Exciting New Ceramics & Glass Fair in London

I love a good fair, especially those run by Specialist Glass Fairs. The dynamic duo behind the rapidly expanding portfolio are delighted to announce an all-new fair to be held at Dulwich College in South London on Sunday 28th March. To be held in the beautiful and aptly Modernist style Christison Hall from 10.30am until 4pm, the fair sees the addition of ceramics dealers to the usual stable of fabulous glass dealers. Visitors will be able to browse all types of decorative and collectable glass and ceramics from across the centuries; from Powell to Poole, Moorcroft to Murray and faience to Fat Lava.
Specialists in 18th century drinking glasses, stylish and hotly desirable Scandinavian and Italian pieces, antique continental glass such as Gallé and Lalique, and British art glass will exhibit alongside trusted quality ceramics experts and contemporary glass and ceramics makers. Amongst them, these two stunning pieces will be displayed. The first is a rare 1960s Poole Pottery 'Tree of Life' charger by Tony Morris, available from Mark Hitchings, and the second is an Arts and Crafts candelabra in 'Straw Opal' glass by James Powell and Sons, c1890, which will be available from Nigel Benson.
I'll also be there signing a full range of my books and the new edition of the Miller's Collectables Price Guide and Handbook 2010-2011, together with a limited quantity of the book that accompanies my new BBC2 TV series, 'Cracking Antiques'. For more information, check out the fair's website at www.gcse21.com. Make a note in your diary, and I hope to see you there!

An Evening With The Chorleywood Bookshop

Last Friday Judith Miller and I were invited out to the heart of 'Metroland' to visit the charming town of Chorleywood. The owners of the independent Chorleywood Bookshop, Sheryl and Morag, asked us to speak at an evening event in the local hall, followed by a book-signing and an 'Antiques Roadshow' style valuation.
After perusing their marvellous bookshop on the smart parade over a cup of tea, we were ready. And we needed that cup of tea! When we pulled up outside the hall, well over 100 people had arrived and were patiently queuing, clutching bags full of treasures acquired or inherited, but most certainly cherished.
Judith kicked off the event with a talk that crossed Continents and history from 16thC Chinese porcelain to Lalique (and Lalique-alike) glass to treen snuffboxes. I then followed up with a talk that examined the effect of fashion on the market - both in terms of historic changes and changes today that affect desirability, and so values. Both of us brought pieces from our own collections with us, with me bringing some Fat Lava, transfer-printed blue & white ceramics, 'Flow Blue' ceramics, and postwar Czech pressed glass. I ended by introducing my new TV series, Cracking Antiques, and commenting on how the wheel is turning once again and traditional, 'brown' furniture is becoming sought after once again after a few decades in the doldrums.
Then it was into the audience to see what they had brought in - and they didn't disappoint! A truly wonderful, varied selection awaited us from mid-19thC was dolls to Chinese ceramics, a pocket watch or two and a superb micromosaic of St Peters that had to be worth over £1,500-2,000! A marvellous evening was had by all, and Judith and I finally left at gone 10pm to wend our way back to London. Thank you, Sheryl and Morag!

Cambridge Glass Fair

Yesterday saw a nerve-shredding drive up the M11 to the 14th Cambridge Glass Fair at Chilford Hall. As ever, it was well worth it. I was one of many hundreds who braved the torrential rain and flocked to the event to buy the best in glass from 18thC drinking glasses to 21stC contemporary studio glass.
My collecting habits are somewhat obscure right now, but I was delighted to buy this piece of Czech glass from Italian glass supremo Massimo Marino. For those of you who don't recognise it, it's from the 'Flora' range, designed by Frantisek Koudelka and made at the Prachen Glassworks. This range is featured in a 1974 edition of Czechoslovak Glass Review, which describes it as lending a "refreshing touch to every modern home". It was inspired by Koudelka's 1973 'Karneval' range, which has similar decoration, and also by antique coloured glass from the Harrachov glassworks.
At 35cm (13.75in) high, it's the largest one I've ever seen but friends' responses were muted, with one even describing it as 'arty farty'! I'll leave you to make your own mind up, but I'm a fan of the abstract design, the shape that harks back to Czech Art Nouveau forms, and the high quality.
On my way around the huge fair, I also enjoyed chatting with dealer friends including Alison Snelgrove, Peter Elliott, Danny Walker, Ron & Ann Wheeler, Tracy Opie and Andrew Lineham.
I also spotted a lady buying this beautifully modern bull. Judging by the colour, I think it was made by Zeleznybrod Sklo in Czechoslovakia and, although I can't find a direct reference, I think it was most probably designed by Miroslav Janku. Of great quality, I think she did well at £60.
Paul & Christina Bishop run the most successful and enjoyable glass fairs in the UK - I really can't recommend visiting one enough. Click here to visit their website to see when a fair near you will be on. Next up on the agenda is the Ceramics & Glass Fair at the historic Dulwich College in South London on March 28th. If you do come, do pop over and say 'hello', as I'll be selling my own books as well as a range of Miller's books at the event.

