Table of contents for October 2019 in Homes & Antiques

When I asked Janet Gleeson (who, among other roles, works on the Antiques Roadshow), to find out which pieces the experts love and which they loathe, I had little idea of the floodgates I was opening. The passions and pet hates they have poured forth make for captivating reading. ‘ I hate Bernard Leach’ is the unbelievable declaration from one Roadshow veteran, while the work of Clarice Cliff comes under attack from another expert. But it’s not all about what they hate – find out what they love as well in ‘ The eye of the beholder’ (p71). On the subject of divisive design, there is one house this issue that is sure to split opinion. We have affectionately called it ‘The Spooky House’ on the team, and it is…

My Way to Style The feature on page 110 of your July issue, ‘4 ways to style’, prompted me to liven up my dining room with lots of the blue-and-white china I’ve collected over the years. I get daily pleasure from all the visual memories. Rosemary Williams, Cardiff Insight into LS Lowry In response to Martin Millard’s ‘What to sell now’ in your May issue, this is one of only 75 original signed lithographs of this image, and the closest state to an original – hence the high price. It was etched by hand onto a metal or stone plate before printing – a laborious process. No two editions are identical due to the hands-on process. Ganymed published 16 such Lowry images in editions of 75 in the late 1960s,…

PIONEERS: WILLIAM MORRIS & THE BAUHAUS From 19th Oct–26th Jan 2020, explore two great design movements. wmgallery.org.uk THE NORTHERN ANTIQUES FAIR From 3rd–6th Oct, visit Harrogate’s longest-running fair to buy unique antiques from an array of specialist dealers. northernfair.com PORTRAIT OF A PATTERN From 29th Oct–19th Nov, Neisha Crosland considers how motifs can be brought to life as works of art in their own right. shahbazafridi.com…

‘Catesbys is a place that celebrates our love of beautiful things, old and new,’ explain Neil and Jonathon, who founded the Catesbys shop six years ago before moving their business online. ‘We use Instagram to share our life, our home and the things we find along the way. When we had shops, customers always wanted to know the stories behind the things we sold. It turns out people really do want to go beyond the shop door, and Instagram is a great way to invite them into our world.’…

‘If an object connects you to memories of loved ones, then surely it is priceless…’ Someone asked me the other day, ‘Why is there never any mention of money on The Repair Shop? It must cost a fortune, all that work? And it must make the object so much more valuable?’ But the thing is, the show’s really not about material value. It’s about the memories. Imagine going on the Antiques Roadshow and asking them to value your memories. They’d say they’re priceless. How could you put a price on everything you remember about your loved ones? It’s impossible. And if an object connects you to these recollections, then surely it is priceless as well. What’s going on here is so much more than sentimentality. Having an emotional connection to…

Our fascination with the heavens dates back to the very earliest human civilisations. Today, instruments such as this early-19th-century George III sextant (£1,200, Jason Clarke Antiques at Selling Antiques), which was once used to measure the distance between an astronomical object and the horizon, and Victorian celestial map (£49.99, The Arqivist at Etsy) provide a snapshot into the past and at the same time continue to influence the interiors world, from celestial china to starry wallpapers.…

LOVE IT: A silver and parcel gilt chalice by AWN Pugin, 1851 For me, Pugin was far and away the most exciting designer working in 19th-century Britain. A polymath of extraordinary originality, he made gothic the ‘right’ style for the modern Britain emerging in the first decades of Victoria’s reign. When he died in 185£, he left an amazing legacy of architecture, silver and metalwork, jewellery, ceramics, stained glass, books, wallpapers and textiles. While putting together the V&A’s 1994 ‘Pugin’ exhibition, I became deeply attached to this bizarre, complex, demanding and very appealing man. LOATHE IT: Bernard Leach pottery As an artist, potter and teacher, he was an interesting man, but I hate Bernard Leach. He is often called the ‘Father of Studio Pottery’. For me, this claim fails on…

