Emma Longstaff
Emma Longstaff is an antiques nerd. Her collections range from 18th century trade tokens and Victorian hourglasses, to bakelite napkin rings and novelty 1950s handbags. Her family are very tolerant.
Recent articles by Emma Longstaff
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.
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
Life before photographers: the art of the silhouette portrait
Small, often beautifully framed and with an air of mystery, silhouettes are an intriguing field for collectors, and look striking placed together on a wall
Collecting diamonds: a cut above the rest
Diamond jewellery is perhaps the ultimate Christmas gift – timeless, romantic and beautiful. Though investing requires some thought...
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
A guide to toleware
From practical household objects to flamboyant embellishment and imaginative designs inspired by flowers, fruit and even hot air balloons, it’s no wonder toleware’s popularity is soaring.
Antiques in Film & TV: how experts find the right pieces
Period-drama season is upon us, and as viewers are
transported by the sumptuous costumes and award-winning performances, we sneak beyond the sets to discover the hectic realm of sourcing antique props for TV and film.
What is stumpwork?
Stumpwork, a specific type of raised embroidery that was at its height in the mid to late 17th century, requires immense skill and time. Here, we take a look at its history, how to collect and recommend stumpwork kits to buy if you fancy trying it out yourself.
What medals are the royal family wearing?
Everything you need to know about royal medals, which medals the royal family wear on formal occasions, and the medals they are likely to wear for King Charles' coronation...
Beginners' guide to collecting stamps
If you've been surprised by the incredible value and significance of the royal family's stamp collection, read on for everything you need to know about starting your own collection
Collecting Snuff Boxes
You may be familiar with these antiques from Bridgerton, or perhaps The Queen Consorts visit on the Antiques Roadshow, but collecting snuff boxes is becoming evermore popular...
What are Fabergé eggs?
The infamous Fabergé egg has intrigued and beguiled the world since the 19th century. Here'e Everything you need to know about Fabergé eggs and the mystery that surrounds them...
Buying antique rugs
With their intricate patterns, painstaking production and compelling history, antique rugs are capable of provoking high passion, and they make a striking focal point in the home
Buying and collecting vintage watches
For their individuality, sense of intimacy and subtle nuances in design, watches are enduringly popular to the vintage collector
Collecting Bitossi
From towering chalices to quirky animals, Emma Longstaff considers the enduring charm of Bitossi Ceramiche
Collecting buttons
Not just a practical means of closing a shirt or jacket, antique buttons are mini carriers of social history and fascinating to collect.
Collecting postcards
Whether written as love notes, letters home from the front line, or greetings from the seaside, postcards offer us a tangible link to the past
Collecting Japanese kokeshi dolls
Japan’s iconic wooden kokeshi dolls are highly collectable pieces of folk art. We explore their history, appeal and intriguing craftsmanship
How to spend a weekend in Bethnal Green
Columbia Road – at the heart of Bethnal Green – is a rare thing indeed: a high street filled with independent shops which, on Sundays, bursts into life with the bustling flower market
Collecting decoy birds
Once used to imitate and lure real birds into shooting range, carved wooden decoys are now viewed as highly collectable pieces of folk art
Harrogate and Knaresborough travel guide: how to spend a weekend
These contrasting historic towns abound with charming independent shops and elegant places to dine and stay
Collecting pincushions
Charming, innovative and packed with character, it’s little wonder that antique pincushions pique so much interest and represent a lively market for collectors
Plan your trip to Marylebone: where to shop, eat & stay
Minutes away from the thronging tourist-traipsed streets of the capital’s West End, this London enclave promises a peaceful, one-of-a-kind Christmas shopping experience