Maurice Robertson, principal of The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co , has had a lifetime's association with antique porcelain and pottery,with his commercial experience spaning a period of 40 years,including as a valuer to the Australian Government's Incentive to the Arts Scheme. His long experience with antique ceramics and glass also includes dealing with leading museums and numerous international private collections. He has extended his ceramics expertise into the quality table lamps seen on the company's site, he is well known to local and international interior designers who have included many of his table lamps in their projects and has also supplied items of national interest to the official Sydney residence of the Australian Prime Minister.
Antique Lamps - A Renaissance Man
Ulysses Cantagalli, is recognised today as a major 19th century Italian potter. Hardly anything is known about him prior to 1878 when he is recorded as taking over theÂfamily factory in Florence. Florence, of course, was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and Cantagalli's early products reflect this Renaissance artistic style. The style, at the time, was in great demand, especially in England and English speaking countries in general. An outstanding contribution to Cantagalli’s international success was his friendship with William de Morgan, Britain’s most talented and admired pottery and tile designer of the day. de MorganÂhadÂcaptured the mood of the times and this, without doubt, was of greatest benefit to Cantagalli. de Morgan greatly admiredÂCantagalli's art andÂintroduced him to many influential collectors in England and theÂUS. ÂHe encouraged him to participate in international exhibitions and in a short time Cantagalli’s worksÂbecame highly regarded with his workÂstill popular asÂcollector’s items. The Antique & Vintage Table Lamp Co illustrate a Cantagalli table lamp from their current collection.  A very decorative, 19th century, Italian majolica lamp from the Florentine workshop of Ulysses Cantagalli. The urn shaped lamp in Italian renaissance style, with a dome shaped cover, the cover with a minaret finial. The urn on a circular base and socle, standing on a square shaped base. The lamp beautifully decorated in monochrome, pastel blue enamel. The urn cover, rim and base with a lambrequin border. The principal subject, a renaissance scholar with his dog. The urn sides with moulded, lion head ring grips. The figure subject deftly drawn in a very free flowing manner. The lamp on a square, custom made base, lacquered in Royal Blue. Of note, due to the ceramic firing technology of the day, the urn had slightly “sagged†in the kiln, hence the irregular angle of the majolica square base. Circa 1880 ÂÂÂÂÂÂOverall height (including shade) 23"/58.5cm Cantagalli devoted his artistic energy to the understanding of the techniques and the designs of the old masters from Gubbio, Deruta, Urbino and other important ItalianÂceramic centres. He was fascinated by the Italian pottery made during the Renaissance,ÂandÂuncoveredÂa natural talent which made itÂeasy for him to revive the old decorativeÂtechniques. Further, CantagalliÂwas also a very intuitive businessman and he knew that Renaissance style pottery was very popular at the time. Ulysses Cantagalli was an outstanding ceramicist, whose original works areÂdisplayed in many privateÂand important public museumÂcollections including the Bargello in Florence, the Museo Stibbert also in Florence andÂthe Victoria & Albert Museum in London. After a long and successful life, Cantagalli died in 1901. His wife and daughter continued to operate the factory in Florence until 1934 when the factory was sold to the formerÂartistic director, Amerigo Menegatti. The factory struggled through Italy's disastrous involvement with the second world war, finally closing in 1985. The Antique & Vintage Table Lamp Co specialise in antiqueÂlamp lighting with an on-line range of over 100 unique, antique and vintage table lamps on view. Lamps are shipped ready wired for the US,Âthe UK and Australia. For more information you are invited to visit their web site at -: www.antiquelampshop.com © The Antique & Vintage Table Lamp Co 2009 Â
Antiques - Tips on How You Should Care for Them
For many antique collectors the taking care of their collection is very important to them. For some who have inherited a lovely collection of heirlooms, yet do not have any idea of how to look after them or even keeping up with the collection they already have as well as they should. By caring for these items correctly they will benefit from them in the future, as not only can they be passed on to their loved ones or they can be sold at a higher value in the future if so wished.
Below it provided some tips for which you should be able to care for your antiques and collectibles. There are many sites where you should be able to obtain more detailed information on how to look after your priceless treasures.
Firstly, we will look at caring for glass, porcelain or pottery antiques. Any items like these should be washed individually in a wash basin to prevent any damage (such as chipping). You should only ever wash them in warm water never hot or cold and with a gentle cleaner using a soft bristled brush. One thing you should NEVER do is put your antique glass, pottery or porcelain in a dishwasher (the extreme heat and detergent used can be extremely harmful). Also always allow each item to dry naturally and do not use a cloth on them to dry them.
Next we need to consider how you should display and store your collection. If you have a home where there are young children or generally lots of visitors then make sure that your glass, pottery and porcelain collections are kept in a safe place (cabinet) well away from the main flow of traffic in the house. Do not put the collection on shelves on walls, it only takes one small vibration to occur whether some one accidentally knocks against the shelf or some one knocks against the wall the shelf is on could mean the loss of your collection.
Now we will look at how to look after antique rugs and textiles. Any rugs or textiles that you have will need specialist care when either moving, storing or cleaning them. It is quite easy to cause damage (such as tearing) to occur when you move such items as the material they are made from is very delicate and so you make sure you move them slowly and carefully. If you must roll up an antique rug then ensure that the pile of the rug is facing outwards as this will prevent any damage or crushing to the item. Any antique garments that you have should at all times be hung on sturdy hangers and then covered in white cotton or rolled up using an acid free paper and then closed at either end and tied securely.
You can vacuum rugs and textiles, but only use a very low setting and always take extra care when you are vacuuming any textiles as you do not want to end up the suction being strong and causing fibers to be pulled apart. If you do happen to spill anything on the rug, then put white paper towels underneath the rug and above where the spill has occurred and replace them until no more liquid comes out. Should it be required, then contact an expert who will be able to clean it correctly. Also remember to keep an eye on the rug or textile and avoid it being exposed directly to either sun or humidity.
If you happened to have collected antique or collectible furniture you will need to dust it usually only a soft lint free cloth. Any wooden antique furniture that you have should be waxed usually only a quality bees wax and where at all possible avoid placing any furnishings in bright light or in to rooms which experience extreme changes in temperature or humidity as they will also cause damage. When moving antique furniture carry it out with extreme care never dragging, but always ensure that the furniture is lifted.