MEL SHERWOOD EDITOR LOVE IT: Roman coins. The fact that you can hold something from over a thousand years ago seems magical. LOATHE IT: Antique puppets. I usually love anything theatrical, but puppets – especially ventriloquists’ dummies – have a sinister quality that I just cannot get past. KATY LAYTON EDITORIAL & PICTURE ASSISTANT LOVE IT: West German pottery. There’s something about the vibrant colours, varying glazes and striking sculptural shapes that I love. LOATHE IT: Martin Brothers birds. I can’t think of anything worse than their grotesque faces staring down at me. KIRSTY LYONS DEPUTY ART EDITOR LOVE IT: 1940s-1950s illustrations. I love the fashion of that era and I think artwork from this time can be so glamorous and romantic. I have some original illustrations by Jack Grandfield…

LOVE IT: Early Disney art This image of Mickey Mouse probably isn’t what anyone would expect me to choose, but it hangs in my kitchen and, whenever I walk past, it always makes me smile. To me, it looks as if he’s saying something rousing, like: ‘Go get ’em Lennox!’ I bought the picture when I was having a break on the South Coast some years ago. I know that Mickey in green trousers predates Mickey in red, and although I’m not sure exactly how old this is, it’s clearly of some age. It’s on old paper, hand-painted with gouache, pen and ink, and I think it probably dates from the late-20s or early-30s. But whether it’s an original artwork made by Walt Disney himself or not, I just love…

‘One of wool’s most remarkable features is that it can help regulate your body temperature naturally,’ explains Graham Clark of the British Wool board. As a result, there’s a growing demand for woollen goods in the bedroom, from Herdysleep’s wool-stuffed mattresses to the bedding ranges from The Wool Room. Decoratively, UK designers creating a stir include Margo Selby, whose bright and beautiful cushions, floor coverings and artworks have wide-ranging appeal. Meanwhile, Ella Doran’s collaboration with Yorkshire Sculpture Park for her ‘Sheep to Seat, Fleece to Floor’ exhibition showcased wool’s journey, and spawned her Waterlake runner for Alternative Flooring. Wool is no longer limited to soft furnishings, either. Jane Withers creates lampshades from dip-dyed wool, while Justin Floyd’s ‘Solidwool’ combines wool with a bio-resin to create pieces like the Hembury chair.…

Jeanette Walther is sitting in her kitchen, surrounded by linen cushions in various shades of sand and stone, and musing on her career as an interior designer. ‘It’s a bit like a jigsaw puzzle. I always ask myself how I can combine things to bring out the charm of a place. I’d say that my style of interior reflects my life philosophy,’ she says, explaining that she likes authentic and sociable spaces that feel cosy and inviting. She has put this into practice in the home she shares with her husband Stefan, a carpenter, and their two sons, Philip and Robin. Decorated throughout in soft, earthy greys, with natural materials such as weathered wood and heavy linen providing textural interest and character, the house is warm and welcoming. Over the…

When considering carpet, think about your rooms and their function. The hallway is the first thing people see and first impressions count. Hallways and stairs are the ultimate ‘high traffic’ areas, so it’s wise to invest in a hard-wearing carpet. A stair runner is also a good way of introducing colour and pattern, and adds interest to a functional area – darker shades are generally more forgiving. As the hub of the household, you’ll need a fairly robust carpet for the living room – 80 per cent wool and 20 per cent nylon. Or, if you have a young family, consider stain-resistant polypropylene. In the bedroom, there’s nothing like feeling the warmth and comfort of carpet underfoot, and with it being a very personal space, you can be more adventurous…

Benjamin Smith is peering at the paper labels on the drawers of an imposing mahogany chest in the airy, high-ceilinged kitchen of his Victorian apartment in Lowestoft. ‘Lanolin, amylum, gelatin, naphthalene, humulus lupulus,’ he says aloud as he reads his way along the rows, ‘and this one is opium.’ Even taking into account the everyday names for these things – amylum is starch, humulus lupulus, hops, and naphthalene is the main ingredient in traditional mothballs –and the fact that the drawers are used to store shoes, there’s no denying it’s an unusual inventory to find in a kitchen. But then ‘the unusual’ is exactly what this home is about. ‘The cabinet is late Georgian or early Victorian and would have been housed in a pharmacy,’ Benjamin explains. ‘Everything’s original –…

