Young Guns of the Antiques Trade

Last week we were delighted to attend the Battersea Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair for two special awards ceremonies.  Dubbed the BAFTAs of the antique world the winners of the annual Homes & Antiques Awards and the Young Guns of the Antiques Trade were both announced during National Antiques Week.

George Johnson & Mark Hill introduce the Young Guns Awards

The Young Guns awards were set up to highlight younger members who are making their mark in the antiques trade.  Awards were given to those under-40 who are excelling in the trade, from owning shops or taking over family firms to organising fairs and auctions.

As well as promoting the trade to a younger audience the campaign also aims promote the green credentials of antiques.  As well as buying a piece of history, quality craftsmanship and unique designs, antiques give the buyer exceptional value when compared to modern high street purchases.   Alfies donated some of our lovely 'Antiques are Green' canvas bags designed by Susan Taylor to all those shortlisted.

Alys Dobbie collecting her award presented by interior designer Nicky Haslam

Alfies was also delighted to be involved with the special judges prize, a shop at Alfies for the summer.  Alys Dobbie of Nanadobbie was the lucky winner and we will be welcoming her to Alfies in June and July.  Make sure to pop in and say hello!

'Old Farts of the Trade' a touch of humour from the older generation!

We'd like to give a huge congratualtions to all the winners and those shortlisted!  For the full round up of winners and more photos from the event please visit the Homes & Antiques website.

Flowers

Spring is here! It may be grey outside but Alfies is full of colourful floral antiques...

Stockists: 
Angry-Agent
Beth
East West Antiques
Gloria Sinclair
Janes Antiques

Italian Mid-Century Design at Alfies

The world's biggest and most important furniture fair, the Salone Internazionale del Mobile di Milano, is taking place this week. Designers from all over the world are showcasing their latest furniture including some brilliant pieces of fine Italian design. At Alfies, we are very proud of our wide range of Italian mid-century art & design. To celebrate Milan Design Week, we like to share a few of our favourite objects.

Mid-Century Italian Drink and Glass Trolley

From Francesca Martire - www.francescamartire.com

1960s Italian Chrome Coffee Table

From The Moderns - www.themoderns.eu

   

1950s Italian Lamp

From Martin Rooney - martin-rooney.com

General view of Vincenzo Caffarella - www.vinca.co.uk

1960s Brass Chandelier by Sciolari for Lightolier

From The Moderns - www.themoderns.eu

General View of Modo Italia - www.modo-italia.co.uk

A Pair of 1950s Gio Ponti Armchairs for Reguitti

From Francesca Martire - www.francescamartire.com

 

General view of Peter O'Rourke

He specialises in Italian art & design

www.alfiesatiques.com

Stapled Porcelain

18th Century Chinese Plate from Janes Antiques

This 18th Century Chinese plate was made for the European market, the raised pattern is reminiscent of Worcester. The crown coronet design on the rim of the plate means it probably belonged to a Baron.
Unintentionally, the back of this plate is also quite interesting. It reveals a method of repair using staples which was popular in former times.

This was how treasured porcelain was repaired in the days before glue, it was usually taken to a jeweller or metal smith to be restored. Holes were drilled in the plate using a rod of metal dipped in diamond dust, the holes were used for the metal staples. This was the favored technique of mending porcelain which dates back to the 17th century. It was an elaborate way of reassembling pieces together but was so effective that it was impervious to water. To this day many stapled porcelain objects still exist which is a testament to it's durability.