Many people find that having a valuable collection of either antiques or collectibles is a privilege and by ensuring that they take proper care of them will not only help to increase their value but it also means that they can be passed down from generation to generation.
Allison Thompson webmaster of this and several other sites after becoming a work at home mum who now lives in Spain. If you should require any further information please go to http://www.antiqueadventures.info
Below it provided some tips for which you should be able to care for your antiques and collectibles. There are many sites where you should be able to obtain more detailed information on how to look after your priceless treasures.
Firstly, we will look at caring for glass, porcelain or pottery antiques. Any items like these should be washed individually in a wash basin to prevent any damage (such as chipping). You should only ever wash them in warm water never hot or cold and with a gentle cleaner using a soft bristled brush. One thing you should NEVER do is put your antique glass, pottery or porcelain in a dishwasher (the extreme heat and detergent used can be extremely harmful). Also always allow each item to dry naturally and do not use a cloth on them to dry them.
Next we need to consider how you should display and store your collection. If you have a home where there are young children or generally lots of visitors then make sure that your glass, pottery and porcelain collections are kept in a safe place (cabinet) well away from the main flow of traffic in the house. Do not put the collection on shelves on walls, it only takes one small vibration to occur whether some one accidentally knocks against the shelf or some one knocks against the wall the shelf is on could mean the loss of your collection.
Now we will look at how to look after antique rugs and textiles. Any rugs or textiles that you have will need specialist care when either moving, storing or cleaning them. It is quite easy to cause damage (such as tearing) to occur when you move such items as the material they are made from is very delicate and so you make sure you move them slowly and carefully. If you must roll up an antique rug then ensure that the pile of the rug is facing outwards as this will prevent any damage or crushing to the item. Any antique garments that you have should at all times be hung on sturdy hangers and then covered in white cotton or rolled up using an acid free paper and then closed at either end and tied securely.
You can vacuum rugs and textiles, but only use a very low setting and always take extra care when you are vacuuming any textiles as you do not want to end up the suction being strong and causing fibers to be pulled apart. If you do happen to spill anything on the rug, then put white paper towels underneath the rug and above where the spill has occurred and replace them until no more liquid comes out. Should it be required, then contact an expert who will be able to clean it correctly. Also remember to keep an eye on the rug or textile and avoid it being exposed directly to either sun or humidity.
If you happened to have collected antique or collectible furniture you will need to dust it usually only a soft lint free cloth. Any wooden antique furniture that you have should be waxed usually only a quality bees wax and where at all possible avoid placing any furnishings in bright light or in to rooms which experience extreme changes in temperature or humidity as they will also cause damage. When moving antique furniture carry it out with extreme care never dragging, but always ensure that the furniture is lifted.
Many people find that having a valuable collection of either antiques or collectibles is a privilege and by ensuring that they take proper care of them will not only help to increase their value but it also means that they can be passed down from generation to generation.
Allison Thompson webmaster of this and several other sites after becoming a work at home mum who now lives in Spain. If you should require any further information please go to http://www.antiqueadventures.info
Red Wing Pottery Makes Its Fiction Debut
The novel, Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace is set in Minnesota among the states many natural wonders, rich history, and eclectic towns providing a vivid backdrop against which the story unfolds. One of the key plot points involves Red Wing Pottery, manufactured in the Minnesota town of the same name for nearly 100 years.
The matriarch of the Pierson family, Beverly, collects Red Wing Pottery and has gone into the antique business opening Past Treasures Antiques in downtown Wayzata, Minnesota. Red Wing had its origins in the rich clay discovered as the area was being settled in the 1860s. Over nearly 90 years the company would produce salt glaze pottery, utilitarian stoneware, art pottery, cookie jars, and over 100 patterns of hand-painted ceramic dinnerware. Much of the stoneware was marked with a distinctive red wing on the front, in later years the art pottery and dinnerware was stamped with a red wing on the bottom.
In the novel, Beverly and Bill Pierson give their son Paul and his bride Pamela, a blue tinted lily bowl and pitcher, a stunning example of Red Wing artistry. Officially advertised as "Ewers and Basins in blue tint" - the set was offered in the 1920s and 30s along with hundreds of other stoneware items for the household and farm. Because few of these gorgeous sets survived intact, in mint condition they are extremely valuable.
As Kay, the narrator of the story notes, Red Wing Pottery is an integral part of Minnesota's history. But the pottery also holds an important place within the history of America and the pottery industry, as in the early 20th Century the company was the largest manufacturer of pottery in the United States. Other Red Wing pieces of note mentioned in the book include Nokomis vases that were part of the art pottery line during the 1930s; cherry band pitchers which were manufactured during the same time period as the lily pitcher and basin; and cookie jars produced until the plant's closing.
Today, Red Wing Pottery is highly sought after by collectors and is often referred to as "the Cadillac of pottery." Ten years after the plant closed in 1967, a group interested in collecting the pottery for both its beauty and historic significance founded the Red Wing Collector's Society. Every year during the second week in July, thousands of Red Wing collectors from across the U.S. converge on the city of Red Wing for their annual convention, where members buy, sell, barter, and trade pieces of the pottery. Highlights of the Red Wing Convention include auctions, where mint condition salt glaze pottery, unusual or one-of-a-kind pieces can sell for thousands of dollars.
Want to learn more about Red Wing Pottery? There are numerous web sites devoted to the history, preservation, and selling of Red Wing and some of the best are listed below. Another good place to shop for Red Wing is on eBay, where more than a few Red Wing aficionados like Beverly Pierson have caught the collecting bug and developed spectacular collections of the pottery.
Resources:
Red Wing Collector's Society - Founded in 1977, the Society is a great place to learn more about the pottery and its lasting legacy.
Red Wing Collector's Society Foundation - This non-profit foundation's mission is to preserve the history of Red Wing Pottery. The RWCS Foundation maintains a museum in Red Wing, MN and provides educational materials and scholarships.
