A 'Girly' Sale In Wellington

Dunbar Sloane has just released their latest catalogue which features an interesting 'Vintage Costume & Boudoir Accessories' section. Featuring the Jim Pike Collection of Art Nouveau and Deco Chocolate and Lingerie Boxes. The sale is on the 23rd of June and is on view on Sunday 20th June 1-4pm, Monday 21st & Tuesday 22nd June 9am-5pm. It looks to be an interesting one to view if you are in Wellington over that weekend. Vintage items of this age are pretty hard to find these days. The catalogue is online here.

Antique Shows Accused of Financial Obsession

Mark Dodgson, secretary general of the British Antique Dealers' Association, has criticised UK broadcasters for programmes which concentrate too much on what heirlooms are worth rather than fostering an interest in them. Article from The Telegraph here.

Jarvis Cocker Records The Sounds of Historic Places

A new project by The National Trust has had Jarvis Cocker recording the sounds of thirteen properties over three months. Described as "holidays for the ears", the sounds include birds playing in fountains, the footsteps of visitors and a door latch opening and closing. You can download or listen free here. (Guardian article here) (image: Chartwell stairs by John Hammond)

A £250,000 'Copy' Star of Latest Roadshow

A painting thought to be a copy by the war artist Sir William Orpen has turned up for appraisal at the latest Antiques Roadshow. This second version was gifted to the man who helped the artist escape a court martial for painting the original, of his French lover. Read the complete Telegraph article here.

Important Winston Churchill Collection At Christie's

Christie’s latest offering is "the most important and comprehensive private collection of letters and books related to Winston Churchill ever assembled". The collection belonged to Malcolm S. Forbes Jr.of the Forbes family. It is to be offered in three parts; two sales in London and one in New York. The catalogue for Part One is online now here.

(Image: Lot 1 £5,000-8,000)

New Auction Record For Carpet

This 19th century carpet has just sold at Christie's in London for $9.59 million (US) a new record price and 20 times its estimated value. In 2010 - "The Year of the Rug"- those in the know claim rugs are entering the artistic realm. Story from Artdaily.org.

Antique and Collectable Maps As Decoration

I have recently stumbled upon a great blog called Found, Now Home which features one woman's antique quests and other vintage musings. This post features 'Maptastic' images of antique and collectable maps used as decoration, which is a trend currently seen in the most "on-trend" (sorry) of houses...