1153 During the Crusades, it’s said the Knights Templar first used wheeled cases to transport weaponry, armour and tools. 1858 Louis Vuitton made his first steamer trunk, a revolution in flat-topped luggage – and still highly covetable today. 1910s The first decade of the 20th century saw the lighter and more portable suitcase rise in popularity. 1930s With the start of mass tourism and air travel, suitcases as we know them took shape and became the top choice. 1972 The first suitcase with wheels is patented by American inventor Bernard Sadow – no more lugging luggage!…

FAIR OF THE MONTH Bruton Decorative Antiques Fair There are so many reasons to visit the Bruton area in Somerset, and every October there is one more – the Decorative Antiques Fair at Haynes International Motor Museum (18th-20th October). Here, visitors can expect to find a mix of pieces for the home and garden, from country house furniture and humble folk art to mid-century design. This year Mark Hill, Antiques Roadshow specialist, will return for an expert tour on 19th October. Haynes International, Sparkford, Somerset, BA22 7LH. Opening times vary. £5. 01278 784912; brutondecorativeantiquesfair.co.uk FAIR DATES North & Scotland 3rd-6th The Northern Antiques Fair, Hall M, Harrogate Convention Centre, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 2SY. Opening times vary. £7.50. 01797 252030; northernfair.com 5th Leeds Vintage Market, Kirkgate Market, 28-34 George Street,…

LIVRARIA BERTRAND Rua Garrett 73-75, 1200-203 Lisbon Founded in 1732, Livraria Bertrand is known as the world’s oldest bookshop, and has remained a favourite haunt of intellectuals and creatives throughout history. LUVARIA ULISSES Rua do Carmo, 87-A, 1200-093 Lisbon This tiny boutique shop has the same decor as it did when it was founded in 1925, and is dedicated to the sale of handmade leather gloves. LOJA DAS CONSERVAS Rua do Arsenal 130, 1100-040 Lisbon Seafood is integral to the Portuguese diet, and this stylish store pays homage to the ancient craft of canning fish. Pick up a bright, retro-style tin for the perfect hand luggage-friendly piece.…

When we bought our house in 1994 it was a small garage set in an old walled cobblestone courtyard. It was originally a working mews that would have stabled the horses and carriages to service the local villas. In the 19th century small houses were built in the mews but they were destroyed in the Second World War. We did the house in two phases and finished in 2007. I fell in love with the higgledy-piggledy feel of it – it had the potential to be developed and was enclosed by redbrick walls, a bit like a derelict nursery garden. It was a blank canvas to create something new. The oldest piece in my home is a Roman pot my step-brother gave me, while the newest is a Howard armchair…

RING-A-DING-DING This vintage beryl ring by Charles de Temple has a striking design that I completely adore. TRUNK POWER Our ‘Design Icon’ this month is the Louis Vuitton trunk, but these deep black cases are just as stylish. WOVEN HISTORY This is the oldest rug in the world – can you guess when it dates to? (Hint: it’s probably older than you think!) ON THE TILES I love the hypnotic pattern that these four Spanish encaustic tiles make. It’s almost psychedelic. EMERALD UPDATE The rich green upholstery on this beautiful French chair is on trend – but it will never go out of style.…

Weathering the years I am the third-generation owner of this barometer, which is, I think, early-20th-century and has survived two World Wars and countless house moves. It originally held pride of place in my grandfather’s hallway, as it later did in my parents’ home. Now it weather watches from my hallway as an old, dearly loved family friend – always there, always reliable for advice on whether a brolly or sun hat might be needed! Kate Poling, Devizes DO YOU HAVE AN ANTIQUE WITH A STORY? If you have a teapot that escaped a flood, or a locket that’s been passed down the generations, we want to hear! Tell us your antique’s story and take a good picture of it, then send it to us using the addresses opposite. If…

Inspired by the East Beautiful botanicals, intricate Kashmir paisleys and hand-drawn scenic prints come together in this new Coromandel collection from GP & J Baker. It draws inspiration from George Percival Baker’s passion for Indienne textiles and interprets classic designs in stunning muted shades. 0207 351 7760; gpjbaker.com AT FIRST BLUSH Denby has been a front runner in stylish-yet-practical home ceramics since 1809, when its founder William Bourne first began creating salt-glazed pottery. Now, the brand has collaborated with John Lewis & Partners to create an exquisite range of tableware in delicate hues of white and rose. The Quartz Rose collection (£10-£64) includes an array of serveware that’s dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe. 03456 049 049; johnlewis.com In Vogue A set of 1935 Vogue magazines sold at Kerry Taylor Auctions…

