Summer Garden Party Style

Summer is in full swing and with scorching temperatures set to continue- there’s no better way to celebrate than with a garden party!

Earlier this month, the Queen hosted the annual Summer Garden Party at Holyrood Palace. Each summer, the Queen hosts three Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace, and one at the Palace of Holyrood House in Scotland.

Garden parties have been held at Buckingham Palace since the 1860s when Queen Victoria hosted what were known as ‘breakfasts’ (though confusingly they took place in the afternoon).

Historically, the annual garden parties were very much high society events with the presentation of debutantes and attendance of nobility.

From 1958 onward the parties  departed from their haute monde beginnings and evolved into a way of recognising and rewarding public service.

Though rooted in royalty, the British public has embraced the tradition of the garden party which has become an essential facet of the summer social calendar.

With so many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, we’re making the most of it by getting dressed up.

So whether it’s a relaxed BBQ or an elegant soiree, we’ve rounded up a selection of elegant  jewellery available here at Alfies that will add that extra special touch to your summer party outfit…

Circa 1900 French Platinum Diamond and Enamel Pendant. Available from Kieron Reilly

Victorian Gold Scarf Clip with Natural Pearls. Available from Gareth Brooks

A Victorian Silver, Amethyst and Moonstone Brooch. Available from Arabella Bianco

Victorian 18ct Emerald Pearl and Diamond Brooch, Circa 1880. Available from Kieron Reilly

Victorian Natural Sea Water Pearl and Diamond Ring, Circa 1890. Available from Kieron Reilly

Trifitail Gold Plated Bracelet with Faux Pearls. Available from Gillian Horsup Vintage Jewellery

A Few Of My Favourite Things: Horner Antiques

This week we spoke with Michael Horner of Horner Antiques to gain an insight into some of his most valued items of stock. Michael chose five pieces from his collection within Alfies that either have a story behind them, or are of particular historical interest. Horner Antiques can be found at stand G012-13, on the ground floor beside reception.

From left to right: Japanese Imari plate (one of a pair), Japanese Heisen bowl, Ku-Tani vase (one of a pair), Chinese brush pot, Ku-Tani vase (one of a pair), Chinese teapot, Japanese Imari plate (one of a pair)

A pair of Imari plates – Imari is actually made in the Japanese town of Arita but is named as such because traditionally when wares were being exported to Europe, the crates in which items were stored were stenciled with 'Imari' relating to the port it was departing from. During this time, in Japan only nobles and certain ranks of soldier were permitted to ride horses and so the items would have been transported to the port of Imari by bullock drawn cart. Richly decorated with trees in blossom and butterflies, these plates would have been made around 1880/1890 and made purely for export to the West. Due to a lack of knife marks, it is also believed that these items have never actually been eaten from and are purely decorative.

A Haisen bowl - This piece would have been made in Arita around 1860-1880. Traditionally used by a Geisha for rinsing sake or tea bowls and decorated in traditional blue and white with stylised dragons and a Greek key pattern which was popular in the ancient world and travelled through the old trade routes.

A pair of Ku-Tani vases -  Ku – tani was an area in Japan, similar to that of England pottery areas which were originally known as the five towns and now Stoke-On-Trent. Ku-tani is a mix of two worlds which translate as 'nine valleys' and is where the white clays, feldspar and pigments were found to create the colour that is now known as Ku-Tani. These vases are from around 1890 in the Meiji period and decorated with classical figures in n a country scene.

A Chinese brush pot – Bearing a mark of the emperor Kangqhi, this piece was actually made during the late Victorian period under the emperor Juangxhu. As with a lot of Chinese pieces, the mark and period don’t always match. A traditional custom in China was to put an older mark on a piece as a sign of respect to one's ancestors. The decoration to the pot is Confucian, and in reference to the teachings of Confucius is depicting a fish holding up the world. The Chinese believed that there was heaven and middle earth (China) and then everything else. The potter responsible for making this piece gave the brush pot one final go on the pottery wheel and has lightly raked with a comb to create slight ridging, making it easier to lift. Fish at this time were used as entertainment in the form of ponds and fish bowls and people would have bred and sold their own fish.

A Chinese teapot - This piece was made around 1770 during reign of emperor Qianglong, who reigned from 1735 to 1796. The teapot would have been made for export to European trade and would have gone to a very wealthy family. At some point during the reign of Queen Victoria the porcelain handle was damaged and restored with a replacement handle. This was a rare occurrence at this time because people took care of their possessions - items were expensive and difficult to replace. Hand painted with figures fishing and the knop is in the shape of a peach, which in eastern folklore is a sign of longevity.

History of the Trunk

Trunks became very popular in the Victorian Era, at this point railroads were established as well as inter-continental travel by water, making long distance trips more accessible and thus easier to transport luggage.

A view of Tin Tin Collectables Luggage

Early trunks were usually a simple lockable wooden box with a paper-lined interior, but like most things from the Victorian period, went on to become intricately designed making them attractive as well as functional. They were covered in leather (or sometimes painted with ornate designs), paper, canvas and some form of decorative metal hardware. This was offset by practical features such as different compartments, drawers, trays and hangers.

Trunks were ubiquitous up until the 1920s, solidifying their position in history and paving the way for our continued interest and current use as decorative furniture, such as a storage chest or even a coffee table.

Below are just a few examples of trunks available at Tin Tin Collectables Luggage.

1910 French 'mocodile' trunk in printed canvas with polished wooden struts. 

Low steamer with solid lock, studs, knuckles and painted panels with original labels.

Rare and well conditioned Campaign trunk, circa 1900s. Originally the property of Col. J W Hackett (eventually Lieut. General). Solid leather construction with original padlock and key over brass hasp. 