Woman's Hour

Yesterday I was honoured to be asked onto BBC Radio 4's 'Woman's Hour', to speak about Jessie Tait and her 1950s-70s designs for Midwinter.
I was accompanying Professor Cheryl Buckley, who had been lucky enough to meet Tait herself during her research into the role of woman designers in the ceramics industry. If you want to listen to what we discussed, led by presenter Jane Garvey, you can do so by clicking here.

BBC Antiques Roadshows I will be attending...

I am delighted to attend the following BBC Antiques Roadshows as a specialist on either the Miscellaneous or Collectables tables - please do dig out your treasures, come along, and say hello! Doors open at 9.30am (although queues start earlier!), and Roadshows run until 4.30pm - providing you're in the queue by 4pm, you'll be able to see a specialist.

Thursday 29th April - Victoria Hall, Saltaire, near Shipley, West Yorkshire
Friday 14th May - Beverley Minster, East Riding of Yorkshire
Thursday 3rd June - Brighton College, East Sussex
Thursday 10th June - St Fagans, Natural History Museum, near Cardiff
Thursday 1st July - Hutton-in-the-Forest, near Penrith, Cumbria
Thursday 15th July - Hatfield House, Hertfordshire
Thursday 9th September - Blair Castle, near Pitlochry, Scotland
Wednesday 29th September - Colechester Town Hall, Colchester, Essex

Priceless Antiques Roadshow II

The excellent and highly enjoyable Priceless Antiques Roadshow continues its second series on BBC2 at 6.30pm. If you've missed any, catch up online on iPlayer. If you missed the episode I was in and mentioned below, here's what I bought for the ceramics challenge. I was delighted with my find, and feel pretty comfortable in saying that the £11 I paid was a real bargain.
Last Monday my friend and Roadshow colleague Andy McConnell appeared on the show in a spot I really enjoyed. Regular viewers will love Andy's fascinating glass valuations, and his passion for glass is clear. Although he's a renowned expert in the field, he had never actually made any glass himself, despite having watched it being made many times before. So he visited Isle of Wight Studio Glass to work under one of Britain's most skilled and experienced master glassmakers, and a friend of mine, Timothy Harris. The results are educational, informative and quite frankly sometimes hilarious. I really think he did a great job, with incredible results, so click here to see how he got on.

Priceless Antiques Roadshow

The second series of Priceless Antiques Roadshow, the BBC's fantastic spin-off show from world-famous Antiques Roadshow reached its fifth episode this evening, with another twenty to come. Perfect tea-time viewing, the show looks deeper into the Roadshow, one of Britain's best-loved TV programmes, and with a 32 year heritage.
You'll learn more about the experts and their personal passions and favourite fields of expertise, glimpse behind the scenes at Roadshows across the country, take a look back through the archives at some of the best and most fascinating finds and the stories behind them, and also see special features unique to the series.
I was lucky enough to be asked to take part in one of these, and one of the spots we filmed aired this evening. 'Expert Eye' takes three specialists, Katherine Higgins, Steven Moore and I, and pits us against each other to buy an antique or a collectable from three different subject areas against a set, and realistic, budget. First up tonight was ceramics, with each of us being given the task of finding something we believed to be a good, bargain buy for a maximum of £30. I visited the Shepton Mallet Flea Market, Katherine went to Alfie's Antiques Market, and Steven was at the Lincolnshire Antiques & Home Show. Tune into iPlayer to find out what each of us bought and how how we got on.
The two remaining 'Expert Eye' spots yet to come cover furniture, and whatever we individually believed to be 'useful'. I'm delighted to say that I came in well under budget for all of my finds, each of which I'd have been more than happy to buy myself and display or use at home. After you've seen it, I hope you'll agree with us - it all goes to show that there really are so many fantastic bargains out there if you look.