Red Wing Dinnerware - Todd Hintz and his wife Ivy Loughborough are avid collectors of Red Wing Dinnerware and have designed an extensive web site on the topic. Every pattern is represented.
Schleich Red Wing Pottery Museum - In October, 2001, Jerry and Louise Schleich opened this one-of-a-kind museum in their hometown of Lincoln, NE. Since then, hundreds of visitors from around the world have viewed the collection. Over 5,000 pieces on display chronicle the history of Red Wing Pottery.
The matriarch of the Pierson family, Beverly, collects Red Wing Pottery and has gone into the antique business opening Past Treasures Antiques in downtown Wayzata, Minnesota. Red Wing had its origins in the rich clay discovered as the area was being settled in the 1860s. Over nearly 90 years the company would produce salt glaze pottery, utilitarian stoneware, art pottery, cookie jars, and over 100 patterns of hand-painted ceramic dinnerware. Much of the stoneware was marked with a distinctive red wing on the front, in later years the art pottery and dinnerware was stamped with a red wing on the bottom.
In the novel, Beverly and Bill Pierson give their son Paul and his bride Pamela, a blue tinted lily bowl and pitcher, a stunning example of Red Wing artistry. Officially advertised as "Ewers and Basins in blue tint" - the set was offered in the 1920s and 30s along with hundreds of other stoneware items for the household and farm. Because few of these gorgeous sets survived intact, in mint condition they are extremely valuable.
As Kay, the narrator of the story notes, Red Wing Pottery is an integral part of Minnesota's history. But the pottery also holds an important place within the history of America and the pottery industry, as in the early 20th Century the company was the largest manufacturer of pottery in the United States. Other Red Wing pieces of note mentioned in the book include Nokomis vases that were part of the art pottery line during the 1930s; cherry band pitchers which were manufactured during the same time period as the lily pitcher and basin; and cookie jars produced until the plant's closing.
Today, Red Wing Pottery is highly sought after by collectors and is often referred to as "the Cadillac of pottery." Ten years after the plant closed in 1967, a group interested in collecting the pottery for both its beauty and historic significance founded the Red Wing Collector's Society. Every year during the second week in July, thousands of Red Wing collectors from across the U.S. converge on the city of Red Wing for their annual convention, where members buy, sell, barter, and trade pieces of the pottery. Highlights of the Red Wing Convention include auctions, where mint condition salt glaze pottery, unusual or one-of-a-kind pieces can sell for thousands of dollars.
Want to learn more about Red Wing Pottery? There are numerous web sites devoted to the history, preservation, and selling of Red Wing and some of the best are listed below. Another good place to shop for Red Wing is on eBay, where more than a few Red Wing aficionados like Beverly Pierson have caught the collecting bug and developed spectacular collections of the pottery.
Resources:
Red Wing Collector's Society - Founded in 1977, the Society is a great place to learn more about the pottery and its lasting legacy.
Red Wing Collector's Society Foundation - This non-profit foundation's mission is to preserve the history of Red Wing Pottery. The RWCS Foundation maintains a museum in Red Wing, MN and provides educational materials and scholarships.
Red Wing Dinnerware - Todd Hintz and his wife Ivy Loughborough are avid collectors of Red Wing Dinnerware and have designed an extensive web site on the topic. Every pattern is represented.
Schleich Red Wing Pottery Museum - In October, 2001, Jerry and Louise Schleich opened this one-of-a-kind museum in their hometown of Lincoln, NE. Since then, hundreds of visitors from around the world have viewed the collection. Over 5,000 pieces on display chronicle the history of Red Wing Pottery.
Satsuma Pottery
The style of pottery known as Satsuma was first created on the southern island of Japan in the later stages of the 19th century. It continued to be made through to the early 1920s but there have been many historic finds and records in the same area that proves that there were people making earthenware pottery there as far back as the 16th century. The term Satsuma is derived from the name of the area in Japan where these pottery items were made.
The hallmark signs of a piece of pottery made in the Satsuma style or from that time period is that it is of a creamy or off white and sometime beige complexion. The pottery is then hand painted in amazing, intricate designs featuring scenes from japanese life, animals, flowers or landscapes. The design is then covered with a thin translucent glaze which deliberately ends up with a crackled finish. These three things make the Satsuma pottery stand out among other pieces from the same era.
The pottery made by the artisans of the satsuma area became so sought after and popular that it was heavily copied all over the world. Many of the items of pottery you find from this region were also mass produced and therefore finding that antique needle in haystack can prove difficult. Many items of pottery and porcelain ware were copied and produced overseas in China and were then marked as SATSUMA.
The decoration of the pottery from the Satsuma region is truly amazing. Hand painted with brightly colored enamels, gold and silver and using various techniques such as raising the enamel slightly to give an added effect to the work. The images are incredibly detailed and minute in their design and dimensions. The Satsuma vases for example can range from being heavily decorated all over with dragons or full landscapes complete with animals, rivers and trees to a more simplistic image of Japanese society of notable people from that area or time.
Although the cracking of the glaze makes the pottery look old and antique, it was actually done that way on purpose. The cracks, called Kannyu, were part of the design ideal of the makers and forms part of the style of the pieces. The glaze was applied in thin layers and when heated sufficiently and cooled quickly, resulted in the small hairline fractures that cover the entire pieces.
Many different style of satsuma pottery are available. Vases, bowls, cups and figures all feature the intricate artistry of the maker and the tell tale signs of glorious antiques from years gone by.
The hallmark signs of a piece of pottery made in the Satsuma style or from that time period is that it is of a creamy or off white and sometime beige complexion. The pottery is then hand painted in amazing, intricate designs featuring scenes from japanese life, animals, flowers or landscapes. The design is then covered with a thin translucent glaze which deliberately ends up with a crackled finish. These three things make the Satsuma pottery stand out among other pieces from the same era.
The pottery made by the artisans of the satsuma area became so sought after and popular that it was heavily copied all over the world. Many of the items of pottery you find from this region were also mass produced and therefore finding that antique needle in haystack can prove difficult. Many items of pottery and porcelain ware were copied and produced overseas in China and were then marked as SATSUMA.