 Large and impressive French ocean liner trunk from 1910. Heavily ribbed canvas outer with polished wooden banding and brass locks and trimming with leather edging.

Leslie Verrinder of Tin Tin Collectables gives his advice on caring for your antique and vintage luggage in a special Homes & Antiques cut out and keep article.

Tin Tin Collectables Luggage is based on the first floor at Alfies.
Stand F014
020 7258 1305

Amethyst

February's birthstone is the amethyst, a gem which has been hugely popular across the eras, making antique amethyst jewellery easy to find. The fact that purple could for centuries only be produced from natural materials made it labour-intensive and thus highly expensive – at one point the stone was literally worth its weight in gold! As a result the amethyst became linked to royalty and power. The Victorians were big fans - when Queen Victoria wore a gown to the Royal Exhibition in 1862 dyed with the newly available product the colour became extremely fashionable.

The amethyst is popular for is hue and vibrancy and at Alfies our jewellery dealers have a beautiful selection of pieces on offer:

1930s amethyst ring. From Good Time Antiques.

Victorian 18k gold and amethyst necklace. Available from Kieron Reilly.

1900-1915 Suffragette amethyst bracelet. From Zeeba Jewels.

1870/1880 Austrian amethyst necklace. From Zeeba Jewels.

An amethyst ring surrounded with small diamonds set in white gold. 1960s-70s. From Gareth Brooks.

Edwardian Suffragette necklace. 1910-1915. Amthyst and natural pearl. Available from Zeeba Jewels.

St Valentine's Day

St Valentine's Day - hated by some, loved by others - is approaching again. Now associated with mass produced greetings cards and overpriced roses, this celebration actually has simpler roots. Popular legend tells us that there was once a Saint Valentine of Rome who was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry, and also for ministering to Christians, at that time persecuted under the Roman Empire. According to the tale, during his imprisonment he healed the daughter of his jailer, Asterius, and before his execution he wrote her a letter signed "Your Valentine" as a farewell.

The day was not recognisable as it is to us now until the Middle Ages, when Geoffrey Chaucer wrote 'Parliament of Fowls' containing the first reference to “Saint Valentine’s Day” as an occasion for romance. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "Valentines").

These days the 14th of February is whatever you make it and here at Alfies we advocate love all year round! However, for those of you who still like the tradition of giving gifts, here is our pick of romantic offerings at Alfies Antique Market:

1980s white and black diamond baguette ring, 18ct white gold, available from Pars Jewellery.

Victorian gold acorn earrings, offered by Gareth Brooks

18ct white gold earrings by "Asprey", diamond & aquamarine, offered by Gareth Brooks

Taittinger poster backed on linen, 46cm x 62cm, available from Dodo Posters.

Collection of  Wedgwood candle holders from 1967, available from Robinson Antiques.

Gilded bronze, enamel frame, 1890-1900, available from Hayman & Hayman.

Christian Dior silk gown, 1950s, available from June Victor.

1960s 18ct gold swirl ring with 0.5 carat centre diamond, available from Pars Jewellery.

Chinese New Year: Year Of The Monkey

Celebrate Chinese New Year With Alfies- Year Of The Monkey

Chinese New Year is the most important Chinese festival celebrated at the turn of the traditional luni-solar Chinese calendar. This year it lands on Monday 8th January, the year of the Monkey. It is also known as the Spring Festival, which is the literal translation of the modern Chinese name. Celebrations traditionally start on the evening preceding the first day and continue to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first calendar month.

The New Year festival is centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Traditionally, the festival was a time to honour deities as well as ancestors. Regional customs and traditions vary widely, traditionally the evening after Chinese New Year's Day is an occasion for families to gather for the annual reunion dinner. It is also traditional for every family to clean the house, to make way for good luck throughout the year. Windows and doors will be decorated with red colour paper-cuts with popular themes of good fortune, happiness, wealth, and longevity. Other traditional celebrations include firecrackers and giving money in red paper envelopes.

Taken by Alfies staff at Longleat- Chinese Festival Of Lights Display

At Alfies we have a wide range of not only beautiful Asian antiques, but a wonderful array of animal themed collectables too, to suit your Chinese zodiac sign.

1860 'The Marmozettes' original print, available from Moe Heidarieh

A beautiful Chinese 1st Republic (1912-1920) double lidded pot for making soup, available from Horner Antiques

An unusual selection of 1920s silver marked monkey brooches, available from Zeeba Jewels

1860-1880 Buddha snuff scoop carved from cow bone, available from Horner Antiques

A wonderful carved wood African Monkey Dance mask, one of a pair, from Cameroun, available from The Moderns

Hand painted Imari vase made in Canton, c1825, available from Horner Antiques

Taken by Alfies staff at Longleat, Chinese Festival Of Lights

Taken by Alfies staff at Longleat, Chinese Festival Of Lights

Taken by Alfies staff at Longleat, Chinese Festival Of Lights

Newly Open - Atomium

A warm welcome to Tom of Atomium, who has recently moved into the Second Floor Gallery. You'll find an incredible range of antiquarian books and an eclectic mix of vintage objects such as furniture, posters, jewellery and glassware, dating from the Victorian period to mid century. Prices range from £5 to £500.

Tom's personal favourite item in his shop is Tabatha
"a tailor's dummy from Selfridges, so she's posh!"

"All items are carefully chosen (or occasionally randomly selected), especially the books, where it's always best to be eclectic. The First Editions are always popular."

When it comes to buying vintage, Tom advises to "buy what you like, even if you paid too much, at least you like it". This could be our new mantra!

Atomium

Unit S008 

Second Floor Gallery

Website: www.atomium.co.uk

Email: home@atomium.co.uk

Tel: 07905 271 082