Starbucks goes antique?

In today's Evening Standard, City Spy revealed that global coffee chain Starbucks was excited about the imminent redecoration of all its UK stores. Rather than the bland, blond wood, laminate floored, Ikea look we're all used to, a "retro" style will be ushered in. Apparently the "antiques" to be used were sourced in Turkish bazaars, with each of their 750-ish shops gaining a truly unique look due to the individual pieces used. Although I'm somewhat suspicious, it just goes to show that even corporate giants are adopting the increasingly fashionable eclectic, retro and antique look...

National Antiques Week

Hot on the heels of the Antiques Are Green campaign comes the first 'National Antiques Week' in Britain! To be held from 23rd-30th November, the week aims to encourage more people to visit their local antiques shops, auction house or fair and buy and enjoy antiques, collectables and 20thC design. A high profile team of companies and individuals, including BBC Homes & Antiques, The Antiques Trade Gazette, AntiqueNews, LAPADA, and BADA, is also actively pushing the government to support and promote the antiques and collectables industry - which contributes billions of pounds to the national economy. On that note, why not show your support and love for antiques by clicking here to sign up to the online petition now? I've just joined the hundreds who have already.
Details of all the many supporters and events will be published on Antiques.co.uk and AntiqueNews, and you can even download a free poster to show your support!

Sampson Mordan pencils in BBC magazine

A few months ago, I wrote a quick blog entry on a particular passion of mine - Mordan propelling pencils. You can read it here. You can imagine my delight when BBC Homes & Antiques magazine commissioned me to write an article on the subject. As well as a history of the company and its products, you can read my pick for 'An Investment', 'Three Of The Best' and an explanation of the different marks used by the company across the century or so they were in existence. As ever with this magazine, the photography is also stunning!
In addition to this, there's a special 'behind the scenes' feature on the Antiques Roadshow from presenter Fiona Bruce, the usual price guide feature and sumptuous interiors, and a fascinating 'Real or Fake' feature from David Battie on Chinese porcelain. The current issue is out now and costs a mere £3.60. If it inspires you find out more, I can wholeheartedly recommend visiting the 'London Writing Equipment' show on October 4th. Click here to visit their website.
Also, check out the 'Changing Rooms' box on page 23 for some exciting news...more on that to come!

I hate 'word clouds'

Because:
* They look like something has gone terribly wrong with the website.
* They do not demonstrate linear thought patterns.
*They are confused and confusing.
* They are a typical, pretentious Web 2.0 gimmick.
* My eyes and head hurt when straining to read the smallest fonts.
* Half the population don't know what they are.
* Clouds are gaseous, nebulous, amorphous, opaque, and lack substance - hardly attributes that good content should take.

Okay, rant over.

Frank Thrower & Dartington Glass on Sky TV

Filmed during the first ever retrospective celebration of the life and works of Frank Thrower in Summer 2006, the documentary film of Frank's life, "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles", will be shown on the the Sky 2 Arts channel on Sunday 9th August at 7pm.
This fascinating documentary was filmed and produced by Nigel Edwards of InHouse Productions, and was co-directed by Graham Cooley, the foremost collector of 20th century decorative arts in the UK. Graham also acts as the focal point during the film, which also includes interviews with members of Frank's family, many of his colleagues at Dartington Glass, glass experts including Charles Hajdamach, and I.
You can also see exclusive footage of the legendary FT15 'Ship's Decanter' being made, which are nothing less than spectacular. If you love glass and 20thC design, you'll love this film, which draws to a truly tear-jerking end.
Tune in to see what I mean.
Copies of the film on DVD can be bought at £12 + P&P by emailing the Glass Association, who funded it, at crystal-edge@hotmail.co.uk. If you're interested in reading about Frank and his globally successful designs, you can buy the book, written by his daughter Eve Thrower and I, for £12 + P&P by emailing evescanlon@hotmail.com. And don't forget to make a note in your diary for 8th August at 7pm - I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.

