slow-growing seasoned woods
from Europe are used, including bog oak
from East Anglia, up to 7,000 years old, as
an ecological alternative to ebony.
The least expensive lute is the children’s
model with 52.5cm strings at under £1,000.
For experienced/professional guitarists ready
to explore the baroque lute repertoire, then
there is a student 13 course lute.
A common misperception is the lute
takes along time to tune, but it has six pairs
of strings like a modern double-strung
guitar. The strings are stable nylon strings,
taking a few minutes to retune; gut strings
do take longer but they’re worth it. There is
a vast repertoire of music to play, from late
medieval to the late 18th century via the
Lute Society UK publications. Lute music
is written in tablature, like Guitar TAB but
with letters (French) and numbers (Italian).
For the more adventurous there is
an electric lute, with traditional lute
construction but in guitar tuning. Nails do
not need to be cut too, which is important
for professional classical guitarists.
‘Lutes for Less’
jminstruments.com T: 01283 734 388 E: info@jminstruments.com
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
36
GOING FOR A SONG
» continued from page 34
£300,000 at auction, making it the most
Psychedelic Rock to the ‘British Invasion’ of
valuable mass-production electric guitar
the US – and then Punk coming along and
ever built. Jimmy Page was allegedly offered
scaring everybody.
£1million for his ‘Number One’ 1959 Les
Significantly, it was around this time
Paul, which he is said to have refused.
that well established guitar companies,
Fender too have certain acclaimed vintages,
such as Fender and Gibson, were sold
with the 1952 Telecaster being particularly
to large corporations, who immediately
noteworthy among collectors.
modernised the existing factories in order
to increase production and profits –
often at a cost to quality.
Since then, famous guitar
players such as Eric Clapton,
Peter Green, Slash and Hank
Marvin contributed heavily
to sales of the iconic
Gibson Les Paul and
the Fender Stratocaster.
The demand for vintage
guitars still remains high,
but the supply has reduced
considerably, so now only
the most financially buoyant
collector can afford to pursue
their passion amidst skyrocketing Quality examples of classical instruments, like this violin from
famous maker Testore, will always fetch good money at auction.
auction prices.
While these figures may seem
The Gibson 1959 Les Paul Standard
astronomical, when venturing into the world
is considered a classic instrument, with
of serious financial investments, genuine
good models fetching premium prices. An
‘Classical’ instruments are in a different
authentic 1950s Les Paul is one of the most
league altogether. The best examples, such
desirable and expensive guitars in the world.
as antique violins and cellos, are incredibly
Only around 1700 were made between
sought after and bidding can be fierce.
1958 and 1960. Today an original model
These instruments are not just highly
can easily reach between £100,000 and
valuable in their own right as relics from
history, but are imbued with an artistry of
construction, a tone and quality that many
insist is simply not inherent in instruments
made in the modern era.
Nevertheless, at the lower end of this
market, a recent Bonhams’ sale of musical
instruments (Knightsbridge, October
2012), saw a violin by Joannes Franciscus
Pressenda dated circa 1840 sold for a
mere £134,500 – well within its estimate.
Although at the upper end of the scale,
Classical instruments are still fetching
staggering prices. The 1697 ‘Molitor’
Stradivarius (believed to have once
belonged to Napoleon and confirmed
to have been in the possession of Count
Gabriel Molitor, one of Napoleon’s
generals), sold in New York, 2010, to
violinist Anne Akiko Meyers for over £2m,
which at the time was a world record.
“In an economy where money seems
rather tight, the market for stringed instruments has grown beyond all expectation.
The greatest increase over the last ten years
has been in Italian instruments, putting
violins and cellos far outside the reach of
many musicians,” says James Buchanan,
specialist at Amati International (amati.com).
“As a general rule of thumb the best
instruments are Italian from the 17th and
18th centuries, these are the makers who have
names to conjure with, Stradivarius, Guarneri
and Amati. They were the forefathers of the
violin and the masters of their craft.”
It should not be forgotten – whether
it is an 18th Century Antonio Stradivari
or a Les Paul from the 20th Century – the
best quality, best designed and most finely
crafted instruments are more than just items
of luxury, they are historically significant
artefacts, part of both our cultural heritage
today and the music of tomorrow.
An original 1960s Gibson Les Paul could easily
realise several hundred thousand pounds for a
mint condition specimen. Image: Ethan Prater
CAMBRIDGE PIANOFORTE
Situated near the world renowned Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge Pianoforte specialises in unique and interesting pianos of outstanding quality.
A piano is an investment, and chosen wisely, it can offer a lifetime of unmatched
enjoyment in return. Here at Cambridge Pianoforte we have built our reputation
on service; not only in the manor we conduct ourselves, but in our background
and training.
