| ERIC KNOWLES - ANTIQUARIAN | ||||||||||
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Quentin Crisp once told me that he considered New York, and by New York he was specifically referring to Manhattan, as the most sophisticated city in the entire world. Well truth be told there was little point in arguing against such a personal opinion but as much as I enjoy my visits to the 'Big Apple' I am always glad to find myself back in this 'green and pleasant land'.
No sooner had I touched down at Heathrow before number two son had me heading, with himself and Mrs K, to Earls Court and the MPH 06 Motor Show where I had to endure the better part of one and a half hours of this particular son's hero - an undisputable megalomaniac by the name of Clarkson whose parents saw fit to christen 'Jeremy'. Oh how I dislike 'Petrol heads' and all the snobbery that goes with who has the ultimate in their precious performance car - not forgetting 'torque' - whatever that means, and why should anyone in their right mind need to get from 0 to 80 miles an hour in a mere six seconds unless involved in a bank robbery?
Either way it is all part and parcel of being a member of that much harried and under-funded human species that decided in a moment of madness that being a parent was an inspirational calling. My only revenge will be in living to such a grand old age that I become a real pain in the proverbial to both our offspring.
Harrison brothers' collection
So now I have had the opportunity of unburdening the joys of my domestic bliss upon you poor unsuspecting readers it is probably as well for me to concentrate on what I have been up to in the day job over the past few weeks.
The first working week saw me point my car due north where I headed to North Yorkshire to present a BBC Leeds 15-minute Inside Out TV programme that featured the soon-to-be-celebrated collection of antiques and collectables amassed over 50 years by the Harrison brothers. Having grown up on an isolated farm on the edge of the North Yorkshire moors, where they both live, Edward and his brother Richard have put together a breathtaking collection that encompasses all manner of subjects that illustrate the social history of many a bygone age.
It was all jaw dropping stuff made all the more enjoyable by the brothers' unquenchable enthusiasm for the treasure they have managed to cram into their 18th century farmhouse located in the middle of nowhere.
Now the good news for all of us is that both Edward and Richard have decided to up sticks and as a consequence have offered to donate their lifetime achievement to the Ryedale Folk Museum situated in nearby Huttonle-Hole. The museum's only problem will be in finding the funds to erect a building large enough to house the collection.
With or without the Harrison collection the museum is still well worth a
visit as the grounds include a fascinating concoction of ancient and not so ancient
buildings rescued from all parts of the north and reerected on the extensive site.
I will, of course, endeavour to keep all my readers informed as to when the grand opening
takes place.
Art Nouveau Brussels
Two days after the wilds of deepest Yorkshire I headed out of Heathrow on a BA flight that, after a mere 40 minutes, touched down at Brussels airport. I was there to host my Arena Travel four-day event that was billed as 'Art Nouveau Brussels'.
Although I personally arrived safe and sound, unfortunately the same could not be said for my luggage that was determined to linger at Heathrow for another 24 hours. The city break had proved a highly successful choice and all 48 places had sold out in quick time - so much so that Arena has already announced a return visit for the 19th through to the 22nd of April.
The itinerary concentrated on visits to most of the better known buildings designed by Victor Horta, including his own home - that was nothing less than pure art nouveau curvilinear extravagance. His home contrasted quite starkly when compared to the simple art deco elegance of his Palais des Beaux-Arts building. Perhaps the most fascinating of all the buildings we visited also happens to be the smallest. The Cauchie house was designed in 1905 by the architect and painter Paul Cauchie together with his wife and the exterior boasts a fabulous figural panel that can only hint at the stupendous interior that for decades had been hidden beneath layers of wallpaper.
Lovingly restored after being rescued almost 20 years ago by the present owners, it really is a jewel of a building.
The Merchants House
Back home in England again, much of my time was given over to lectures and valuation days that included Elstead near Oxford and Nettlestead near Maidstone as well as nearby Leeds Castle.
The following weekend was spent at the splendid Compleat Angler hotel situated on the River Thames at Marlow where I hosted an antiques themed couple of days that also scored extremely well on the gourmet food stakes. I know - it really is a hard life for some.
Two days later I was in Marlborough for a Bonhams valuation day held in the
Town Hall and with all proceeds being donated to The Merchants House.
Situated in the High Street, the house was originally built in 1653 as the home of a Mr
Thomas Bayley, a prominent silk merchant. Over the past 20 years the building
has been carefully restored to its former 17th century glory, although there is still a
considerable amount of work to be done.
In the evening Yours Truly gave a lecture on Early English Pottery that I had been putting together for even longer than 20 years and which lasted well over one and a half hours. I am pleased to report that it was well received and that nobody fell asleep. Which was probably as well as several years ago I was given the honour of being invited to become a Patron of the charitable trust responsible for the upkeep and continuing restoration work.
Since then I have been prevented from twiddling my thumbs by arranging and attending book signings in my attempts to push my new book 'Eric Knowles, Antiques - A Beginners Guide' and a steal at a mere £20. So if you missed out at Christmas go and spoil yourself - well if I don't shout about it, who will?
Originally published in Collect it!