...and Wales made three

July has been a busy month for me. In addition to my usual jobs, this month I enjoyed three Antiques Roadshows in nearly as many weeks. I wrote about Melrose below, and that was followed up a few days later by an event at Bletchley Park, just outside Milton Keynes. If you think you recognise the name, you probably do. Bletchley was home to the talented team led by Alan Turing who broke the code used by Hitler's 'Enigma' machines. Without this breakthrough, the course of World War II would have gone very differently, and our home computers may not be where they are today.
Over 3,500 people attended the event on a sunny Sunday - not quite a record, but up there with the busiest Roadshows, so I was told. The image above shows the house as all the specialists arrived at 8am, and the image here shows the queue as it began to build shortly afterwards. It stretched across the entire lawn, round the lake and into the distance for most of the day, but everyone saw a specialist.
Only a few days later, I was on a train bound for Llandeilo in South Wales for an event at the beautiful Aberglasney Gardens.
Originating in the late 15thC, and restored in the early 1990s, the house and gardens enjoy breath-taking views of the rolling Welsh hills. Arriving mid-afternoon gave me a few hours to explore the town, where I stumbled across The Works Antique Centre, near the railway station. If you're passing through or holidaying nearby, I can certainly recommend a visit to this rabbit warren of rooms packed with things to see and buy at very reasonable prices. Amongst the things I bought were these two 1980s Rosenthal plates designed by Dorothy Hafner (below). Very postmodern in style, I think they were a good buy at £10. While you're there, I can also recommend The Mount Antiques Centre in nearby Carmarthen, found again near the railway station.
Many people associate Wales with rain, and while the day I arrived was hot and sunny, the day of the event was true to form, with the heavens opening for most of the day. I don't mind getting a little bit wet, but this was something else. Anyhow, I had an umbrella to shelter under - it was those in the queue I felt sorry for. But camaraderie and cheer was strong, and we worked through the queue as fast and politely as possible, before we were all moved into the marquee to carry on. I filmed a spot, so keep your eyes peeled when the series airs to see what I found.
Although there are more to come, Aberglasney was the last Roadshow of this season that I'm scheduled to attend. I'll miss all my colleagues greatly, and will look forward to seeing them again next season. In the meantime, I'm preparing for an exciting new project, more about which later...

West German Pottery at a charity auction

I've just got back from a charity auction held to benefit the Prince's Trust at the Guildhall in London. Alas, I am empty handed. Eric Knowles, my friend and colleague on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow, is taking part in another series of 'Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is' for the BBC. Here, two well-known antiques experts are pitted against each other, buying antiques and collectables, and then selling them at a profit later. They use their own money, so the stakes are high! Eric knows I'm partial to a bit of West German pottery, and had bought a large early 1960s vase (shown here) that he thought I might like to add to my collection. Designed by Hans Siery for Scheurich in 1958, "Yes, please!", I said. At over 20inches (50cm) in height, and estimated at a punchy £150-200, my chequebook and bidding arm were ready, and Eric was enthusing on the rostrum. But I didn't prepare myself for a room full of 20-40-something design fans, and I was soon outbid, with the vase selling for a fantastic £270. Well done Eric, but in my case, I guess you can't win them all!

Antiques Roadshow in the Scottish Borders

And I bought a hat specially too! Having experienced the blazing Summer heat the UK is experiencing on past Roadshows, I thought I'd come prepared this time. You can imagine my annoyance when both the Met Office and BBC weather both predicted rain and thundery showers. Well I should have trusted my instincts - not a single drop fell from the blue and sun drenched skies.
I was told by one of Judith Miller's relatives that it's all a fix - the sun always shines in bonny Scotland, and all those rainy soaked shots are just a myth intended to keep everyone out! That may be stretching things just ever so slightly, I think......but the idea is nice.
Our location this time was Abbotsford, the Victorian castle built by poet Walter Scott in the 1820s. The event kicked off with drinks on the lawn and a private tour of the castle and its contents before dinner was served indoors. The library, one of the best in private hands then and now, was a particular highlight. We were staying in nearby Melrose (above), a pretty and well-kept small town with a beautiful abbey and even an antiques centre to keep us entertained before the following day's proceedings.
The Roadshow started bright and early the next day and we were kept busy for the day examining all manner of objects from spinning wheels (wool was important to the area), to fine porcelain, sparkling jewellery, textiles, toys, and more. The weather was as warm as the reception we enjoyed, and everyone went away smiling. The shot shown above shows the day as it began to wind down, at a still balmy 5 o'clock.

