Table of contents for May 2026 in Homes & Antiques

Tell us what inspires you in this issue of H&A. Tag @homes_antiques on Instagram or use the email address, right There’s really nothing that brings me more joy than discovering a hidden gem. Whether it’s stumbling upon a treasure-trove antiques shop, a rustic pub off the beaten path, or an underestimated object amid the bustle of a heaving market stall, it’s the thrill of the unexpected that never fades. Auctions – you won’t be surprised to hear – are built on that same sense of anticipation. Brimming with stories, and the occasional sleeper hit, they reward the curious eye and the brave bidder. This issue, we’re celebrating the world of auctions: Caroline Wheater spotlights specialist sales to watch on page 85, while Emma Longstaff prompts six experts for their finest…

Fine flourishes Both playful and poised, the decorative trims from Samuel & Sons offer a graceful way to refresh your interiors this spring. Style them alongside fanciful florals or bold stripes to elevate cushions, table linens, curtains and more. A selection of braids, tassel fringes and borders pictured, from £112 per m. samuelandsons.com English country garden The rolling British countryside served as inspiration for the latest collection of table linen by KaHo Prints. Majestic oak trees, winding garden trellises, abundant spring flowers and artichokes come together in a rich tapestry of patterns, meticulously printed using traditional Indian wood-carved blocks. Tablecloths from £79, napkins £30 for a set of four. kahoprints.com A pop of personality One thing you can always expect from interior designer Georgie Wykeham’s furniture designs is a strong…

It’s not easy to conjure up the atmosphere of a French brocante – the hustle and bustle, the scents and sounds, and the draw to a particular stall for no apparent reason other than instinct – but Sharon Santoni does just that in this artfully styled book. Designed for Francophiles, lovers of beautiful interiors, and curious travellers, it is, says Sharon in her blog, ‘a love letter to a timeless way of living’. It’s clear that French brocantes and vide-greniers have shaped Sharon’s style and become a cherished part of her weekends – in her vibrant introduction, she recalls the early days of furnishing her first Paris apartment, and talks about the joy of living with antiques today, at home in the Normandy countryside. The book features nine chapters, each…

Tactile, rustic and soulful, the wares of potter Flora Fabris demand to be handled and used. Working in a variety of clay bodies, Flora leaves much of the pot surface exposed in its natural state. She may apply glaze on the inside for waterproofing, and in splatters and brushstrokes on the outside to highlight and complement the beauty of the raw material. But it will never be to smooth it, disguise it, or hide it away. All of Flora’s pieces – from her vases and jugs, to her plates, bowls and yunomi cups – are designed for function, and the sensory experience of holding elemental earth in your hands. ‘It’s the rawness and the organic element that I’m attracted to,’ says Flora, who grew up in the rugged landscape of…

Schuyler Samperton’s Connecticut farmhouse has countless layers – both in terms of its history and its decor. The core of the building dates to 1828, but some later additions can’t be dated, and there’s no documentation of what was there before. Her collections and heirlooms give the house an eclectic feel, and are displayed against patterned wallpapers and a soft paint palette that create a relaxed vibe. In many ways, the aesthetic is a bridge between English and American decorating styles – it’s warm and welcoming in the English country tradition, but also has a touch of formality, often seen in American decorating schemes. You could say it’s both tasteful and fun. Occasional updates – whether a new wallpaper, a fabric on a piece of furniture, or a fresh arrangement…

J ane and Rob Slater bought their 19th-century cottage just before it went up for auction. ‘It hadn’t been touched for almost a century and was at risk of being demolished,’ Rob recalls. For many couples, top of the renovation wishlist would have been upgrading the basic kitchen, which consisted of little more than a blackened old range, fold-down pine table and a Belfast sink with a single cold water tap. But Jane and Rob took a gentler approach. ‘We like old things, and a shiny new fitted kitchen would have been completely out of place in this house,’ says Rob. Old cupboards and banks of drawers now provide most of the storage. Jane made a curtain to hide the newly installed washing machine and fridge, which are slotted underneath…

Depression glass takes its name from the greatest economic crisis of the 20th century: the Great Depression. Low-grade and machine-made, this cheerful glassware was sold for a few cents, or given away for free. Now highly collectable, in the 1930s it brought a touch of colour and fun into the lives of ordinary American families, at a time when pleasure was in short supply. In the 1920s, glassmaking in the US was booming. New homes, skyscrapers, and automobiles all required vast quantities of plate glass. Meanwhile, stores were filled with a dazzling array of glassware, from dainty figurines to lightbulbs and cosmetics jars. States such as Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia – richly supplied with raw materials and the coal to power furnaces – became epicentres of the industry.…