After the stagnation of post-war Britain, a vibrant new era of jewellery design emerged in the 1960s, led by big names such as Andrew Grima, John Donald, David Thomas, Louis Osman and Gillian Packard. They broke new ground with their bold designs by incorporating experimental design techniques and unusual, statement gemstones. Serious collectors are often on the hunt for prime pieces – we sold a Grima shell ring and earrings, c1972-3, for £7,800 last March, and a Charles de Temple Beryl ring, c1969, for £4,080, a couple of months earlier. 020 7016 1700; dnw.co.uk…

LOVE IT: A 19th-century miniature glass cannon My favourite item is a 19th-century glass cannon. I love glass with a history and this cannon was mentioned in a newspaper report – it featured in a glassmakers procession of 1823 as part of a glass fort, defended by seven cannons. Much to the astonishment of the crowd, the London procession stopped outside the Mansion House and the model cannons fired a salute. You can still see signs of the firing. I first saw the cannon in an important exhibition called ‘Strange & Rare, the 50th Anniversary of The Glass Circle’ in 1987, then it disappeared until 20 odd years ago, when I saw it again for sale with a dealer. Because I loved its quirkiness and history I had to have…

LOVE IT: Nocturne in Blue and Silver by James Abbott McNeill Whistler, 1871 The picture I love is Nocturne in Blue and Silver – Chelsea by James Abbott McNeill Whistler, in the Tate. It’s a view painted in 1871 from Battersea looking across the Thames towards Chelsea, one of a series he painted at the time. The palette is wonderfully atmospheric – an evocative mix of blues and silvery greys with a hint of green. I love how he has contrasted the horizontal focus of the river with the vertical daubs of paint to highlight the glimmering lights and reflections in the distance and in the foreground, a person surveying the tranquil panorama. I could look at this all day, every day. LOATHE IT:…

LOVE IT: A fan with mother of pearl guards and vellum leaves I’ve chosen this 18th-century French fan because of the quality of workmanship, a prerequisite of a fine object of vertu. Mother of pearl is not an easy material to work, but the sticks are beautifully carved and pierced, as well as being gilded. The vellum leaves are painted with a neoclassical wedding scene that fills the space well, surrounded by delicately painted flowers and ribbons. It is almost a piece of jewellery in its own right in its attention to detail. LOATHE IT: Oversized 19th-century mahogany furniture This late-Victorian bookcase is not the sort of thing I would choose to live with. It’s top-heavy and the deep secretaire drawer makes the cupboards below look squashed into the floor.…

The founder of one of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands came from humble stock. Born in 1821 in Anchay, a small hamlet in the French region of Jura, the story goes that Louis left home aged just 13 and set off for Paris on foot – a 292-mile, two-year journey – doing odd jobs en route. Once there, he became an apprentice trunk-maker – considered a highly respected craft at the time – and his reputation grew; in 1853, he was appointed personal box-maker and packer for Eugénie de Montijo, the wife of Napoleon III and the last Empress of France. After marrying 17-year-old Clemence-Emilie Parriaux in 1854, Louis opened his own workshop in Paris, and revolutionised the industry by introducing well-crafted canvas trunks that were light, hard-wearing and…

Marc Allum wrote ‘Wunderkammern’ A Miscellaneous expert on the Antiques Roadshow since 1998, Marc is an art and antiques journalist and writer as well as a self-confessed ‘collectaholic’. ‘I tend to love things that cause me to think deeply about their origins, their construction and their reason for being created. I don’t much like football programmes – collectors often have boxes and boxes of them and expect you to be really interested.’ Richard Kay answers your queries Director of Pictures at Lawrences Auctioneers, Richard has worked as an auctioneer, writer and picture specialist for over 33 years. ‘I love pictures that make the viewer ponder, artists like Stephen Conroy, Edward Hopper and especially Walter Sickert. I can sum up what I hate with a single syllable: dolls. Half-baked…

