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The History of Antique Collecting
Posted by Chris on 08/03/2025
With news that two historic City of London markets seem destined to close forever – after over 800 years of continual trading – the antiques market continues to flourish, both online and in our towns and villages.
But unlike the meat and fish of Smithfield and Billingsgate, with antiques you’ll find that every item has a story – and every corner of an antiques shop hides a potential treasure. There’s always a thrill in the search, no matter what you're looking for.
As we pondered the closure of these historically significant London markets, and read up about their history, it got us thinking: how did antique collecting start – and how long has it been going on for?
Pictured: a carved limestone shabti, New Kingdom, 19th-20th Dynasty, 1307-1070 B.C. £1,100
Early beginnings: the birth of antique collecting
The love for collecting rare and valuable items can be traced back to ancient civilisations. The Egyptians, for instance, placed great value on jewellery, amulets, and furniture, often burying them with the deceased as part of their elaborate burial customs. These items were believed to hold spiritual significance and were treasured both in life and death.
The Romans and Greeks also played a significant role in the early history of collecting. Wealthy citizens and rulers amassed sculptures, coins, pottery, and other artefacts, often as a display of status and power. For them, collecting was not just a hobby but also a means of preserving culture and history. Temples and public spaces were adorned with these objects, reinforcing their importance in society.
In medieval Europe, religious institutions became major collectors of artefacts, manuscripts, and relics, many of which were considered sacred. Monasteries housed beautifully illuminated manuscripts, gold-plated chalices, and rare religious texts, all meticulously preserved for future generations. Nobility also took an interest in collecting, with royal families displaying tapestries, ornate furniture, and artworks in their castles and estates.
During the Renaissance (14th–17th century), a renewed interest in classical art and history led to the formation of “cabinets of curiosities.” Wealthy individuals, scholars, and royalty amassed collections of ancient artefacts, natural specimens, and artworks, often displaying them in private rooms or libraries. These early collections were the precursors to modern museums and were driven by a desire for knowledge and status. (You may know of, or have visited, the house of Sir John Soames in Holborn, London – which is a fascinating collection just like this, although from a later period).
The period also saw a rise in the study of antiquarianism, where scholars meticulously documented historical objects and their origins.
Pictured: Apulian hydria (water carrier), Ancient Greek colonies of Apulian South Italy: 4th cent. BC. £1,350
18th & 19th Centuries: a Golden Age of Collecting
The 1700s and 1800s marked a significant rise in antique collecting, particularly in Europe. As archaeology developed as a formal discipline, explorers and scholars uncovered treasures from lost civilisations, sparking widespread interest. The discovery of Pompeii in 1748, for instance, fuelled enthusiasm for classical antiquities, and wealthy collectors eagerly acquired ancient Roman and Greek artefacts.
The Victorian era (1837–1901) really was a golden age for collectors. At the time, the British Empire had expanded to most corners of the globe, which allowed collectors to acquire (or, often, steal) objects from Chinese porcelain to Egyptian mummies.
The period also saw the establishment of major museums, such as the British Museum, helping shape public interest in antiques. Middle-class families began decorating their homes with antique furniture and decorative objects, making collecting more accessible beyond the aristocracy.
During this period, furniture, paintings, and decorative arts became highly sought after, with collectors prizing items that showed intricate craftsmanship and historical significance.
Grand tours of Europe became popular among the elite (Lord Byron, for example), and they would often bring back antique treasures from Italy, Greece, and France. This rising fascination with antiques also led to the emergence of skilled restorers who worked to preserve the integrity of old furniture, ceramics, and artworks.
Pictured: a Grand Tour olive wood desktop ink blotter pad with Sorrento inlays, 19th century. £375
The 20th Century: the rise of the antique trade
By the early 1900s, antique collecting had become much more of a structured industry, with auction houses, antique dealers, and specialist antique fairs emerging. Sotheby’s and Christie’s, two of the world’s most famous auction houses, played a crucial role in selling high-value antiques to collectors worldwide.
The Arts and Crafts movement of the late 1800s, along with the rise of interior design, encouraged people to appreciate handcrafted antique furniture and decor as a reaction to industrial and mass production.
During the mid-20th century, styles such as Art Deco and Art Nouveau became highly desirable, and people started collecting items based on their artistic and historical significance.
The post WWII era saw a shift in collecting trends, with more emphasis on everyday objects from the past. The desire, post-war, to look forwards and lean towards a modern, sleek design style, has created many of the items which we love today: Mid-century modern furniture, vintage advertising signs, and retro kitchenware.
And as industrial production increased throughout the 20th century, antiques gained additional appeal for their handmade quality and connection to the past. You may be old enough to remember that the 1960s and 1970s also saw a rise in flea markets and antique fairs, making collecting much more accessible to the general public.
Pictured: an Arts & Crafts stained glass fire screen, late 1800s, depicting a galleon in full sail. £360
Modern antique collecting
Today, antique collecting can be both a passion and a potential financial investment for many people.
But despite the rise of digital technology, the thrill of the hunt remains an important aspect of collecting. Many enthusiasts and collectors still enjoy exploring antique shops, estate sales, and auctions in search of rare and unique pieces - just walk around any UK town and you'll eventually spot at least one antiques shop!
For some, the joy of collecting lies in the discovery, while for others, it’s about preserving history for future generations.
However you like exploring antiques, collecting has certainly come a long way from the royal cabinets of curiosities to today’s global marketplace!
Are you looking for specific pieces? We can help
Are you looking for anything specific, or just love the hunt? Contact Antiques.co.uk's owner Iain – he’ll be happy to dish out some tips on spotting hidden gems here on Antiques.co.uk, the marketplace for all.