Welcome
Chances are, if you have children, or grandchildren, you will have observed their fleeting, if all-absorbing, fascination with dinosaurs. (According to scientists about a third of all three to four-year-olds develop an ‘intense interest’ in something. Vehicles top the list narrowly followed by dinosaurs.)
My mother’s response to this phenomenon was to knit a hand puppet in (almost) the shape of a T-rex. But for some parents, the response is rather more extreme.
In 2008, the actor Russell Crowe paid $35,000 for a dinosaur skull, telling a CNN interviewer: “My kids were really into dinosaurs, so I said, ‘Here you go, here’s one for the playroom.’” It was the start of a trend. Now fossilised dinosaurs are more likely to be owned by Hollywood actors, art collectors, or tech billionaires than your local natural history museum. Last year, the fossilised bones of a stegosaurus called Apex sold for a record $44.6m to Kenneth C. Griffi n, the billionaire CEO founder of Citadel. The implications of this fashion, for both collectors and palaeontologists, are considered in a feature on page 18.
Away from fearsome, lumbering creatures who once ruled the Earth, this month’s calendar is firmly marked by Valentine’s Day and all its associated romantic finery. While these days chocolates, flowers and jewellery might top a lover’s gift list, 400 years ago the most longedfor trinket was very different. On page 54 we consider the presents most likely to make the heart flutter in days gone by, including apple corers and knitting sheaves – even a washboard could provoke a twitch of affection. Most were produced by the lovelorn, often sailors, on long voyages, and as examples of folk art make wonderful collectors’ pieces.
And, talking of love, on page 27 Catherine Southon deciphers acrostic jewellery (where romantic messages are spelled out using gemstones), which was popular in Georgian and Victorian times, and is highly sought after today.
Elsewhere, we go behind the scenes of the Barry Humphries’ collection which comes to market this month. It seems the two culturally-lacking alter egos for which he was best known (Dame Edna and Sir Les Patterson) were at dramatic odds with the sensitive and expert collecting eye of the Australian comedian. Have a look on page 22. On page 16, David Harvey discovers an exceptional Gillows’ Davenport desk which ticked all of his client’s wish list while, on page 34, the remarkable craftsmanship of the Naga tribespeople of India is explored in a collection coming to market this month. Enjoy the issue.
alter egos for which he was best known dds with the sensitive and expert on page 22. On page 16, David Harvey h ticked all of his client’s wish list
Naga tribespeople of India is explored issue.
FIRST WORD
IN THIS ISSUE
STEVEN SWANN Behind the scenes with the antique restorer, page 8
CATHERINE SOUTHON deciphers the love language of acrostic jewellery, page 27
GUY SCHOOLING previews a remarkable attic sale taking place in Norfolk, page 28
GUY previews taking pla
Georgina Wroe, Editor
KEEP IN TOUCH Write to us at Antique Collecting, Riverside House, Dock Lane, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1PE, or email magazine@accartbooks.com. Visit the website at www.antique-collecting. co.uk and follow us on X and Instagram @AntiqueMag e love!
We love!
rare ‘village
This rare ‘village idiot’ Toby jug, c.1790, which has an estimate of £1,000-
Toby jug, which has an te of £1,0000 at Woolley allis’ sale on February 5.
£2,000 at Woolley & Wallis’ sale on
February 5.
ONLY £38 for 10 issues
SUBSCRIBE TODAY TO ANTIQUE COLLECTING Call 01394 389969 or email charlotte.kettell@accartbooks.com
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W celebra craftsm
WILL HOBBS celebrates the remarkable craftsmanship of the Naga,
page 34
TH Editor: Ge
THE TEAM Editor: Georgina Wroe, georgina.
wroe Online E richard.gin wroe@accartbooks.com Online Editor: Richard Ginger, richard.ginger@accartbooks.com
Des
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ph Advertisi philpdesign.co.uk Advertising and subscriptions:
C 01394 38
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