Bloomsbury was not yet a fashionable area of London in 1904, when sisters Vanessa and Virginia Stephen moved there to shut the door on their Victorian upbringing and live with their two brothers. The brothers’ Cambridge University friends began visiting on Thursday evenings and Vanessa, a talented painter, and writer, Virginia, were part of wide-ranging conversations on literature, art and ideas. The calibre of those attending earned them an enduring name – the Bloomsbury Group. Lasting friendships between members of the Group kept it in the public eye. It was a fluid set and, besides the four Stephens, founding members included biographer Lytton Strachey, economist John Maynard Keynes, writer and critic Desmond MacCarthy, novelist E M Forster, art critic Clive Bell (who married Vanessa) and publisher Leonard Woolf (who married…

Royal & Ancient Scotland Discover fascinating places and meet interesting, like-minded people on this fully guided exploration of Scotland’s history, culture and landscapes. Over the course of seven days, guests will enjoy a carefully curated itinerary accompanied by an expert guide, taking in everything from the winding streets of Edinburgh to the wild hills of the Highlands. Other highlights include Rosslyn Chapel, Balmoral Castle, V&A Dundee, and Fife’s picturesque fishing villages. This tour is a perfect voyage of discovery for anyone who wants to learn more about Scotland’s heritage in style – the next trips depart in June, July and September. wildernessscotland.com The Barrel Top This off-grid cabin on a small working farm in Devon is an idyllic spot if you want to switch off and unwind. The characterful space…

Before heading home, there’s plenty to keep me here longer, including pretty beaches, tempting shops and galleries, and a lovely promenade that links Newlyn to neighbouring Penzance. The shops concentrated around Newlyn’s harbour make a great starting point, including Coddiwomple Gallery (@coddiwomplegallery2019) for paintings, furniture and quirky objets; an eclectic trove of antiques at The Strand (thestrand_newlyn); and works by local creatives at Thomas Henry Gallery (thomashenrygallery.com). In the village itself you’ll also find Newlyn Art Gallery (newlynartgallery.co.uk), while in neighbouring Penzance, Cornwall Contemporary has a fantastic array of works by top contemporary artists, including Paul Lewin. Penlee House Gallery & Museum (penleehouse.org.uk) in Penzance is home to the largest collection of art by members of the Newlyn School artists. It’s the perfect introduction to these incredible works, which capture the…

3rd Behind The Door, Online Vintage & Antiques Fair, 7pm-9pm, @behindthedoorvvf 23rd The Virtual Vintage Bazaar, 10am-5pm, @thevintagebazaarevents; thevintagebazaar.co.uk 23rd Virtual Vintage Market, 9am-4pm, @thewealdenbazaar HOW TO JOIN IN Visit Instagram during the hours on each listing. The organiser will reveal which sellers are taking part in the online fair, and give their Instagram handles (names, starting with the ‘@’ symbol). Click on an Instagram handle to reach a seller’s account and see what items are available to buy, pricing, and how to buy – typically this means commenting ‘SOLD’ on the item you want. Then, simply arrange payment and postage by messaging the seller directly.…

BUY NOW Modern British art There are some great buys to be found at auction in the current art market. In particular, works by good 20th-century British artists are brilliant value for money in comparison with international modern and contemporary artists. Works on paper by well-known names such as John Nash, Ben Nicholson and Edward Seago are still relatively affordable, and paintings by the likes of Julian Trevelyan and Mary Fedden provide strong images with great wall presence. Keep an eye out for works sold at auction as part of studio sales. Not only do these demonstrate the breadth of an artist’s portfolio, with great provenance, but they usually offer works across a range of price points. This provides a wonderful opportunity to add quality works to your collection while…

THE ART London Original Print Fair 14th – 17th May, Somerset House, London Championing the art of printmaking, this annual event returns for 2026 with a broad range of exhibitors. There’s a rare opportunity to see Unlimited, a series of works made in the 1960s by entrepreneur, industrialist and descendant of the chocolate dynasty, Jeremy Fry. Working with contemporary artists whose work he felt would suit mass production, Fry’s aim was to create ‘art for all’, and many of these pieces have now become collectors’ items. londonoriginalprintfair.com THE EXHIBITION The Edwardians: Age of Elegance 24th April – 6th December, The King’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Explore the world of two of Britain’s most fashionable royal couples (King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and King George V and Queen Mary)…