BBC Antiques Roadshow on the Channel Islands

Well, at least the rain held off! It was that that everyone seemed most worried about as the merry band of Antiques Roadshow production crew and specialists gathered in the beautifully manicured grounds of Saumarez Manor on the idyllic island of Guernsey. The photo above shows the event just before the gates opened. What you can't see is the queue, which was there in force, with everyone clutching their carefully wrapped treasures.
All eyes gazed upwards at the stormy clouds, but someone up there smiled down on the BBC, and by the time the afternoon, and the queue, had been and gone, the sun was shining. As with all Roadshows, thousands of people had brought thousands of objects to be appraised, commented on, identified and valued by the specialists, and many went home with an extra broad grin on their faces.
I managed to film something (above) from amidst everything I saw, and you'll just have to wait and watch the programme to see what it was!
The next day, before I left for Jersey, I managed to make a call on a dear old friend of mine, James Bridges, who is now a consultant with premier Guernsey-based auctioneers Martel Maides.
James and I first met at Bonhams in London, where he was a fellow specialist in the collectors department, specialising in diecast models by the likes of Dinky and Corgi, amongst other toys. I then joined him at Sotheby's, before we both worked together for a third time at an internet company. We parted ways some seven years ago, so had a lot to catch up on, despite me suppressing my rude yawns due to the early start after the busy day. Truly good friends get on and chat however long they've been apart, be it 7 days or 7 years, and so it was with James. We shook hands on a 'high' and with promises to meet up again - soon.
Our meeting was cut short by a date with none other than René Lalique. Not the man, of course, but an entire church he designed from 1932-34. It was a privilege to visit St Matthews' Glass Church, particularly with my esteemed Roadshow colleagues for company. Above, you can see an entire wall of monumental angels - this is just a small part of the wonders you can see, which will truly take your breath away. There really isn't anything else quite like this church, and it provides the perfect balance to any retail therapy you might indulge in in the pretty centre of St Helier.
Before I knew it, the day was spent and the Jersey Roadshow beckoned. The people of Jersey were naturally no less charming, kind and welcoming than those of Guernsey, and the event, held at the picturesque Samarès Manor (above), was packed to the gunnels. Once again, I was lucky enough to film something I loved, and I know that plenty of other treasures were discovered and identified. I was also grateful for the light, late evening. After the work was done, I was able to take off for a peaceful wander through the gardens of the manor with cool and calming zephyrs blowing gently around me...the perfect end to a perfect week.

Brooklands Antiques Roadshow II

Paul Atterbury and I talking at the start of yesterday's Antiques Roadshow in Brooklands Museum in sunny Surrey.

BBC Antiques Roadshow at Brooklands Museum

Of course it had to be a chequered flag - a stylish and perfectly suitable opening to the Antiques Roadshow at Brooklands motoring and aviation museum in sunny Surrey today.
As soon as it was dramatically swept down, thousands of visitors, excitedly clutching their antiques and collectables, made their way to the tables of waiting specialists. It simply could not have been a better day, with the sun in the sky and smiles on faces. Of course, some smiles were even wider as people left!
I was manning my usual post on the many Miscellaneous tables alongside Hilary Kay, Paul Atterbury, Judith Miller, Jon Baddeley, Katherine Higgins and Max Donnelly. Although I didn't manage to film anything this time around, I saw some mighty fine pieces ranging from pop memorabilia, to Clarice Cliff ceramics, to an 18thC scarifier (look it up!) - and even a mummified cat!