1 the PAINT COLOUR BY NATURE FROM FARROW & BALL In its latest collection of dreamy hues, Farrow & Ball has joined forces with the Natural History Museum to capture the array of delicate shades in Werner’s Nomenclature of Colours – the leading guide to colour classification in the 19th century. 01202 876141; farrow-ball.com 2 the REVIVAL BED LINEN FROM LIBERTY LONDON Celebrate heritage designs from the Liberty London archive with a new offering of luxurious cotton sateen bedding. Prices start at £300 for a double duvet set, or £50 for a pillowcase. 020 7734 1234; libertylondon.com 3 the SALE WEDGWOOD AND ENGLISH CERAMICS On 23rd October, buyers will gather at Sotheby’s New York to bid on an exceptionally fine hoard of English ceramics. Curated over 50 years, the Starr…

In Creative Walls , learn to celebrate your treasured collections as Geraldine James teaches you how to create striking wall displays. (£16.99, Ryland Peters & Small) Many know Josef Frank for his bold, floral pattern designs, but he started his career as an architect. Here, explore some of his finest buildings. (£25, Park Books) In this luxurious coffee-table read, you can step inside the homes and view the collections of Parisian designers and tastemakers. (£60, Editions Flammarion)…

My family has a history of collecting. My grandfather was very keen on objects, my father became an antiquarian bookseller, and my uncle is the representative on the Isle of Wight for Duke’s auction house. At 17, I did work experience at Christie’s South Kensington, helping out with the annual toy train sale. After a degree in history and classics, I joined a new auction house in Kent. I loved it. I joined Catherine’s team in March this year. I’m involved with valuing, cataloguing and running auctions. Recently, a lady came in with two props from the 1971 film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, once owned by the actress who played Veruca Salt. A golden ticket and a Wonka Bar are not what you expect to see on a…

Stashed in the back of a furniture workshop in the long shadows of St Paul’s Cathedral, a young cabinetmaker finishes the inlay on a bureau, his final piece before he completes his apprenticeship. A mile away, in a Bloomsbury townhouse, a baroness admires an exquisite mahogany chest that she’s just been given for her birthday. We are in London, in the middle of the 18th century and, while these two Georgian figures are poles apart in class and lineage, what they have in common is that they both cradle miniature furniture in their hands. Besides the meticulous craftsmanship, one of the considerable appeals of miniature furniture is that there is an element of mystery to it. Although antiques dealers and historians can make educated assumptions as to the main function…

Do the vibrant designs of Clarice Cliff fill you with horror or delight? Does a pretty painting by Renoir make you smile or wince? Would the simplicity of a Bernard Leach pot thrill or bore you rigid? Above all, what governs your response to a work of art? Is it all a matter of personal taste? Philosophers have long struggled to define what taste is. Kant said it was subjective, beyond reason, based on feeling and fashion. Whether or not you agree, within the world of collectables, a plethora of pieces are loved and loathed with equal fervour. Prevailing style and aesthetic judgement play a part – especially where experts are concerned – but does something else transcend them? I ask seven experts to choose one piece they love and…

LOVE IT: Bulbarrow oil-on-canvas by Frederick Whitehead, 1894 I’d love to own this painting of Bulbarrow by the late-19th-century Dorset artist Frederick Whitehead, not just because of its obvious visual appeal, but because the works of art I enjoy most have a story to tell. This painting shows an iconic Dorset landmark and was commissioned by Thomas Hardy, a friend of Whitehead’s. When Duke’s sold the contents of Max Gate, Hardy’s home, the painting was bought by his physician, Dr Mann, who left it to his daughter, who was a neighbour of mine. She recently passed away and the painting came back to us for sale. It’s that circular story that gives it a special resonance – so, for me, it’s far more than just a…

LOVE IT: Regency glass Regency glass is something I love – I have a large collection of drinking glasses – but I think that, as a field, it’s rather undervalued today. When you consider the craftsmanship that went into making something like a beautiful cut glass decanter – it had to be handblown and then hand cut on a wheel, using extraordinary skill – I don’t understand why they are so cheap. If I had to choose one more piece that I’d like to own it would be a small Georgian glass tazza to complete a stack of three. I have the other two tiers, but I’d love the third. LOATHE IT: Clarice Cliff My pet hate is Clarice Cliff. I appreciate that she was extraordinarily successful in an age…