The decoration of the pottery from the Satsuma region is truly amazing. Hand painted with brightly colored enamels, gold and silver and using various techniques such as raising the enamel slightly to give an added effect to the work. The images are incredibly detailed and minute in their design and dimensions. The Satsuma vases for example can range from being heavily decorated all over with dragons or full landscapes complete with animals, rivers and trees to a more simplistic image of Japanese society of notable people from that area or time.
Although the cracking of the glaze makes the pottery look old and antique, it was actually done that way on purpose. The cracks, called Kannyu, were part of the design ideal of the makers and forms part of the style of the pieces. The glaze was applied in thin layers and when heated sufficiently and cooled quickly, resulted in the small hairline fractures that cover the entire pieces.
Many different style of satsuma pottery are available. Vases, bowls, cups and figures all feature the intricate artistry of the maker and the tell tale signs of glorious antiques from years gone by.
Visit the authors website where you can get more information regarding Satsuma Pottery and find where and when to buy these items at auction.
What Is Art Pottery?
We all know what pottery is, so the phrase "Art Pottery" refers to any pottery that is decorative, stylish, attractive or even beautiful... a work of art... Art Pottery!
Obviously "art" is open to interpretation, but since there is so much to choose from, anyone can fall in love with some form of art pottery. A favorite of many is Roseville, also others such as McCoy and Weller are very desirable and quite popular. There are over fifty categories of pottery on eBay alone with thousands of pieces to view at any given time. With so much diversity there is enough Art Pottery for everyone.
Art pottery is designed not only for beauty but also functionality. This makes art pottery a welcomed addition to any home. You can get matching pieces with the same design so as to emphasize a specific theme or color throughout your home. For example, Roseville is renown for its floral themes and since everyone likes flowers it can be an impressive addition to your home.
Many pottery manufacturers are no longer in business and so their pieces are valuable to collect. Some are considered antiques and should be displayed only. Some pottery companies are still manufacturing after over a century of business. Some relatively new pottery companies are producing interesting work of great quality with a more modern look. Whatever your taste you will be able to find something to fit your fancy.
It used to be that the only way you could expose yourself to Art Pottery, so as to learn about what is out there and its value, was by visiting antique shops, yard sales and purchasing books on the the subject of Art Pottery or going to retailers who stock one brand or another. Now learning and acquiring is made easy with the Internet and sites like eBay. Just the thousands of images of Art Pottery alone, found on the Internet, add up to quite an education. By researching Internet dealers and auction sites you can get a good idea of what various pieces of Art Pottery are worth. You are also able to view Art Pottery from all over the world and even acquire some if you like.
Collecting and displaying Art Pottery can be a very satisfying hobby and can really beautify your home. There is quite a bit of history behind some of the companies who used to manufacture Art Pottery, their techniques and the artist they hired to design their lines. When this is researched it gives more value to the Art Pottery you display. I have seen people of all ages and backgrounds literally intrigued when first introduced to a piece of art pottery on display in a home. The combination of beauty and history along with the designers original functionality can be quite a topic for conversation.
You can find beautiful and sometimes rare art pottery pieces in the most unlikely places.Take a look around, who knows, you may find the next rare undiscovered piece of Art Pottery!
Robert E Hemken Jr If you would like to browse thousands of pieces of Art Pottery, view quality pictures and get an idea of values visit the author of What is Art Pottery | MyArtPottery site today!
Obviously "art" is open to interpretation, but since there is so much to choose from, anyone can fall in love with some form of art pottery. A favorite of many is Roseville, also others such as McCoy and Weller are very desirable and quite popular. There are over fifty categories of pottery on eBay alone with thousands of pieces to view at any given time. With so much diversity there is enough Art Pottery for everyone.
Art pottery is designed not only for beauty but also functionality. This makes art pottery a welcomed addition to any home. You can get matching pieces with the same design so as to emphasize a specific theme or color throughout your home. For example, Roseville is renown for its floral themes and since everyone likes flowers it can be an impressive addition to your home.
Many pottery manufacturers are no longer in business and so their pieces are valuable to collect. Some are considered antiques and should be displayed only. Some pottery companies are still manufacturing after over a century of business. Some relatively new pottery companies are producing interesting work of great quality with a more modern look. Whatever your taste you will be able to find something to fit your fancy.
It used to be that the only way you could expose yourself to Art Pottery, so as to learn about what is out there and its value, was by visiting antique shops, yard sales and purchasing books on the the subject of Art Pottery or going to retailers who stock one brand or another. Now learning and acquiring is made easy with the Internet and sites like eBay. Just the thousands of images of Art Pottery alone, found on the Internet, add up to quite an education. By researching Internet dealers and auction sites you can get a good idea of what various pieces of Art Pottery are worth. You are also able to view Art Pottery from all over the world and even acquire some if you like.
Collecting and displaying Art Pottery can be a very satisfying hobby and can really beautify your home. There is quite a bit of history behind some of the companies who used to manufacture Art Pottery, their techniques and the artist they hired to design their lines. When this is researched it gives more value to the Art Pottery you display. I have seen people of all ages and backgrounds literally intrigued when first introduced to a piece of art pottery on display in a home. The combination of beauty and history along with the designers original functionality can be quite a topic for conversation.
You can find beautiful and sometimes rare art pottery pieces in the most unlikely places.Take a look around, who knows, you may find the next rare undiscovered piece of Art Pottery!
Robert E Hemken Jr If you would like to browse thousands of pieces of Art Pottery, view quality pictures and get an idea of values visit the author of What is Art Pottery | MyArtPottery site today!
Antique China Repairs
Valuable antique pottery - such as Meissen, S่vres and Chelsea (which date from the 18th century) - is too rare and delicate to be restored by anyone other than an expert. However, many other pieces of antique china, which probably have more charm than value, can be restored by anyone prepared to take the time.
Wash china in warm soapy water, then rinse and dry. Most domestic stains can be shifted by, rubbing with bicarbonate of soda or common salt. Grease and dust collects in cracks. Bleach with cotton wool pads soaked in hydrogen peroxide. Coarse antique china is porous and often stains badly, but it can be cleaned by soaking for up to a week in neat domestic bleach. In some cases, old joins may have to be taken apart. To soften glue, soak in boiling water and detergent. Methylated spirits, amyl acetate and acetone are other softeners that can be tried, but remember that complete immersion softens all joints. In the last resort, pick away at old adhesive with a needle.
