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From finding a vintage dress to impress in Norfolk, or keeping things ship-shape in Whitstable, this week’s fairs have plenty to offer

Rare Machin Queen’s head relief a ‘hat-trick’ for Staffordshire auction house!

When, in autumn 2009, auctioneer Ben Gamble took a commission for an original plaster cast depicting the image of HRH Queen Elizabeth II by stamp and coin artist Arnold Machin RA, he couldn’t quite believe his eyes. Only a year before, Cuttlestones had sold a similar plaque for £15,700 to a London institute during the sale of the contents of the Machin family county house in Garmelow, Staffordshire.

The Antiques trade is the oldest recycling business in the world and the ultimate in terms of preserving our heritage for future generations and, conserving   precious natural resources.

For many years antique furniture has been referred to as 'brown' as a result of the colour of wood used and it has often been used in a less than complimentary fashion.  The new trend from the industry, spearheaded by the 'Antiques are Green campaign'. is that antiques will be recognised for their genuine green hallmark-“ sustainable, re-usable and re-saleable”. 

Do you have what it takes to become Antiques Master 2010?
ARE YOU AN AMATEUR ANTIQUES AFICIONADO?
CAN YOU DISTINGUISH YOUR LALIQUE FROM YOUR VENINI? 
IS YOUR ANTIQUES KNOWLEDGE PRICELESS?
If so, we want to hear from YOU!

Ever fancied being on television?

Do you have an unusual and fascinating antique or collectible you want to SELL?
Do you believe your item is worth BIG MONEY?
A new Channel 4 programme is offering you a once in a lifetime opportunity to sell your item to one of Britain’s top expert investors. In this programme, serious amounts of money could change hands for the right item.

If you would like to take part or want to know more,
please contact Rebecca on 02078 618 224 or email rebecca.hevingham@talkbackthames.tv

WINTER OLYMPIA DATE FOR NATIONAL ANTIQUES WEEK

The date for National Antiques Week will now be 15-21 November 2010. The revised date was agreed last week when the committee met to discuss plans for this year following the news that Clarion Arts have kindly agreed to host one of the events at Winter Olympia, (15-21 November).

There is a huge difference between shopping for necessary things and shopping for the enjoyment of shopping. No matter what your income, life is too short not to enjoy leisure shopping . Before the Internet, going to the mall was a get away from home just to get out of the house. And, before the malls, there were wonderful little speciality shops to enjoy the special attention the clerks provided and the wonderful items one does not often see, displayed in ways that one can only dream of these days.

Modern art has often been thought of not working with antiques but the inspirational work of Guy Warner proves different. Born in Birmingham, England in 1985, at such a young age Guy Warner is an exciting emerging talent; he uses oils and acrylics to produce vibrant pictures with a fresh yet sophisticated colour palette. His skill with tone and his adept brushwork lend each picture a greatly appealing sense of depth and texture.

EXHIBITION BENEFITS ELEPHANT FOUNDATION
Richard Gardener Antiques of Petworth next exhibition will be called The Beauty of Ivory and will benefit the charity set up to protect and preserve elephants living in Africa today – SAVE THE ELEPHANTS. Richard told Antiquesnews that he wanted visitors to know that he totally disagrees with the use of modern ivory and the slaughter of animals to obtain ivory and a contribution will be made from sales to this charity.

The latest edition of NEWS AND VIEWS from LAPADA makes for uplifting reading with every page reporting on exciting activities and events across the trade.

This well loved premier provincial event is now in its 21st year and promises to uphold the standard it has become famous for. Once dubbed “a mini Olympia” there will be plenty for both the trade and the collector to feast their eyes upon with painted English and Continental furniture, period and country oak furniture, homely English Staffordshire, decorative accessories, garden items, textiles and much more on display from exhibitors from across the UK.