Do you agree with Lisa Lloyd that Clarice Cliff is overrated? Or perhaps you feel, like Anthony Kilroy, that oversized mahogany furniture is unbearable? Maybe you can’t believe that Paul Atterbury doesn’t like Bernard Leach… We want to know what you think. Which antiques do you loathe, even though others seem to love them? And has anyone ever said they can’t stand something that you adore? Let us know! Email us at homesandantiques@ immediate.co.uk or let us know on Facebook or Twitter – #loveitorloatheit…

BAYEUX TAPESTRY The Bayeux Tapestry consists of 70 scenes stitched on linen in coloured woollen yarns. It depicts the Norman conquest of England in 1066. THE ARDABIL CARPET Made in the town of Ardabil in north-west Iran in the 16th century, this is the world’s oldest dated carpet and is on display in the V&A in London. LE CHANT DU MONDE This work by Jean Lurçat is in the Salle des Malades of the Hôpital Saint-Jean, and is a tribute to the famous medieval L’Apocalypse tapestry. THE PAZYRYK RUG Excavated from Siberian tombs and now in Russia’s Hermitage Museum, the oldest surviving knotted carpet dates to around the 5th-4th century BC.…

COOLING & COOLING 07825 134583/07709 487954; coolingandcooling.co.uk Visits can be arranged by appointment. THE GREAT ENGLISH OUTDOORS Mortimer House, 19 Castle Street, Hay-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR3 5DF. 01497 821205; greatenglish.co.uk JANE BECK WELSH BLANKETS Ty Zinc, Llwyn Y Groes, nr Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6QB. 01570 493241; welshblankets.co.uk JEN JONES WELSH QUILTS & BLANKETS Pontbrendu, Llanybydder, Ceredigion, SA40 9UJ. 01570 480610; jen-jones.com Antiques and flea markets, particularly those in Wales, are good hunting grounds for Welsh blankets. Check out Carmarthen Antiques & Flea Market (20th Oct) and Derwen Antiques Fair (5th-6th Oct) – see p143 for details.…

STAR TURN With its bold pattern and colour, this is perfect for a grand hallway. Brujula reclaimed tile, £6, Bert & May. VIVA ESPANA! These encaustic beauties are from Osuna in Seville. Handmade reclaimed Emblema tiles, £7.80 each, Maitland & Poate. IT’S ALL GREEK There’s an attractive patina to these key-motif Greek tiles. Reclaimed Greek cement tiles, £5.50 each, English Salvage. BLOCK ‘N’ ROLL Made from porcelain, these tiles have a tapas bar vibe. Vintage geometric tiles, £3.99 each, Appleby’s Tiles.…

1. The Rockefeller Collection This family’s love for art and fine porcelain can be seen in their vast collection, amassed through generations. Over 1,500 items were sold through Christie’s in 2018 for a record-breaking $832.6m. Much of the proceeds were donated to charities close to the hearts of Peggy and David Rockefeller. 2. The Howard Collection On show in the state rooms at Castle Howard, North Yorkshire, the collection was started by the 3rd Earl of Carlisle, Charles Howard, in the early 18th century. Continuing right up to the present day, items from this private collection are loaned to galleries around the world. castlehoward.co.uk/visit-us 3. The Royal Collection Held in trust by the Queen, this is one of the last European royal collections to remain intact. After the…

Cabinet of curiosity I wonder if you could kindly advise me on the age and original purpose of a glazed ebonised cabinet that I purchased recently. It has bevelled glass in the upper doors and bevelled mirror glass in the lower ones. I can’t find a maker’s mark but there seems to be what looks like a royal warrant on the brass locks. Juliet Bangerter, via email It would appear to be a late-Victorian cupboard bookcase – the ebonised wood was fashionable during this period, reflecting the aesthetic movement taste that was prevalent in late-19th-century England. It would have been a typical item in the house of a prosperous family, designed to show off their book collection, while also (for the ever-practical Victorians) acting as useful storage for items behind…