Broken surfaces must be clean and fit exactly or they will not join properly. Wipe with a piece of silk dipped in methylated spirits. Silk will not leave lint on jagged edges. Put the thinnest possible coat of epoxy resin on each surface and press together. Remove any surplus adhesive before it dries, with a watercolour brush dipped in methylated spirits. Avoid touching the actual crack: any surplus on that must be removed by breaking the surface with fine glass-paper then by cutting it away with a razor blade. To make a really good join of smooth surfaces, such as those on antique plates or cups, apply pressure by clamping or putting weight on where possible, or by binding with a 1 ฝ in. (40mm) wide brown paper gummed strip (but not self-adhesive tape). Gummed strips shrink as they dry and exert tension. Put the strips that are wet, but not dripping, at right angles across the join: it is pointless to fix a strip along the line of the join. When the join has set, soak off the strips and remove the surplus adhesive with glass-paper and a razor blade.
To repair an antique figure, bury it in a bowl of sand, with the broken surface just protruding and horizontal. Set it up so that the broken piece balances perfectly on its matching surface without adhesive. Glue it and keep checking to make sure that nothing slips. When the adhesive has set, remove any surplus along the join with fine glass-paper and a razor blade.
Chips can be filled with a mixture of epoxy resin and finely powdered chalk, called whiting. Missing parts on antique ornamental pieces can be replaced by modelling a new part out of epoxy resin filler. If the missing part - of a plate, for example - is flat, make a backing of a gummed strip. If the surface is curved, back it with dental impression compound, which can be bought from a dental materials supplier or from a dental mechanic. Mix a stiff-dough of epoxy resin with whiting and build it up against the backing. It sticks to the edges and, when dry, resembles unglazed china.
If the shape of the missing piece is part of a repetitive pattern, make a mould of a similar unbroken part with dental impression compound. Use this mould to make a new piece with quick drying filler. These pieces have to be cut and filed to fit when dry and stuck into place. Note that large missing pieces have to be cast. Model the missing part in plasticine. Use callipers to check the length and thickness of similar parts. Build up a square of plasticine strips on a sheet of glass. Insert a wooden peg through one side of the square and into the model to hold it horizontally above the glass in the middle of the square. Mix plaster of Paris and water in a bowl, stirring until the mixture resembles a thick cream and, pour into the mould until it is halfway up the model. Leave it to set. Cut two wide grooves in the plaster as locating marks when the two sections are joined. Coat the surfaces of the plaster with silicone grease and, fill the rest of the frame with fresh plaster. When it has set, remove the plasticine wall, ease the two sections apart and take out the model. This leaves a mould in which to cast the new piece with filler.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Antiques
Wash china in warm soapy water, then rinse and dry. Most domestic stains can be shifted by, rubbing with bicarbonate of soda or common salt. Grease and dust collects in cracks. Bleach with cotton wool pads soaked in hydrogen peroxide. Coarse antique china is porous and often stains badly, but it can be cleaned by soaking for up to a week in neat domestic bleach. In some cases, old joins may have to be taken apart. To soften glue, soak in boiling water and detergent. Methylated spirits, amyl acetate and acetone are other softeners that can be tried, but remember that complete immersion softens all joints. In the last resort, pick away at old adhesive with a needle.
Broken surfaces must be clean and fit exactly or they will not join properly. Wipe with a piece of silk dipped in methylated spirits. Silk will not leave lint on jagged edges. Put the thinnest possible coat of epoxy resin on each surface and press together. Remove any surplus adhesive before it dries, with a watercolour brush dipped in methylated spirits. Avoid touching the actual crack: any surplus on that must be removed by breaking the surface with fine glass-paper then by cutting it away with a razor blade. To make a really good join of smooth surfaces, such as those on antique plates or cups, apply pressure by clamping or putting weight on where possible, or by binding with a 1 ฝ in. (40mm) wide brown paper gummed strip (but not self-adhesive tape). Gummed strips shrink as they dry and exert tension. Put the strips that are wet, but not dripping, at right angles across the join: it is pointless to fix a strip along the line of the join. When the join has set, soak off the strips and remove the surplus adhesive with glass-paper and a razor blade.
To repair an antique figure, bury it in a bowl of sand, with the broken surface just protruding and horizontal. Set it up so that the broken piece balances perfectly on its matching surface without adhesive. Glue it and keep checking to make sure that nothing slips. When the adhesive has set, remove any surplus along the join with fine glass-paper and a razor blade.
Chips can be filled with a mixture of epoxy resin and finely powdered chalk, called whiting. Missing parts on antique ornamental pieces can be replaced by modelling a new part out of epoxy resin filler. If the missing part - of a plate, for example - is flat, make a backing of a gummed strip. If the surface is curved, back it with dental impression compound, which can be bought from a dental materials supplier or from a dental mechanic. Mix a stiff-dough of epoxy resin with whiting and build it up against the backing. It sticks to the edges and, when dry, resembles unglazed china.
If the shape of the missing piece is part of a repetitive pattern, make a mould of a similar unbroken part with dental impression compound. Use this mould to make a new piece with quick drying filler. These pieces have to be cut and filed to fit when dry and stuck into place. Note that large missing pieces have to be cast. Model the missing part in plasticine. Use callipers to check the length and thickness of similar parts. Build up a square of plasticine strips on a sheet of glass. Insert a wooden peg through one side of the square and into the model to hold it horizontally above the glass in the middle of the square. Mix plaster of Paris and water in a bowl, stirring until the mixture resembles a thick cream and, pour into the mould until it is halfway up the model. Leave it to set. Cut two wide grooves in the plaster as locating marks when the two sections are joined. Coat the surfaces of the plaster with silicone grease and, fill the rest of the frame with fresh plaster. When it has set, remove the plasticine wall, ease the two sections apart and take out the model. This leaves a mould in which to cast the new piece with filler.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Antiques
Antiques - The Modern Day Treasure Hunt
In today's world, everything that's old can be described as antiques and generally speaking that's quite true. A product is considered to be an antique if it is over a hundred years old or is rare enough to have some value. In other words, these are old items that are in limited supply.
