Blog

The Antiques Road show is as popular as ever and hasn’t changed that much since its inception in the late 70’s as last Sunday’s episode revealed. The program attracts wider audiences and is comforting to watch on a Sunday night. Part of its appeal is that it brings people together in a gorgeous setting such as Castle Howard. But most importantly it makes the public realise that there are still finds, albeit less now, and beautiful items to be discovered that are sometimes astonishingly valuable.

Being in the antiques trade myself, I love watching it as the idea of quality and craftsmanship is always at its core whether it’s a diamond broach or a drawing by a well-known artist. The fact that some people really have an eye for the exceptional without knowing it is always awe-inspiring...

Dear My Billet Doux

I have just discovered this fantastic website which you migt guess from my title is called "The world needs more love letters". The idea is simple but effective- you nominate a person you LOVE and you get the WORLD to write a letter to them. 

I have just written to a girl named Lucy, who is 10 and is bullied at school for her looks. 

I just received the most wonderful note from my 7 year old...my own "billet doux" to cherish.

It reads "To mum I love you very much. you are as prity as gold. Lot of love from Lex. PS. I know you like rabits."

Dear My Billet Doux

We are proud to be exhibitors at the RHS Chatsworth flower show in the glorious grounds of the Chatsworth estate. It is the first year it is taking place so we hope you will come and visit and see us and the gorgeous gardens. sculptures and stands.

About 10 years ago I was on holiday in Woodbridge in Suffolk and I visited an antique shop. I found a desk from the 1930's that had only been owned by one person, the dealer told me. I bought it and when I took it home found, in a secret compartment, the original letter that had been given to this lady (Muriel) in 1936.