Welcome

I mentioned in last month’s column that this magazine would have a Ukrainian focus and I hope we’ve delivered. As unpalatable as it is, and for all the worst possible reasons, a light is currently being shone on Ukraine like never before. News of the atrocities broadcasts nightly into our homes and, along with learning the geography of the pummelled towns, you can’t help contemplate the country ’s past and present, and what the future might hold.

On page 44 we consider the life and career of Alexander

Bogomazov who, though largely unheard of in the West, is known as the “Ukrainian Picasso”. He was part of the country’s influential avant-garde in the 1930s, which had centres in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa. Bogomazov lived through WWI, revolution, civil war and famine, before dying of tuberculosis and his work is as extraordinary as his life. Another unsung Ukrainian artist, the art deco sculptor Bruno Zach, is celebrated on page 20 and, on page 66, standing in for Marc Allum, Hanna Sherman, editor of the Ukrainian antiques magazine Antykvar reveals how her life has changed since the Russian invasion.

On a brighter note, Spring is in the air, outdoor fairs are in full force and nature is bursting out all over. I have never been any great shakes in the gardening department – too much weeding, hoeing, digging and for so little (in my case) reward.

If only there was a way of extending something pleasurable (such as my collecting obsession) into the garden…Hang on, there is. On page 36 we learn about the terracotta creations of one of the most collectable designers of the 20th century – Archibald Knox who, as well as his Cymric and Tudric range for Liberty & Co., came up with some stunning jardinières for the London store.

Fans of Christina Trevanion and Lennox Cato will be disappointed to learn both are taking a well-earned summer break from the magazine. But the good news is next month we welcome the Bargain Hunt stalwart Kate Bliss to the team. Talking of which, as next month’s magazine is our bumper Summer issue (combining June and July) it will be with you slightly later than usual. Expect delivery from the second week in June and, in patriotic mood, it will be a special platinum jubilee issue. Enjoy the issue

Georgina Wroe, Editor

KEEP IN TOUCH Write to us at Antique Collecting, Sandy Lane, Old Martlesham, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4SD, or email magazine@accartbooks.com. Visit the website at www.antique-collecting.co.uk and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @AntiqueMag

We love

This English School, early 18th-century view of Dunster Castle in Somerset. It is one of a pair with a total estimate of £3,000-£5,000 at

Catherine Southon’s sale on May 26.

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ISSN: 0003-584X

FIRST WORD

IN THIS ISSUE

CHARLES HANSON seeks out the Chinese treasures languishing in UK homes, page 18

ANDREW PATTISON previews a collection of banknotes featuring the Queen, page 24

LISA GREAVES reveals how the Grand Tour has inspired collectors for centuries,

page 48

HANNA SHERMAN editor-in-chief of the Ukrainian antiques magazine Antykvar on life in Kyiv, page 66

THE TEAM

Editor: Georgina Wroe, georgina.

wroe@accartbooks.com Online Editor: Richard Ginger, richard.ginger@accartbooks.com

Design: Philp Design, james@philpdesign.co.uk Advertising: Charlotte Kettell 01394 389969, charlotte.kettell

@accartbooks.com Subscriptions: Jo Lord jo.lord@accartbooks.com

ANTIQUE COLLECTING 3