An antique is something collectible. It may be a piece of antique furniture that you want to collect to enhance the look of a room, or a piece of antique pottery to decorate a corner cupboard, or some antique books, antique camera and photographs, antique jewelry, antique money, antique car, antique clocks, or antique watches that you want to hand down to your grandchildren but the items must be rare enough to be considered an antique. The others are just secondhand goods junk. Most people have a common misconception about an antique: the older they look, the more antique they must be. Appearance has nothing to do with it, just because a piece looks like it came out of grandma's attic does not necessarily mean that it's an antique. The value of an antique is based on demand due to suitability and limited supply.
Most people become fascinated in an antique for two reasons; either they have an interest in collecting antique purely for personal enjoyment and are willing to shell out money for antique restoration or they inherited it from a family member. The most common are antique pottery, antique car, antique furniture, antique books, antique camera and photographs, antique clocks, antique money, antique jewelry and antique watches. However they came about it, everyone wants to be sure of one thing that what they buy or inherit will escalate in value as time goes by. That is what antique collection is all about.
There are two main principles that apply when collecting an antique: The first is to know everything that you can about the antique that interests you and second is to obtain them at the lowest possible price. Doing so will not only give you satisfaction and enjoyment, but at the same time you will also be assured that your investment will appreciate in value.
Some people only developed an interest in antique because they inherited an item or a whole house full of antique from a relative. The dollar signs started to appear and they began their hunt for some antique appraisals and antique auction. But what most failed to consider is that much of what Great Grandmother had is probably just junk, unless she was a seasoned collector who's into antique restoration or an expert in antique appraisals.
It's true that people could have bought a piece of furniture to decorate their home a long time ago and that furniture, if it were of fine quality, would now be worth something. But only a professional appraiser can guarantee that, and appraising costs about $100-150 an hour. So if you are keen on bringing you item in an antique auction and contemplating about asking someone how much an item is worth, be prepared to shell out a few bucks for the information. Appraisers charge so much because they shoulder the lion's share for insurance companies and lawyers settling estates. Although appraising is not an exact science, it still requires an appraiser to do lots of research and then prepare a detailed report that's acceptable in a court of law.
An antique is something collectible. It may be a piece of antique furniture that you want to collect to enhance the look of a room, or a piece of antique pottery to decorate a corner cupboard, or some antique books, antique camera and photographs, antique jewelry, antique money, antique car, antique clocks, or antique watches that you want to hand down to your grandchildren but the items must be rare enough to be considered an antique. The others are just secondhand goods junk. Most people have a common misconception about an antique: the older they look, the more antique they must be. Appearance has nothing to do with it, just because a piece looks like it came out of grandma's attic does not necessarily mean that it's an antique. The value of an antique is based on demand due to suitability and limited supply.
Most people become fascinated in an antique for two reasons; either they have an interest in collecting antique purely for personal enjoyment and are willing to shell out money for antique restoration or they inherited it from a family member. The most common are antique pottery, antique car, antique furniture, antique books, antique camera and photographs, antique clocks, antique money, antique jewelry and antique watches. However they came about it, everyone wants to be sure of one thing that what they buy or inherit will escalate in value as time goes by. That is what antique collection is all about.
There are two main principles that apply when collecting an antique: The first is to know everything that you can about the antique that interests you and second is to obtain them at the lowest possible price. Doing so will not only give you satisfaction and enjoyment, but at the same time you will also be assured that your investment will appreciate in value.
Some people only developed an interest in antique because they inherited an item or a whole house full of antique from a relative. The dollar signs started to appear and they began their hunt for some antique appraisals and antique auction. But what most failed to consider is that much of what Great Grandmother had is probably just junk, unless she was a seasoned collector who's into antique restoration or an expert in antique appraisals.
It's true that people could have bought a piece of furniture to decorate their home a long time ago and that furniture, if it were of fine quality, would now be worth something. But only a professional appraiser can guarantee that, and appraising costs about $100-150 an hour. So if you are keen on bringing you item in an antique auction and contemplating about asking someone how much an item is worth, be prepared to shell out a few bucks for the information. Appraisers charge so much because they shoulder the lion's share for insurance companies and lawyers settling estates. Although appraising is not an exact science, it still requires an appraiser to do lots of research and then prepare a detailed report that's acceptable in a court of law.
Antiques - The Modern Day Treasure Hunt
In today's world, everything that's old can be described as antiques and generally speaking that's quite true. A product is considered to be an antique if it is over a hundred years old or is rare enough to have some value. In other words, these are old items that are in limited supply.
An antique is something collectible. It may be a piece of antique furniture that you want to collect to enhance the look of a room, or a piece of antique pottery to decorate a corner cupboard, or some antique books, antique camera and photographs, antique jewelry, antique money, antique car, antique clocks, or antique watches that you want to hand down to your grandchildren but the items must be rare enough to be considered an antique. The others are just secondhand goods junk. Most people have a common misconception about an antique: the older they look, the more antique they must be. Appearance has nothing to do with it, just because a piece looks like it came out of grandma's attic does not necessarily mean that it's an antique. The value of an antique is based on demand due to suitability and limited supply.
Most people become fascinated in an antique for two reasons; either they have an interest in collecting antique purely for personal enjoyment and are willing to shell out money for antique restoration or they inherited it from a family member. The most common are antique pottery, antique car, antique furniture, antique books, antique camera and photographs, antique clocks, antique money, antique jewelry and antique watches. However they came about it, everyone wants to be sure of one thing that what they buy or inherit will escalate in value as time goes by. That is what antique collection is all about.
There are two main principles that apply when collecting an antique: The first is to know everything that you can about the antique that interests you and second is to obtain them at the lowest possible price. Doing so will not only give you satisfaction and enjoyment, but at the same time you will also be assured that your investment will appreciate in value.