Fat Lava II Exhibition

If you're into Fat Lava, the crazy and unique ceramics produced in West Germany from the 1960s-70s, you simply must take a trip to Reading this month. I've just got back from the grand opening today, and my jaw is still on the floor.
Eminent private collector Graham Cooley and progressive dealer Al Baynham of the mid20c Retro Shop (left) have literally pulled out all the stops to present you with a truly eye-popping and mouth-watering display that leads on perfectly from the ground-breaking first Fat Lava exhibition held in King's Lynn in 2006.
Al has devoted his entire shop to the exhibition, which is divided into two rooms. Everything in the large, light and airy front room is for sale and, given the colourful and crazy shop window display, I'm amazed there's haven't been any minor accidents on the road outside! From floor vase to bud vase, Roth to Scheurich, Bay to Jasba, and prices that range from £15 to £300, there's something here for you whether you're looking to build your collection, or buy a single statement piece. Break free from the boring uniformity of Ikea and high street chains and say something about yourself and your avant garde tastes!
The back room contains an exhibition put together by, and featuring vases from, the vast Graham Cooley Collection of some 2,500 examples (left). Rather than just repeat the success of the first exhibition, Graham has pulled together a new array focusing on recent discoveries and learnings. So, Übelacker Keramik, Jopeko, ES Keramik and Roth are amongst the names that have benefitted from his skilled and experienced eye. You'll also see fantastic forms and great glazes from more widely known names such as Scheurich (the 'Wien' series in particular) Dümler & Breiden, Ruscha and Carstens. Although none of these pieces are for sale, you'll learn plenty to help you as you build your collection.
I attended today to launch the second, revised and expanded edition of my Fat Lava catalogue, and copies flew out of the door like the proverbial 'hot-cakes', usually accompanied by carefully chosen and wrapped vases! Over 60 people attended the opening throughout the day, and Al made everyone feel welcome, offering drinks and snacks. Light-hearted banter was punctuated with laughter, with the sunny terrace outside becoming a hotbed of discussions and exchanges of information.
I was delighted to see Kevin Graham, author of a new encyclopedia on the subject to be published soon, major collector and dealer Martin Rosam, Paul Bishop of the Cambridge Glass Fair, and many other friends and colleagues. Of course, we weren't the only ones having fun. At 11am UK time, three other exhibitions in Australia, Germany and the US opened simultaneously online via www.fat-lava.org. Fat Lava had truly gone global. I've never heard of an online/offline event quite like this before, so a round of applause must go to dealers and collectors Patrick & Petra Folkersma of Outernational for masterminding this innovative event. All four locations remained online throughout the day, and attracted a great many online viewers keen to see the exhibitions and chat to the collectors who built them.
Did I have a favourite? Although it's very hard to choose from the eye-popping array, it would have to be the range of Roth vases shown here. Although little is known about this factory, the designs speak for themselves. Out of all the different designs produced in these incredible two decades, these have caught collectors' attention the most. Prices have risen from under £100 to nearly £300 in a matter of months, with collectors old and new falling over themselves to add a piece to their collections. These rises are partly due to their scarcity - despite their period look and feel, these pieces can't have sold in large numbers at the time, and are not common at all. If I have one regret, it was not buying these in 2006, when I could have had an ovoid vase for £30-50. Now I'd have to part with £150 for the same piece. As my friend Judith Miller says, 'It's the ones you don't buy that you regret'. Don't let that happen to you - hot-foot it to Reading now!

Fat Lava in Canada

On my many visits to Canada, I've always been delighted by the enormous level of interest in West German ceramics of the 1960s & 70s. The country was a major export market for makers such as Bay, Scheurich and ES Keramik, and Fat Lava has become a firm favourite amongst collectors there.
My good friends Conrad Biernacki and Brian Musselwhite of the Royal Ontario Museum are fans, as is dealer Holly Gnaedinger of the wonderful 'Twice Found' in the trendy Mirvish Village district of Toronto. Although a busy schedule meant I never got to meet him after having spoken a few times, I heard great things about another dealer by the name of Marten Augsten. Naturally I was delighted to see that the Canadian 'National Post' newspaper had recently covered his gallery, aptly named the Rogue Gallery. Click here to read the article, from where this image is used with thanks.
While I'm on the subject of Fat Lava, it's only a few weeks until the 'Fat Lava II' extravaganza launches. Kicking off on 30th May with the opening of a selling exhibition at the Mid20C gallery in Reading, Berkshire there're also a number of exciting web and gallery based events planned across June. With contributions from leading experts from Germany, the US, the UK and Australia, it's not to be missed. Plus there's the launch of the second, revised edition of my bookalogue. Check out www.fat-lava.org to find out more!