The focal point of all English country house sitting room schemes should be a largescale, attention-grabbing chintz sofa. Layer in more chintz through cushions, curtains and lampshades, mixing in stripes and faded graphic prints for a look that feels collected rather than coordinated. Up the antiques, too, with bookcases, side tables, lamps, mirrors and mismatched chairs – the more the merrier Fabric Wallpaper…

Across the world, billions of items are sold each year to the highest bidder. Everything from cars to cattle go under the hammer. There’s nothing quite like an auction – the sheer variety of treasures for sale; the thrill of raising your hand or clicking ‘bid’; and the tantalising chance you might walk away with the bargain of the century. In the antiques world, online bidding platforms have transformed the buying experience. Sites such as liveauctioneers.com, easyliveauction.com and the-saleroom.com bring together catalogues from thousands of auctioneers. Even small sales attract bidders around the globe so, from the comfort of our living rooms, we can watch as bidding wars erupt between buyers in Tyneside or Tokyo. One moment of hesitation, or one impulsive bid, can result in heartbreak or triumph. Here,…

IN BRIEF In October 1929, panic selling wiped out billions in value from the American stock market. The fall continued. Three years later, it had slumped to 89 per cent below its pre-crash peak. In the boom years, banks had lent heavily to stock market speculators, who now couldn’t repay their loans. As a result, more than 9,000 banks across America failed, fuelling the economic disaster. For countless ordinary families, the consequences were catastrophic. It wasn’t just people with stock market investments who suffered. Unlike today, banks offered savers no protections. So when the banks collapsed, people’s life savings vanished. Overnight, homes, farms and businesses were lost. It’s estimated that by 1933, unemployment reached 25 per cent nationwide. In some states the numbers were much higher. Those in work often…

ANTIQUES EXPERT LUKE HONEY Q1 I have just started to collect antiques. Is it better to buy from an auction house or an antiques dealer? The answer is both; each has their pros and cons. Coming from an auction background myself, I tend to buy from local auction houses. I have a great deal of respect for the provincial auction house – they shift vast quantities of antiques and household goods in general sales every month, catalogued to a tight deadline under immense pressure. As a result, estimates tend to be on the low side. They’re in the business of selling, and bargains are to be had – especially during the sleepy month of August, when buyers are away on holiday, or if, through your own diligent research, you know…

The Landscapes & Seascapes course costs £525 for three days’ tuition, with all materials provided. The next courses are scheduled in May, July and October. The School runs a wide range of other short courses for all levels of experience and ability. Programmes are led by Cornwall’s finest artists and include the following topics: Abstract Landscape, The Human Form, Painting with Oils, and Expressive Flower Painting. Long courses are also available at the Newlyn School of Art, and if you’re unable to attend the School in person, there’s also a selection of online courses, which offer the chance to learn new skills from the comfort of your own home, and at your pace. For more information visit newlynartschool.co.uk Getting here Newlyn is located at the south-west tip of Cornwall. The…

Framed by a diaphanous wrap, Elisabeth Lederer’s jet-black eyes gaze out from a strong, candid face. Gustav Klimt’s 1916 portrait of the only daughter of one of Vienna’s leading industrialist families captures 20-year-old Elisabeth forever in the bloom of youth, clad in a Poiret-style hobble dress and a Chinese Dragon robe to denote her high social status. It is beguiling; full of character and colour, and the last of Klimt’s famous full-length portraits, created during his ‘pinnacle’ period (1912-17). The painting was commissioned by Elisabeth’s parents, August and Serena Lederer, who knew the artist from a young man and stayed loyal when he rebelled against Vienna’s traditional art scene. Serena appeared as a bright young thing in one of his early works, Auditorium in the Old Burgtheatre (1888-89), and a…

by Katy & Milo Campbell (£45, Abrams Books) Get ready for a joyful insider’s tour of Cornwall’s most beautiful homes. From fairy-tale thatched cottages to grand country houses and even a converted signal station, there are 16 inspiring interiors to explore, each celebrating Cornwall’s character and windswept charm. Guided by Mark Nicholson’s exquisite photography, journey along dramatic coastlines, through romantic villages and sandy coves, then step inside to appreciate the design details of each unique home. With a mix of traditional English country style and more contemporary interiors, plus plenty of dramatic window views of both land and sea, you’re sure to close this book feeling inspired – and in love with Cornwall.…