Some people only developed an interest in antique because they inherited an item or a whole house full of antique from a relative. The dollar signs started to appear and they began their hunt for some antique appraisals and antique auction. But what most failed to consider is that much of what Great Grandmother had is probably just junk, unless she was a seasoned collector who's into antique restoration or an expert in antique appraisals.
It's true that people could have bought a piece of furniture to decorate their home a long time ago and that furniture, if it were of fine quality, would now be worth something. But only a professional appraiser can guarantee that, and appraising costs about $100-150 an hour. So if you are keen on bringing you item in an antique auction and contemplating about asking someone how much an item is worth, be prepared to shell out a few bucks for the information. Appraisers charge so much because they shoulder the lion's share for insurance companies and lawyers settling estates. Although appraising is not an exact science, it still requires an appraiser to do lots of research and then prepare a detailed report that's acceptable in a court of law.
An antique is something collectible. It may be a piece of antique furniture that you want to collect to enhance the look of a room, or a piece of antique pottery to decorate a corner cupboard, or some antique books, antique camera and photographs, antique jewelry, antique money, antique car, antique clocks, or antique watches that you want to hand down to your grandchildren but the items must be rare enough to be considered an antique. The others are just secondhand goods junk. Most people have a common misconception about an antique: the older they look, the more antique they must be. Appearance has nothing to do with it, just because a piece looks like it came out of grandma's attic does not necessarily mean that it's an antique. The value of an antique is based on demand due to suitability and limited supply.
Most people become fascinated in an antique for two reasons; either they have an interest in collecting antique purely for personal enjoyment and are willing to shell out money for antique restoration or they inherited it from a family member. The most common are antique pottery, antique car, antique furniture, antique books, antique camera and photographs, antique clocks, antique money, antique jewelry and antique watches. However they came about it, everyone wants to be sure of one thing that what they buy or inherit will escalate in value as time goes by. That is what antique collection is all about.
There are two main principles that apply when collecting an antique: The first is to know everything that you can about the antique that interests you and second is to obtain them at the lowest possible price. Doing so will not only give you satisfaction and enjoyment, but at the same time you will also be assured that your investment will appreciate in value.
Some people only developed an interest in antique because they inherited an item or a whole house full of antique from a relative. The dollar signs started to appear and they began their hunt for some antique appraisals and antique auction. But what most failed to consider is that much of what Great Grandmother had is probably just junk, unless she was a seasoned collector who's into antique restoration or an expert in antique appraisals.
It's true that people could have bought a piece of furniture to decorate their home a long time ago and that furniture, if it were of fine quality, would now be worth something. But only a professional appraiser can guarantee that, and appraising costs about $100-150 an hour. So if you are keen on bringing you item in an antique auction and contemplating about asking someone how much an item is worth, be prepared to shell out a few bucks for the information. Appraisers charge so much because they shoulder the lion's share for insurance companies and lawyers settling estates. Although appraising is not an exact science, it still requires an appraiser to do lots of research and then prepare a detailed report that's acceptable in a court of law.
Antiques - The Modern Day Treasure Hunt
In today's world, everything that's old can be described as
antiques and generally speaking that's quite true. A product is
considered to be an antique if it is over a hundred years old or
is rare enough to have some value. In other words, these are old
items that are in limited supply.
An antique is something collectible. It may be a piece of
antique furniture that you want to collect to enhance the look
of a room, or a piece of antique pottery to decorate a corner
cupboard, or some antique books, antique camera and photographs,
antique jewelry, antique money, antique car, antique clocks, or
antique watches that you want to hand down to your grandchildren
but the items must be rare enough to be considered an antique.
The others are just secondhand goods junk. Most people have a
common misconception about an antique: the older they look, the
more antique they must be. Appearance has nothing to do with it,
just because a piece looks like it came out of grandma's attic
does not necessarily mean that it's an antique. The value of an
antique is based on demand due to suitability and limited supply.
Most people become fascinated in an antique for two reasons;
either they have an interest in collecting antique purely for
personal enjoyment and are willing to shell out money for
antique restoration or they inherited it from a family member.
The most common are antique pottery, antique car, antique
furniture, antique books, antique camera and photographs,
antique clocks, antique money, antique jewelry and antique
watches. However they came about it, everyone wants to be sure
of one thing that what they buy or inherit will escalate in
value as time goes by. That is what antique collection is all
about.
There are two main principles that apply when collecting an
antique: The first is to know everything that you can about the
antique that interests you and second is to obtain them at the
lowest possible price. Doing so will not only give you
satisfaction and enjoyment, but at the same time you will also
be assured that your investment will appreciate in value.
Some people only developed an interest in antique because they
inherited an item or a whole house full of antique from a
relative. The dollar signs started to appear and they began
their hunt for some antique appraisals and antique auction. But
what most failed to consider is that much of what Great
Grandmother had is probably just junk, unless she was a seasoned
collector who's into antique restoration or an expert in antique
appraisals.
It's true that people could have bought a piece of furniture to
decorate their home a long time ago and that furniture, if it
were of fine quality, would now be worth something. But only a
professional appraiser can guarantee that, and appraising costs
about $100-150 an hour. So if you are keen on bringing you item
in an antique auction and contemplating about asking someone how
much an item is worth, be prepared to shell out a few bucks for
the information. Appraisers charge so much because they shoulder
the lion's share for insurance companies and lawyers settling
estates. Although appraising is not an exact science, it still
requires an appraiser to do lots of research and then prepare a
detailed report that's acceptable in a court of law.
Thinking about exploring the exciting world of antiques? Join
us and utilize our resources in the treasure hunt for the
exquisite. There is no membership required. Use the links below
to get started today:
antiques and generally speaking that's quite true. A product is
considered to be an antique if it is over a hundred years old or
is rare enough to have some value. In other words, these are old
items that are in limited supply.
An antique is something collectible. It may be a piece of
antique furniture that you want to collect to enhance the look
of a room, or a piece of antique pottery to decorate a corner
cupboard, or some antique books, antique camera and photographs,
antique jewelry, antique money, antique car, antique clocks, or
antique watches that you want to hand down to your grandchildren
but the items must be rare enough to be considered an antique.