BY LAND OR SEA For the wealthy travellers of the 19th century, being able to transport an array of glamorous outfits, jewels and toiletries via land or sea was of maximum importance. So, when former baggage packer Louis Vuitton designed his first trunk in 1858, with a flat top and bottom for easy stacking, he became the go-to purveyor of luxury Parisian luggage. ‘Louis Vuitton trunks are deeply reminiscent of travel on the great ocean liners like the SS Normandie , and leisurely journeys on the Orient Express,’ explains Tim Bent from London antique luggage shop, Bentleys. ‘The craftsmanship and materials used are exceptional.’ Louis Vuitton’s early trunks had several guises – from plain grey canvas to a bold red and brown chequerboard – all stretched over a wooden frame…

For statement luggage that’s effortlessly chic, you can’t beat an authentic Louis Vuitton trunk. But how do you ensure that the piece you’re buying is the real deal? One way is to look for the famous LV logo, which Vuitton’s son Georges patented in 1896. ‘He was very proud of their name, and he was one of the first company owners to really recognise and protect his brand,’ explains Tim Bent. CHECK THE DETAIL ‘Although Vuitton handbags are some of the most faked, the trunks are generally not,’ Tim says. ‘The few that I have seen are terrible and blatantly not original!’ When shopping for an antique Vuitton trunk, look for all of the rivets and check that the lock is stamped with ‘Louis Vuitton’. And, although there should be…

POT LUCK In 18th-century China, potteries had a thriving business making ceramics to export to the West – this teapot is decorated with lucky chrysanthemums. Estimate £120-£160 A TALL TALE Some time after 1925, Dunsmore Tiles commissioned the leading Arts and Crafts light, CFA Voysey, to design a set of eight Alice in Wonderland tiles. Estimate £400-£600 FIGURED WOOD Most 19th-century chests of drawers are made from mahogany of varying quality, but this piece is burr walnut and stands out from the crowd. Estimate £300-£500…

Why did you start the business? We worked in manufacturing, retail and design while collecting vintage pieces and antiques. In 2012 we started selling pieces at Kirribilli Markets in Sydney, Australia. We had a few typewriters on our stand and we noticed how excited our young customers were about typing on these fabulous machines. Working with experienced professional typewriter technicians, we started servicing, repairing and restoring typewriters to sell. We moved back to the UK in 2017 to expand the business, and we now ship our typewriters worldwide from our workshop in Wiltshire. What typewriters do you sell? We sell professionally restored, working, manual, portable typewriters from 1910-1970, as well as typewriter ribbons and accessories. We have just launched an exciting range of coloured typewriter ribbons unique to the UK…

2-FOR-1 6th Frock Me! Vintage Fashion Fair, Chelsea Old Town Hall, King’s Road, London, SW3 5EE. 11am-5.30pm. £4. 020 7503 9171; frockmevintagefashion.com 2-FOR-1 11th-13th The Chester Decorative Antiques & Art Fair, The County Grandstand, Chester Racecourse, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2LY. 11am-5pm. £5. 01278 784912; cooperevents.com 2-FOR-1 13th Adams Antiques Fair, Lindley Hall, The Royal Horticultural Halls, 80 Vincent Square, London, SW1P 2PE. 10am-4.30pm. £4. 020 7254 4054; adamsantiquesfairs.com 2-FOR-1 18th-20th Galloway Antiques & Fine Art Fair, Marlborough College, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1PA. 10.30am-5pm (4.30pm Sunday). £5-£6. 01423 522122; gallowayfairs.co.uk *Present this page at the fair to redeem the offer. All dates are subject to change – please check with the event organiser before travelling.…

LUXE Torel Palace, Rua Câmara Pestana 23, 1150-082 Lisbon Two mansions have been converted into a 26-room hotel with period features and vintage furniture, surrounded by a garden with pool. From €210 per night. torelboutiques.com MID-RANGE The Vintage Hotel & Spa, Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca 2, 1250-191 Lisbon Each of the 56 rooms (from ›180 per night) are decorated in rich hues of green and navy, with sleek contemporary and vintage touches. Don’t miss the subterranean spa… thevintagelisbon.com BUDGET Dear Lisbon Charming House, Rua Marcos Marreiros 13, 1200-254, Lisbon This converted home has 20 rooms, each offering a taste of authentic Lisbon lifestyle from ›120 per night. The hotel is small, but delightfully formed. dearlisbon.com…