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10 antique pieces you need for your garden this summer
Posted by Chris on 17/05/2024
As we head again into the week of the Chelsea Flower Show, what better time to let the inspiration flow for zhuzhing up your garden.
But instead of rushing down to your local B&Q and blowing thousands of pounds on some ghastly rattan furniture or fibreglass planters, you should consider investing in these garden antiques.
But why? The answer is simple - read on to find out.
Value, history, charm - what's not to love?
Garden antiques hold their value, and they bring tens, if not hundreds, of years of charm and history to your space.
The same just can’t be said for that rattan corner sofa. In a matter of a few years, it’ll be frayed, tatty and worth a fraction of the price.
From Victorian planters and Edwardian seating to 20th century sculpture, here are ten antique garden pieces you can buy right now on Antiques.co.uk.
10. Oak Garden bench
This unassuming four foot oak bench is designed in the Chinese Chippendale style – and is as seen in garden designer Gertrude Jekyll’s garden ornament book of 1918.
Price: £PLEASE ENQUIRE - view this item
9. Pair of 1939 Cast Iron Waterheads
These were made for a home built in 1939, and would have originally featured as part of the home’s guttering. Now they’d make some lovely planters, and have the added significance of the date.
Price: £180 / $230 - view this item
8. Pietra Dura Table
This inside or out table is inlaid with many semi precious stones, and would make a fantastic and charismatic alternative to many modern patio tables.
Price: £1,250 / $1,585 - view this item
7. Vallauris Ceramic Free Standing Centre Fountain
This is such a fascinating piece – we love it. Featuring love birds on the rim, and dolphins on the stand, it’s a working fountain and the water is illuminated. Plus, there are three spaces for your plants.
Price: £1,450 / $1,835 - view this item
6. Pair of Terracotta Wall Brackets
Not too much is known about this pair, but the design of both features mermaids, and we can just imagine them being placed on a garden wall, maybe uplit, or potentially to support a feature shelf.
Price: £180 / 230 - view this item
5. Stone Relief of an Archer
Designed in the 1930s, this 73cm x 73cm relief is large enough to make a lovely impression around the garden…perhaps near a shady spot or a water feature – above the head of a rill perhaps.
Price: £400 / $505 - view this item
4. Pair of Mid Century Italian Travertine Pedestals
You’d be forgiven for thinking that these might be a little older than the 1960s, but no. Standing at nearly a metre tall, you’d get to enjoy that this pair of column pedestals complement each other. With a nice plant on each one, they’d make a fantastic vintage garden antique.
Price: £850 / $1,075 - view this item
3. 17th Century Earthenware Olive Jug – Flagon
How about something from the 1600s for your garden? It comes with the patina and signs of wear that you’d expect from a piece like this – and at around 35cm tall, it would be perfect for adding some charm to a corner of a courtyard.
Price: £220 / $280 - view this item
2. Pair of Duck Bill Flamencos
Again, another lovely pair to complement each other, and your garden. Made pre-1900, they might not be to everyone’s taste, but they certainly bring a sense of playfulness to a pond in your garden (and they’ll keep the herons away from your Koi).
Price: £795 / $1,005 - view this item
1. 6ft Victorian Cast Iron & Oak Garden Bench
Our number one antique for your garden is this magnificent garden bench. Looking glorious after being restored in 2019, it was originally produced in around 1870 by CB Dale, and bears the patent diamond/lozenge mark. We love the gorgeous Nasturtium design and vibrant restored colours.
Price: £2,000 / $2,535 - view this item
A BONUS PIECE JUST FOR YOU
John Close Sundial
What garden is complete without a centrepiece? This sundial – made in the 1980s and designed by John Close – has the potential to give you that sense of balance and closure. Perfect for a parterre, or to make a statement in the middle of a lawn.
Price: £695 / $880 - view this item
Keen to see more garden antiques?
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