The others are just secondhand goods junk. Most people have a
common misconception about an antique: the older they look, the
more antique they must be. Appearance has nothing to do with it,
just because a piece looks like it came out of grandma's attic
does not necessarily mean that it's an antique. The value of an
antique is based on demand due to suitability and limited supply.
Most people become fascinated in an antique for two reasons;
either they have an interest in collecting antique purely for
personal enjoyment and are willing to shell out money for
antique restoration or they inherited it from a family member.
The most common are antique pottery, antique car, antique
furniture, antique books, antique camera and photographs,
antique clocks, antique money, antique jewelry and antique
watches. However they came about it, everyone wants to be sure
of one thing that what they buy or inherit will escalate in
value as time goes by. That is what antique collection is all
about.
There are two main principles that apply when collecting an
antique: The first is to know everything that you can about the
antique that interests you and second is to obtain them at the
lowest possible price. Doing so will not only give you
satisfaction and enjoyment, but at the same time you will also
be assured that your investment will appreciate in value.
Some people only developed an interest in antique because they
inherited an item or a whole house full of antique from a
relative. The dollar signs started to appear and they began
their hunt for some antique appraisals and antique auction. But
what most failed to consider is that much of what Great
Grandmother had is probably just junk, unless she was a seasoned
collector who's into antique restoration or an expert in antique
appraisals.
It's true that people could have bought a piece of furniture to
decorate their home a long time ago and that furniture, if it
were of fine quality, would now be worth something. But only a
professional appraiser can guarantee that, and appraising costs
about $100-150 an hour. So if you are keen on bringing you item
in an antique auction and contemplating about asking someone how
much an item is worth, be prepared to shell out a few bucks for
the information. Appraisers charge so much because they shoulder
the lion's share for insurance companies and lawyers settling
estates. Although appraising is not an exact science, it still
requires an appraiser to do lots of research and then prepare a
detailed report that's acceptable in a court of law.
Thinking about exploring the exciting world of antiques? Join
us and utilize our resources in the treasure hunt for the
exquisite. There is no membership required. Use the links below
to get started today:
How to Date a Piece of Antique Pottery
Have an antique pot and want to know how old it is? The easiest way is to look up the makers logo in a reference book or on a website. What if there is no makers name - there can still be lots of clues to help. Here is part 3 of my basic guide to collecting antique and 20th century ceramics.
How to date a pot with no backstamps: The easiest way to date a pot is often from a manufacturers backstamp. But what if the base has no markings at all? What clues can be used to help with dating?
We can look at several factors and see when they were introduced ( therefore the earliest the pot can date from) and when they were most fashionable ( therefore most likely that the pot will date from).
These include: - Type of glaze
- Type of decoration
- Style of pot
- Colour
- Function of the item
For example a pot purpose built as an electric lamp with space for the fittings. This piece therefore has to post date the introduction of electricity. We can then look at the style - perhaps its post-war modernist which would date it from between 1950s and 1970s. Another example: A tile has a majolica glaze, a Victorian aesthetic design and is about 12 mm thick. Majolica glazes ceased to be used in the early 20th century as they were toxic to the potters and so from the glaze it could date from the mid Victorian era to circa 1920s. However, the Japonaise / Victorian aesthetic stylised leaf design were first fashionable in the 1870s and as the tile is quite thick it is most likely that the tile dates from this era rather than in the late Victorian era or the early 1900s
How to date a pot from the marks on the base other than makers marks:
There are a wide variety of potters marks placed on the bases of pots. Just try turning a few over and see what you can find. If you are lucky enough to come across a makers mark you can use reference books and internet sites to help date your pot. There are other marks which can also be useful: The Word England was placed on the base of pots as the country of manufacture was required by the McKinley Tarriff Act from 1891. Pots with England on the base will date after this time. This was upgraded to Made in England circa 1920 Words like "Ltd" after the company name and the word "Royal" or a Royal Coat of Arms will mean that the item is Victorian at the very earliest as would a pattern name on the base of your pot. Oven Proof, Microwave Safe and Dishwasher Safe are all later 20th Century innovations a Bar code on the base would never be found pre-1970s. Bone China, Fine China are both 20th Century and I am told that Great Britain is a mid 20th century term.
How to date a pot with no backstamps: The easiest way to date a pot is often from a manufacturers backstamp. But what if the base has no markings at all? What clues can be used to help with dating?
We can look at several factors and see when they were introduced ( therefore the earliest the pot can date from) and when they were most fashionable ( therefore most likely that the pot will date from).
These include: - Type of glaze
- Type of decoration
- Style of pot
- Colour
- Function of the item
For example a pot purpose built as an electric lamp with space for the fittings. This piece therefore has to post date the introduction of electricity. We can then look at the style - perhaps its post-war modernist which would date it from between 1950s and 1970s. Another example: A tile has a majolica glaze, a Victorian aesthetic design and is about 12 mm thick. Majolica glazes ceased to be used in the early 20th century as they were toxic to the potters and so from the glaze it could date from the mid Victorian era to circa 1920s. However, the Japonaise / Victorian aesthetic stylised leaf design were first fashionable in the 1870s and as the tile is quite thick it is most likely that the tile dates from this era rather than in the late Victorian era or the early 1900s
How to date a pot from the marks on the base other than makers marks:
There are a wide variety of potters marks placed on the bases of pots. Just try turning a few over and see what you can find. If you are lucky enough to come across a makers mark you can use reference books and internet sites to help date your pot. There are other marks which can also be useful: The Word England was placed on the base of pots as the country of manufacture was required by the McKinley Tarriff Act from 1891. Pots with England on the base will date after this time. This was upgraded to Made in England circa 1920 Words like "Ltd" after the company name and the word "Royal" or a Royal Coat of Arms will mean that the item is Victorian at the very earliest as would a pattern name on the base of your pot. Oven Proof, Microwave Safe and Dishwasher Safe are all later 20th Century innovations a Bar code on the base would never be found pre-1970s. Bone China, Fine China are both 20th Century and I am told that Great Britain is a mid 20th century term.
Anne Haile - Antiques Dealer and Writer. You can find my shop AntiquesAvenue at Antique shopand a wide selection of Antiques Blog.
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