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January 2012 - High Spirits
There are many in Scotland who would prefer independence from the rest of Britain - a situation which has probably changed little since the Act of Union in 1707. The difference between the past and now, is that the Scottish National Party have a majority...
December 2011
The debate about whether or not decanting improves wine is one that re-emerges at regular intervals in columns of the wine press. The general consensus of those ‘in the know’, is that it does, and that opinion is growing. There seems almost unanimous opinion that...
Christmas 2011
The world of antiques is very well served by a weekly newspaper, The Antiques Trade Gazette, which caters for auctioneers, dealers, collectors and academics - indeed anyone who has an interest in what the world of old-fashioned things is doing. Whether it is the current...
November 2011
One of the leading lights in the world of spirits is a good friend - John Barrett. About 30 years ago, I had a lunch-time conversation with him when his business was called The Bristol Brandy Company. He was, and still is, a leading connoisseur...
October 2011
For a good many years I performed valuations of antiques - several hundred in fact. Then my business emigrated from Georgian furniture, clocks, and silver, and edged towards wine-related accessories. Of course, keeping my finger on the pulse of current prices outside the wine accessory...
September 2011
Before I turn to the main points of my newsletter, I would like to congratulate John Banner on being the first person to send me a correct set of answers to my Summer Quiz. He was not the first to send in answers, but his...
August 2011
As promised, here is my report on the season’s three London antiques fairs. My report is brief as I have other things to tell you about this month. Olympia, with wider aisles, up-graded stands and first-floor gallery abandoned, was a welcome improvement. At last the organisers...
July 2011
There has been a major development in the antiques world since I last wrote to you. There are three British multinational auction houses, Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Bonham’s. Back in the 1970s, the finance directors of the first two, realised that in the great market boom...
June 2011
As I write this, the London antiques fair season is almost upon us. This year will provide simpler options than in previous years, with just three principal antiques fairs. First, there is the mass-market traditional fare on offer at Olympia, then the more erudite collector...
May 2011
Occasionally I write a piece for a newsletter and then, at the last moment something occurs that I feel must take precedence. So I usually put it aside in the hope the subject becomes relevant at some later date – and it is surprising how...
1 April
As promised in my last newsletter, I am reporting on the first high-quality antiques fair of the season. There are hundreds of so-called antiques fairs, but few which really do justice to the expression. The British Antique Dealers’ Association is the premier dealers’ organisation, and...
March 2011
I am frequently asked about the care of decanters - how to keep them bright and clear, what to do if they are not, can they be repaired if damaged, and so on. Despite what some may think, in many cases glass can be restored...
Late March 2011
There is an old saying that you can wait an hour for a London bus to arrive - then three will arrive together. So it can be with antiques. One doesn’t see a particular category of antique for a long time, then without warning several...
February 2011
I am sure it will not surprise anyone to hear that there is an excellent weekly newspaper for the antiques trade, and it is entitled ‘The Antiques Trade Gazette’. It has been running continuously now for nearly 2,000 editions, and is highly respected by museum...
January 2011
I would like to start by wishing everyone a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. With political pundits peddling doom and gloom for2011, I would like my website to be thought of as a beacon of light, good cheer and happiness! As I write...
December 2010
I am often asked about the pricing of antiques, and following the recent sale in a minor English auction house of a Chinese vase for over £50,000,000* (about $78m.), this general subject has been the focus of much discussion. It is perhaps understandable that the...
November 2010
Wine whets the wit, improves its nature’s force and adds a pleasant flavour to discourse I have had a small early 19th century wine glass for many years with the above inscription engraved with a diamond, in a very amateur hand - presumably using a...
October 2010
In my chosen niche market of antique wine accessories, there are a few concepts which amuse or bemuse me in equal measure. For example why should a finely crafted early 18th century decanter be worth, say £800, while a roughly-made utilitarian bottle of the same...
September 2010
First, I have to admit to an error in my last newsletter, pointed out to me by a Master of Wine who is also an eminent journalist. I apologise because I mentioned ‘British’ wine. Horror of horrors! British wine is manufactured from imported grape juice...
August 2010
Wine has been with mankind for centuries, millennia indeed, but there is one wine which is a relatively modern invention; it is also one of the world’s great favourites. I refer, of course, to champagne, and if ever there was a season for champagne (and...
The June Antiques Season
In June, the world and his wife come to London for its fashion, exhibitions, Wimbledon - and its antiques fairs. Among the various and usual eye-watering attractions expected in the London Season, this year there was something new and utterly spectacular to think and talk...
Fresh and Exciting News of London Summer Fairs
About 10 months ago we heard that Marriott Hotels were 'axing' the doyen of all antiques fairs - the Grosvenor House Fair, which had been running since 1934. At first there was much dismay as it had been the premier antiques fair internationally, although Maastricht...
April 5th Antiques are Green
The waking up to reality, or scare (whichever view to which you subscribe) of global warming is an important issue with 'Green Parties' playing a burgeoning part in international politics. And they have done so for the past decade. The world of antiques can be slow...