Antiquexplorer May 2011 issue

Since our first issue of 2011, we’ve travelled the British Isles. We’ve explored the rolling hills and slate-grey landscapes of Wales with artist Kyffin Williams; then on to Ireland – the abandoned mansions
certainly caught our readers’ imaginations (and incidentally featured one of my all-time favourite covers); and then of course, England, with our immensely popular vintage issue – back issues are selling like hot-cakes!
And this month, here we are in Scotland, and what a treat we have for all you glass lovers. I’m a huge fan of simple ‘60s glass design, and had little idea that Caithness Glass could tick all the boxes, however, that was until I heard about Domhnall ÓBroin, who drew his inspiration from the colours of the Scottish landscape – warm peaty tones, purple heather, golden sunsets and the grey-blue of lochs - a ‘hot new collecting area’ written by antiques expert Mark Hill.
I have to say our first article this month has really caught the feel of the Scottish highlands – Harris Tweed and agate jewellery. An odd combination you might say, but what could look more ‘vintage’ than a bit of Tweed, coupled with a highly coveted, thousand-year-old gemstone?

View the May back issue at www.antiquexplorer.com

COMING SOON: Homexplorer EXTERIORS Guide 2011-2012

Coming soon: Your Guide to Salvaging with Style for the Home and Garden...

Find out how to be include by clicking here: 

http://www.antiquexplorer.com/bookshop/exteriorsguide/extintroduction.php

Antiquexplorer February issue - Welsh Antiques

Dear Explorer 
There were numerous reasons for compiling a Welsh-themed issue this month. Firstly, Wales is heaving with long traditions, which will always ensure a good read in an antiques magazine! We also covered Welsh love spoons in our October 2010 issue (a tradition that stems from a time when the people of Wales used wooden utensils to eat), which sparked a great deal of interest from our readers. 

Also, in case you hadn’t noticed, there’s a Royal Wedding coming up in April! The Queen Mother started the tradition of using Welsh gold for royal wedding rings in 1923 and since then, the Queen, Princess Margaret, the Princess Royal, Diana Princess of Wales, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall all had their rings made from pure Welsh gold. 

The forthcoming wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton will also feature a Welsh gold ring. This renewed interest and the fact that the last Welsh gold mine closed in 1999 will result in the remaining stock becoming even more sought after and prices will reach record highs! Incidentally, you can see an ingot of gold that was presented to Her Majesty the Queen on her 60th birthday on display in the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea. Look out for an article about this precious metal, ‘fit for a princess’, in a future issue.   

2011 will also see Oriel Ynys Môn celebrate its 20th birthday with special events planned throughout the year. This wonderful museum and arts centre, located in Llangefni, Anglesey, houses permanent displays that include the world’s largest collection of works by local artists Sir Kyffin Williams and Charles Tunnicliffe, both quite rightly featured within this issue. 

Next, we look at the history of Nantgarw porcelain – considered by many to be the most valuable artefacts ever produced in Wales –and welcome the recent re-opening of the the Nantgarw China Works Museum in Cardiff – the last remaining archaeological site of porcelain production in the UK. 

We asked Welsh quilt expert, Jen Jones, how she started her collection of over 300 quilts, and how best to use these wonderful items of craft art in our homes today. Read about Jen’s 40-year passion for this visual heritage of Wales on page 13. 

Finally, everyone loves a dresser! We asked Christopher Proudlove to explain what makes a dresser a ‘Welsh’ dresser, and what to look out for when investing in such a romantic piece of furniture. 
Karyn 


Karyn Sparks
Editor

To see more of these articles visit: www.antiquexplorer.com