News

A Captivating 19th Century Painted Bench - furniture that tells a story

By Mark Johnson on Feb 04, 2025

There is something deeply captivating about a piece of furniture that tells a story—a story etched in every worn surface, every softened edge, and every subtle variation in color. This beautifully aged hall bench, with its Gothic styling and canted fretwork cut backrest, is no exception.

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Discover the enduring legacy of Magneta Electric Bakelite wall clocks.

By Mark Johnson on Jan 29, 2025

Magneta Electric was a distinguished British company recognized for its electric clocks, particularly during the mid-20th century. These clocks captured the spirit of the era with their innovative design and functionality.

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The English 19th-century open-arm upholstered armchair - Low, laid-back comfort

By Mark Johnson on Jan 28, 2025

Imagine sinking into a chair that whispers stories of the past—the 19th-century open-arm upholstered armchair stands as a shining example of timeless design and craftsmanship, embodying both functionality and beauty.

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17th-Century Oak Stools: Timeless Windows to Artistry and Daily Life

By Mark Johnson on Jan 23, 2025

English 17th-century oak pegged and jointed stools are fascinating pieces of furniture that provide insight into craftsmanship and domestic life before the widespread adoption of chairs with backs.  Construc...

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A masterpieces of African art - Guro (Gouru) fertility figures Transends time

By Mark Johnson on Jan 22, 2025

These masterpieces of African art that bridge the physical and spiritual realms. Hailing from the Guro people of Côte d'Ivoire, these intricate carvings are more than just visually striking sculptures...

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Paper Mâché Chinoiserie Tables & Storage Boxes - History and Origins

By Mark Johnson on Jan 19, 2025

Paper mâché furniture and decorative objects, including chinoiserie-style tables and storage boxes, were popular in the 19th century, particularly during the Victorian era (1837–1901). 

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A Portal to the Past: 19th-Century Cast Iron Umbrella Stand

By Mark Johnson on Jan 19, 2025

Weathered yet dignified, this 19th-century cast iron walking stick or umbrella stand is a relic of a bygone era. Featuring an intricate fleur-de-lis design, it stands as a symbol of both utility and artistry, radiating old-world charm.

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Arts & Crafts oak candle stand - unique and rare ratchet design

By Mark Johnson on Jan 18, 2025

A rare and striking Arts & Crafts oak candle stand takes center stage as a piece of both functionality and artistry. Standing tall and unique, this stool-shaped marvel is prolifically chip-carved, showcasing the most intricate detail that speaks to the master craftsmanship of its time.

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The spirit of the Congo's Salampasu people - Embodying bravery, ancestral connection, and artistic mastery

By Mark Johnson on Jan 18, 2025

The Salampasu mask is a fascinating and culturally significant artifact created by the Salampasu people, who inhabit areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) near the Angolan border. These masks hold ...

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Vintage Kokeshi Dolls - Their History And Why Folks Collect Them

By Mark Johnson on Jan 17, 2025

In a quiet village nestled within the snow-draped mountains of Japan’s Tōhoku region, a humble woodcarver named Haruto sat by the warm glow of his workshop lantern. It was the late Edo period, and life in th...

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Timeless Elegance: Candlesticks Crafted from H.M.S. Terrible's Teak

By Mark Johnson on Jan 16, 2025

The teak timber used to craft the candlesticks aboard H.M.S. Terrible is a remarkable relic of maritime history, imbued with a story of resilience and grandeur.

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Edwardian Mahogany Serving Tray - captivating blend of artistry

By Mark Johnson on Jan 14, 2025

The wonderful elegance of the Edwardian era with a masterpiece of timeless craftsmanship—serving trays that carry over a century of history and artistry in every delicate detail.

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