Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting your journey into the world of vintage treasures, our guide to antiques will help you navigate the fascinating realm of collecting vintage items. We will explore the best antiques to collect, where to find them as well as essential tips for building a unique and valuable collection.
Fontaine Decorative stand shot
Understanding Antiques and Vintage
Before delving into the specifics of collecting antiques, it is essential to differentiate between antiques and vintage items. Antiques are generally considered items that are at least 100 years old, while vintage refers to items that are between 20 and 100 years old. Both categories offer valuable and collectible items and enthusiasts often explore both to enrich their collections.
Visitors looking at Pearse Lukies’ stand at The Decorative Fair
Most Easily Accessible Antiques
When starting as an antique collector, it is wise to begin with items that are more easily accessible. Some popular and readily available antiques include:
Vintage Jewellery
Vintage jewellery stands as an embodiment of timeless elegance and holds an allure that captivates collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike. As a collector, exploring these treasures is like stepping into a time machine, allowing you to experience the glamour and style of bygone eras.
A selection of Vintage rings, Sandy Stanley
Vintage Glassware
Vintage glassware embodies the delicate artistry and craftsmanship of a time gone by. Glassware can serve as a window into the era it hails from, reflecting the trends, innovations and even societal shifts of their time. Each etch, cut, and colouration of vintage glassware carries the fingerprint of artisans who laboured over molten glass, turning it into dazzling creations that have stood the test of time.
Antique glassware from Mark J. West
Collectible Ceramics
Antique porcelain tableware, often hand-painted by skilled artisans, is highly valued for its decorative properties – display plates on walls as a pretty way to appreciate them every day, or collect a harlequin set of painted plates or dishes to use at the dining table. Staffordshire pottery was popular in the Victorian era as a more affordable ceramic in every day homes. Today transfer-printed blue and white ‘china’ made in 19th century England is an easy sort of ceramic to start a collection with, or Staffordshire figures designed for display on a mantelpiece encompass all types of animals and historic figures. In the twentieth century, studio pottery by the likes of Lucie Roe and Hans Coper – top of the tree to collectors – set off a new wave of collecting more earthy, texture ceramic vessels like bowls, decorative jugs and dishes.
Service set, M. Charpentier
Retro Home Decor
Filled with a sense of nostalgia of the 1950s and 60s, these vintage items can transform your home into a charming homage to the past. From sleek lamps that emanate a warm glow to stylish furniture pieces that boast iconic designs and kitchenware that sparks fond memories of the distant past, retro home decor holds an irresistible allure for collectors and interior design enthusiasts alike.
900 Art & Design stand shot
Where to Collect Antiques
Finding the right places to collect antiques is crucial to building an impressive collection. Here are some prime locations to explore:
Antique Shops
Local antique shops serve as veritable treasure troves for budding antique collectors, offering an alluring array of historical artefacts and vintage wonders that beckon exploration. Stepping into these charming havens, you are instantly transported back in time, surrounded by the whispers of bygone eras and the tangible echoes of human history.
David Levi Antiques
Online Marketplaces
The internet has revolutionised the way antique collectors operate, opening up vast opportunities to explore and acquire treasures from every corner of the globe. E-commerce platforms and dedicated antique-specific websites now host an extensive array of rare and unique items. With just a few clicks, collectors can find themselves in a world of vintage wonders, from ancient artefacts to mid-century modern furniture. Niche collectibles such as vintage toys or historical documents have since become more accessible thanks in large part due to online antique platforms.
A Scottish Chair, Nick Jones
Antique Fairs
Antiques fairs provide an immersive and dynamic experience for antique enthusiasts and beginners. Antiques fairs offer a unique opportunity to interact with knowledgeable sellers and fellow collectors. The atmospheres are vibrant and the chance to personally inspect and discuss items with experts adds a layer of authenticity to the collecting process. Attending antiques fairs can lead to unexpected discoveries and connections within the antique community.
Hudson Antiques Ltd at The Decorative Fair
What to Look for When Collecting Antiques
As a beginner, it is crucial to develop an understanding of the details and makeup of an antique. Consider the following tips while searching for items to add to your collection:
Rarity and Authenticity
When collecting antiques, one of the most critical factors to consider is the authenticity of the items. And next to that, for serious collectors, is rarity. Look for pieces that stand out due to their scarcity or possess a distinctive historical significance.
To ensure the authenticity of an antique, thoroughly examine any markings or stamps that might indicate its origin and age. For more valuable or high-ticket items, seeking the expertise of appraisers and specialists can provide essential validation, giving you confidence in the genuineness and value of your prized antique finds. Buying from a reputable antiques dealer adds reassurance when buying more important items, and they can help you learn and understand more.
By focusing on rarity and authenticity, you will not only build a remarkable collection but also gain a deeper appreciation for the historical context and craftsmanship of each antique.
Vagabond Antiques at The Decorative Fair
Condition
One aspect to consider when collecting antiques is the condition. When examining an item, look for any signs of damage, wear or restoration, as these factors can significantly impact its worth. Ideally, seek antiques with minimal flaws and evidence of careful maintenance throughout the years. This should not be the sole reason for purchasing an item, however. Do not buy simply for the investment, buy because you love it.
Martin D. Johnson at The Decorative Fair
Provenance
Provenance can play a pivotal role in the world of antique collecting, impacting an item’s value and desirability. When an antique comes with a well-documented history of ownership and origin, it provides collectors with a deeper understanding of its journey through time. Many items, however, do not have such a detailed story but rather nothing more than “from a private residence in Italy”. The historical records support an item’s authenticity and legitimacy, instilling confidence in the piece’s origins, ensuring it is not a modern replica. But, much like with judging the condition of an antique, buy the item that you love, not just the story that comes with it.
Embarking on the journey of antique collecting is a thrilling adventure filled with historical discoveries and hidden treasures. Remember to start with easily accessible antiques, educate yourself about different eras and items and explore various places to find these cherished pieces. With patience, research and a keen eye, you can build a remarkable collection that reflects your passion for history and vintage aesthetics.
Katharine Pole at The Decorative Fair