For over 40 years we have provided a first class service to pianists and musicians,
both amateur and professional. Over the years we have promoted and actively
supported countless concerts, music festivals and other music events. We have
been technicians for international artists including Radu Lupu, Mitsuko Uchida,
Melvyn Tan and Tom Poster.
In addition to a wide range of new pianos, we also carry previously owned, restored
and a variety of part exchanged instruments.
Our superbly equipped workshop specialises in the restoration of pianos. However
large or small the task, the emphasis is on our attention to detail. Our highly skilled
craftsmen also focus on restoring top quality pianos, particularly those made by
Steinway and Sons. The restoration of a piano is a complex and lengthy process
which takes skill, knowledge, experience and patience. We strive to restore the
condition so that it is comparable to a new instrument, whilst retaining its integrity
and character.
Our staff are responsible for the preparation and tuning of the instruments in the
main concert venues in Cambridge. These include the Cambridge Corn Exchange,
West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge Arts Theatre and 28 of the Cambridge
Colleges. We also care for instruments throughout East Anglia and London.
We have an ever expanding range of sheet music from standard repertoire to the
weird and wonderful. Our express mail order service can be accessed via phone,
email or through our website. Books in stock are dispatched the same day and
most other titles are sent within a week.
www.cambridgemusic.net
01223 424007
10-12 Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge, CB4 2PA
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
An independent supplement distributed with the Mail on Sunday on behalf of Absolute Publishing which takes sole responsibility for its content
GOING FOR A SONG 37
NO.TOM VINTAGE GUITARS
Advertorial Feature
L
ocated in the birthplace of punk in the
historic Denmark Street (otherwise
known as the British Tin Pan Alley) lives
No.Tom Guitars, a unique store selling
vintage and classic guitars, both acoustic
and electric, along with ukuleles, mandolins,
pedals, amps and other accessories. Owned
by Ron Smith, who has over 30 years of
expertise in the business, the store is often
referred to as a Disneyland for grown-ups
by the clients who walk through the door!
There is no other store like it in the country.
Ron works closely with his team, all
of whom have immense knowledge of the
products — and most of whom you could
catch at a gig after work! The team are
always looking for great guitars to buy or
part exchange as clients upgrade or find
something new they can’t live without!
In the basement is a thriving workshop
managed by the best luthier in the street,
who cares for all new arrivals as well as
maintaining all the guitars sold, upholding
The workshop will also repair guitars.
If you pass through the building you’ll
discover the secret gem of Soho — The
Backdoor, a mews cottage that’s ideal
for events such as book signings, guitar
workshops and photography exhibitions.
The space lends itself to intimate gatherings
in a unique venue. The surprise on the first
walls by the Sex Pistols, who both recorded
and lived there in the mid-1970s.
The newly launched website is updated
on a daily basis and all products are
available both online and in store. The
website is full of information on No.Tom’s
vintage and classic guitars along with its
other services such as insurance valuations
and international shipping.
Contact information
notomguitars.com
Twitter: @NoTomGuitars
Instagram: @NoTomGuitars
Facebook: /NoTomGuitars
Shop: 0207 240 7500
Workshop: 0207 240 8900
No.Tom Guitars, 6 Denmark Street,
London WC2H 8LX
WE WILL PAY UP TO £5000 FOR AN ORIGINAL BEATLES
CONCERT POSTER, £4000 FOR THE ROLLING STONES AND
THE WHO, £3000 FOR JIMI HENDRIX AND LED ZEPPELIN,
£1500 FOR PINK FLOYD AND CREAM AND VERY HIGH PRICES
FOR OTHER 1960’s & 1970’s ROCK AND POP MEMORABILIA
LARGE COLLECTIONS PURCHASED AS
WELL AS INDIVIDUAL ITEMS
FREE QUOTATIONS AND
NO OBLIGATION HOME VISITS
01494 436644
email - music@usebriggs.com
www.calibreinsights.com
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
38
CALIBRE SPOTLIGHT
CALIBRE SPOTLIGHT
Twelve company profiles we think you might be interested in
At Homes & Antiques magazine, we love great design and
beautiful objects from every era. Alongside our unrivalled
guides to antiques and collectables, you’ll find inspiring
real interiors, sizzling style and decorating ideas, and a
huge range of features on everything from heritage and
architecture to vintage fashion.
