Collecting
From Darkest Peru to big bucks: Your childhood Paddington toys could be worth thousands
As the nation’s favourite bear returns to the big screen, the popularity of toy incarnations of the iconic character soar.
Collecting bird prints
Antique ornithological illustrations offer an insight into a dynamic era in the exploration of nature. We consider their appeal for today’s collectors…
Tiles of style: why both antique and new Delftware will always be in fashion
Whether they were made in the Netherlands or England, in the 1600s or far more recently, Delft tiles seem never to go out of fashion. In this buyer’s guide, we discover their fascinating history
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Collecting antique and vintage breadboards
From plump wheat borders to lofty mottos, we uncover a fascinating slice of British history.
What's new?
Collecting diamonds: a cut above the rest
Diamond jewellery is perhaps the ultimate Christmas gift – timeless, romantic and beautiful. Though investing requires some thought...
Meet the treasure seekers scouring river foreshores, beaches and fields for the history beneath their feet
We talk to the amateur detectives who revel in the hunt for long-forgotten objects
Collecting Bilston enamel boxes
Small, beautifully crafted and often surprisingly complex,
these decorative boxes were the height of fashion in the
18th century, and represent a fertile field for collectors today
At your fingertips: a guide to collecting thimbles
Thimbles represent a compelling slice of social history as well as miniature vehicles for artistic expression – it’s little wonder they hold such enduring appeal for today’s collectors
What do King Charles and Elton John have in common? They both collect Wemyss ware!
Collected by royals and rock stars alike, and with prices to suit all budgets, these quirky floral ceramics have an eye-catching appeal that shows no sign of waning
Art
How to start your own art collection: tips from the experts
Visiting art galleries and their acclaimed masterpieces is one thing, but the real satisfaction of being an art lover lies in building a collection of your own. Here are some expert tips on how to do just that
How to buy original artists' prints
Serena Fokschaner talks to art dealer Caroline Wiseman about original prints and how they offer an affordable way to own works by established artists
Exhibitions to visit around the UK in February 2024
Our pick of the best museum and art gallery exhibitions around the UK in February 2024 and beyond...
Collecting Guides
How to clean antique picture frames
Keep gilded picture frames tidy and clean with these handy tips
A history of Mouseman furniture and where to buy
Unearth the history of these classic wooden furniture designs, famous for the little signature mouse carved into every piece...
A history of antique spongeware
Explore the charming history of sponge printing as Ellie Tennant dips into a thoroughly British pottery technique. Photographs Rachel Whiting
Design Icons
Discover the forgotten women of the Arts and Crafts movement
May Morris, Mary Seton Watts, Margaret Macdonald… Well over a century ago, these pioneering women made a huge contribution to the Arts and Crafts movement, yet they were overshadowed by their male contemporaries. Now it’s their time to shine!
Behind the brand: Watts 1874
With a museum-standard archive, it’s no surprise that this esteemed heritage textile and wallpaper brand is a favourite with interior decorators. Feature Kara O’Reilly.
Mid-century modern furniture designers to know
Pick up a beautiful piece of vintage home-grown, post-war furniture and add sleek lines, solid construction and pleasing design to your home
Experts
The Antiques That Shaped Me: Lennox Cato
The Antiques Roadshow regular Lennox Cato tells us about his earliest experiences in the trade...
The Antiques That Shaped Me: Annie Sloan
The queen of colour Annie Sloan on her love of auction treasure and her magpie approach to collecting
Meet Catherine Southon, star of BBC One's Bargain Hunt
Auctioneer and star of BBC One’s Bargain Hunt, Catherine Southon, shares her story on how she got into the world of antiques...