Nowadays, it’s much harder to discover what’s known as a ‘sleeper’ – the antique that’s been wrongly described and undervalued by the auctioneer, snapped up for a fraction of its real worth by a sharp-eyed buyer. In the pre-internet years, when viewing sales meant receiving a catalogue in the post or going to the saleroom in person, there was a much smaller pool of bargain-hunters. Today, hundreds of bidders from across the globe are searching through lots online, hoping to find their ticket to early retirement. Will shares his top tips: ‘Every week, I spend hours going through auction catalogues. Of course, it makes it a lot easier if you really know your stuff, then you start seeing things other people scroll straight past. I once spotted a valuable jug…

Nestled in a leafy enclave in Montpelier, Bristol, Tristan Hogg’s family home is a testament to his love of upcycling and vintage interiors. The chef and co-founder of Pieminister was first drawn to the property when he used to walk by and admire the façade, which hinted at its past as a shop. By chance, Tristan ended up living in the house for six months, when it was an Airbnb rental, before buying it five years ago. The building has a fascinating history and was originally part of a Georgian manor house that was divided into a terrace of four houses in Victorian times. In the early part of the 20th century, each of the four houses operated as a shop. After this, Tristan’s house was bought by the school…

Sold for £228,600 1. Burning bright Estimate £80,000-£120,000 | Sold £228,600 When a collection of eight illustrated poems by William Blake came up for sale at Christie’s, devotees of the world-famous 18thcentury poet and artist prepared to tussle. The poems came from one of the four first-issue volumes of Songs of Experience that were created by Blake’s own hand in 1794 and published as a counterpoint to his earlier poetry collection, Songs of Innocence (1789). The poems were created using ‘Illuminated Printing’ – a technique Blake invented, involving acid-etching and hand-inking copper plates. Of these four unique volumes of Songs of Experience, two are in public collections at Yale University and the National Gallery of Canada. Another is privately owned, while the fourth, from which these eight pages came, had…

Think about the practicalities. Where will the pipes and wires go? Buried in the wall? Hidden behind extradeep or hollowed out skirting designed to hide cables? Can you run them discreetly behind furniture? Or will you make them a feature? Grade I-listed buildings, including churches, often use exposed metal conduits – tracks that route electrical wires – which become part of the modernised building’s character. Don’t forget the legal requirements. The law doesn’t care whether your kitchen is fitted or freestanding – it cares that moisture, smells and combustion gases can be safely removed, and that your kitchen isn’t a fire hazard. Clearances must be maintained around cookers. Materials near heat sources must be suitable for their location. You aren’t required to have a modern cooker hood or extractor fan,…

Summer is coming and, with it, a host of cultural and sporting treats to enjoy. On the art front, we have the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy, and blockbuster shows at The National Gallery (Zurbarán), Tate Modern (Frida Kahlo) and the National Portrait Gallery (Marilyn Monroe). Music highlights include opera at Glyndebourne, alongside a wealth of festivals and live performances. And these are complemented by beloved sporting events such as rowing at Henley Regatta, tennis at Wimbledon, and horse racing at Royal Ascot. Weaving through this colourful tapestry of summer fun is an array of auctions across the regions, most of which take place before the school holidays start. London has the highest profile, with Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Bonhams and Phillips holding their main summer sales in June and early…

Compared to the bright lights of the city, it always surprises me how dark the countryside is, making the glow from The Sun Inn’s windows all the more appealing. It’s thrumming with chatter inside as we’re greeted warmly and taken to a table in the softly lit dining room. Quieter in here, we feel ourselves rapidly unwinding. We hungrily tuck into handsome starters of black pudding with smoky chickpeas, Thai duck broth, tempura swordfish and doorstop slices of sourdough with olive oil and balsamic. The 17th-century golden-stone thatched pub is co-owned by head chef Pete and his wife, Conny – easily one of the sunniest couples ever to work in hospitality – alongside JJ and his wife, Laura, who run 350-acre Wild Berry Farm. The menu is field-to-fork and classically…