We also like do the practical stuff too – whether it’s
restoring antiques, tackling a new kitchen or valuing your
antique and vintage finds for you. Every month we show
you the best antiques and vintage fairs to visit and look
at the most eye-catching buys at auction. We’re not just a
homes magazine but so very much more.
www.homesandantiques.com Tel: 0117 314 7444
Opus Arte is the Royal Opera House’s multi-platform
arts production and distribution company. It is a whollyowned subsidiary of the Royal Opera House, and was
established in 1999, growing rapidly to become one of the
world’s leading providers of the finest opera, ballet, theatre
and high-quality classical music content.
As well as releasing around twenty-five titles on DVD &
Blu-ray per year, the company has produced and directed
programmes that have been broadcast in over 60 countries,
licensed content to some of the world’s leading businesses,
and won many international awards for its range of
excellent productions.
www.opusarte.com Tel: 020 7240 1200
Most people nowadays have found that the cheapest and
most convenient way to buy insurance is to apply online.
With reduced overheads, insurance companies can provide
good quality insurance at a much lower cost than by more
traditional methods.
When it comes to household insurance these simple policies
sometimes do not provide complete cover. For example, if you
own collections of fine art and antiques or valuable jewellery,
you may find your household policy only covers them up to
a certain value. This is why Connoisseur Policies, a specialist
arranger of Valuables cover, has developed online policies that
can fill the gaps left by the main household insurers.
www.connoisseurpolicies.com Tel: 0870 2410142
British sculptor, Hamish Mackie, has become celebrated
for his confident handling of materials resulting in
strong, dynamic, living sculptures that capture an
instinctive moment of animal behaviour. He has been
sculpting as a career since 1996.
Edward Lucie-Smith, the well known art critic and
historian, wrote: “Hamish Mackie, now internationally
acclaimed, has emerged as one of the most talented and
original wildlife sculptors of his time. What Rodin did
with the human body, Mackie applies to animal forms”.
Mackie’s sculptures are all limited editions in bronze
or silver.
www.hamishmackie.com Tel: 01608 737 859
Established in 2009, Hallmark Coins has developed
a reputation for being one of the most honest and
knowledgeable numismatist professionals, aiding customers
in the purchase and sale of rare, collectible British coins.
The company proudly stocks some of the rarest pieces on
the market.
Our expert team can handle valuations over phone
and email. Personal service sets the tone in Hallmark’s
dealings with investors and collectors of numismatic assets
– customer satisfaction is key to their success. Start doing
business with Hallmark Coins now to ensure your portfolio
is in the right hands.
www.hallmarkcoins.co.uk Tel: 0800 612 7327
Established in 2009, Vine Capital is a London based team
of fine wine specialists. Sourcing some of the rarest and most
sought after wines on the market, Vine Capital has a well
preserved reputation for demonstrating large scale capital
growth throughout both the good times and the bad.
We ensure the wines we trade are of perfect provenance
and our wines are stored in the most prestigious wine
facility in the country, with all costs covered by ourselves
for the first year. Offering a complete brokerage service,
members of their dedicated team have both an in-depth
knowledge of the fine wine market, as well as a background
in the financial sector.
www.vine-capital.com Tel: 0845 0773041
Graham Budd Auctions Ltd are one of the UK’s leading
auctioneers, specialising in sports memorabilia. Our sales
encompass football memorabilia auctions, golf, cricket,
tennis, horse racing, rugby, Olympics, boxing and a wide
variety of other popular sports.
The sporting memorabilia market encompasses a wide
variety of items to sell or to collect. This includes material
relating directly to famous sporting celebrities such as medals,
trophies, and honours as well as kit and clothing worn
during their careers. Elsewhere, there is thriving interest in
artefacts such as programmes, tickets, autographs, decorative
& commemorative works of art and other interesting items.
www.grahambuddauctions.co.uk Tel: 020 8366 2525
Exclusive First Editions are the world’s leading
manufactures of 1:76 scale die-cast model coach and buses.
This scale matches the standard for UK ‘OO’ gauge model
railways. The aim of EFE was to provide a range of diecast models representing the diverse history of UK road
vehicles. All of our models are designed in the UK. The
Exclusive First Editions Collectors Association has been
going since 1993.
The aim of the association is to keep its subscribers up
to date with all the latest news on model releases, new
castings, and any other model information. With over 8000
enthusiasts subscribing already, it seems to be working well!
www.exclusivefirsteditions.com Tel: 020 8344 6720
Since beginning in 1985 Minelab has been the world leader
in providing metal detecting technologies for consumer,
humanitarian demining and military needs. Through
innovative research and development, Minelab is a major
manufacturer of hand-held metal detector products. Over the
past 20 years, Minelab has introduced more innovative and
practical technology than any of its competitors.
