History Information
We're passionate about antiques and all things collectible. We try to find out as much as we can about the history of each piece. If you love finding out about the artists, designers, retailers and makers of past periods you may enjoy browsing our History pages. We have included historical overviews in these pages together with links for recommended further reading. Contact Us if you want further recommendations to find out more.
Current content is listed below - but we regularly add to this section!
Makers, Designers and Retailers
Doulton Stoneware
Royal Doulton had an enormous influence on decorative ceramics – and it all started with salt-glazed stoneware.Etling
Etling commissioned and retailed high art deco items at his Paris store – promoting influential artists and designers.Japanese Imari
Imari ware shows a vast breadth of styles – from those produced by local craftsmen to high pieces by renown artisans.Liberty and Tudric
Liberty’s success grew alongside the designers he collaborated with - typified by Knox and his Tudric designs.Linthorpe Pottery
Establish in collaboration with Christopher Dresser, Linthorpe Pottery was renowned for its innovative designs.Loetz
Loetz captured the Art Nouveau era in glass - with glass designs and techniques that have not been replicated since.Martin Brothers
Creative and eccentric - the pioneers of studio pottery.Mason's Ironstone
Ironstone’s popularity grew when porcelain imports ceased and ended with the development of bone china.Monart
Art glass created from the collaboration between Moncrieff and Ysart - each piece unique.Nailsea Glassworks
The Nailsea craftsmen utilised leftover material to produce unique items typical of the Nailsea glass so loved today.Orivit
Orivit’s brief but highly influential history left a legacy of exquisite art nouveau designs in pewter.Royal Crown Derby
Royal Crown Derby, one of the oldest porcelain producers in England gained huge popularity with its Imari patterns.Royal Lancastrian
Coming soon!Ruskin Pottery
Their experimental glazes created each piece as completely unique - techniques now lost to history!Spode
Spode’s key developments included transfer techniques and felspar porcelain – the forerunner of modern bone china.WMF
From classic to high art nouveau and deco - WMF’s success came from innovative designs that epitomised the period.Show More
General
The Calling Card Case
A window into a fascinating period when etiquette governed how and when we made social visits.The Carriage Clock
Evolved using earlier horological developments - their popularity triggered by changes in society and how we lived.The Drawing Instrument
Reflecting advancements through the industrial revolution and our need for transportation and infrastructure.The Dressing Case
An insight into how affluent society traveled - the dressing case became a means of demonstrating status and wealth.The Tea Caddy
A different era when tea caddies secured what probably would have been the most valuable commodity in the home.Show More
Extended Articles
Design Reform & The Aesthetic Movement
19th-century Design Reform laid the theoretical foundation for designers and artisans still relevant today. Its greatest legacy being the network of Schools of Design which today form the backbone of British Schools and Colleges of Art.The Arts & Crafts Movement
Born from reaction to the industrial revolution - advocating a return to earlier times.Spotlight on Art Nouveau
The first truly international style and one that elevated the status of Decorative Arts.A Look at Art Deco
The first international "vogue" - evoking luxury, glamour and exuberance.Show More