Minelab’s worldwide network of authorised dealers are able
to give you the most up-to-date knowledge in products and
techniques that will help you to improve your success rate
in the field. Minelab products continue to set new standards
in the world of metal detecting for both performance and
innovation. www.minelab.com Tel: 021 423 2352
Artists are seldom boring, and Jonathan Sainsbury is no
different. He takes great joy in the natural world, and his
passion for art comes from the Scottish Highlands where he
makes his home. From his work it is not difficult to see where
he gets his inspiration. Working with a variety of materials,
Jonathan paints atmospheric and evocative works of wildlife
and the environment, from small watercolours that intrigue
and draw you into the world of an early-morning walk on a
winter’s day, to large oils, rich in life and colour.
Jonathan trained at the Byam Shaw School of Art, before
completing an honours degree in Fine Art at Leeds College of
Art, and has always focused on the natural world in his work.
www.jonathansainsbury.com Tel: 01258 857 573
Run by mother and daughter team Anna Hunter and Laura
Walford, Belgravia Gallery is based on Albemarle Street
in the heart of London’s art district close to Piccadilly.
The gallery’s ethos is to be professional, welcoming and
approachable and has a strong emphasis on art for charity,
particularly on raising funds for The Sebastian Hunter
Memorial Trust. Belgravia Gallery is pleased to offer art
advisory services to both individual and corporate clients.
Site visits to homes and offices can be arranged, and the
gallery is happy to work with clients to provide art which
reflects personal style and taste or captures the ethos of a
company or business.
www.belgraviagallery.com Tel: 0207 495 1010
Boxall and Edmiston create critically acclaimed British
shotguns. Building on the experience of the company’s
owners the range of products is expanding annually with
five models now available. The Sideplated Boxlock was
released several years ago and is a favourite for clients old
and new. The true Sidelock completes the current range
of side-by-sides with numerous models in development for
launch over the coming years.
The over-under was released in 2012 and has been widely
praised by the public and media. The over-under is entirely
manufactured in the UK, a rarity for a range starting at
£14,800 and a first for the British gun trade.
www.boxallandedmiston.co.uk Tel: 01743 762 352
Art, Antiques & Pastimes
An independent supplement distributed with the Mail on Sunday on behalf of Absolute Publishing which takes sole responsibility for its content
CALIBRE SPOTLIGHT
39
THE COTSWOLDS’
FINE ART
AUCTIONEERS
Advertorial Feature
I
f you’re looking to buy or sell fine art, antiques or
collectables, Chorley’s auction rooms provide the
perfect environment, with a knowledgeable and friendly
team of auctioneers and support staff. Located in rolling
parkland within the heart of the Cotswolds, access is easy
from the M4/M5 motorway network.
With regular sales including silver, jewellery and Chinese
works of art, Chorley’s valuers are happy to make noobligation home visits across the UK to give advice on selling
items at auction.
• Free auction valuations
• Live internet bidding
• Catalogues on international auction websites including:
The-saleroom.com, Invaluable, UK Auctioneers,
Barneby’s, EpaiLive (China)
• Member of SOFAA (Society of Fine Art Auctioneers) and
AAA (Association of Accredited Auctioneers)
• Insurance and probate valuations
• Exhibitions with Museums and private lenders
Chorley’s has held some of the most important regional sales
of the past few years, including:
Four-day sale of The
Shambles Victorian Museum
May 2009
Pair of Chinese hardstone
pictures
£411,400
May 2011
Chinese white jade
‘Phoenix’ marriage bowl
£314,600
March 2013
Art Nouveau
‘Suffragette’ brooch
£7,250
April 2013
Ivory Mughal dagger
from Corsham Court
£16,900
September 2013
Victorian sapphire
and diamond pendant
£9,650
September 2013
18th-century French
boulle-marquetry commode
£42,350
October 2013
Victorian fully furnished
doll’s house
£42,400
November 2013
While the rarest and finest items continue to command
high prices, middle and lower-range antiques are extremely
inexpensive to buy at auction and Chorley’s sales provide a
wonderful opportunity to furnish your house for a fraction
of the cost of buying from the high street.
To discuss your buying or selling requirements, please
contact Thomas Jenner-Fust at the address below.
Next Auction: 20th February 2014, to include Two Fine Private Collections of Studio Pottery
Chorley’s, Prinknash Abbey Park, Gloucestershire, GL4 8EU. T: 01452 344499 E: enquiries@simonchorley.com W: simonchorley.com
Vintage Railway & Travel Posters
Posters starting from £15 - Over 900 to choose from
Free postage on orders over £40 (within the UK)
www.travelpostersonline.com
www.calibreinsights.com
Art, Antiques & Pastimes