| ERIC KNOWLES - ANTIQUARIAN | ||||||||
|
||||||||
Last month I explained that I was soon to be heading to the city that never sleeps - no, not Norwich - New York! Well, I'd like to say that I hotfooted it back but as the temperature had dropped to a bracing 20 degrees below the term seemed oddly inappropriate.
I'm pleased to say that despite the cool, the skies stayed blue and the sun brightened up to show the delights of New York's Art Deco architecture at its most radiant. All in all a resounding success if you are to go by the comments of the 40 Art Deco fanatics who made the trip.
Once back in dear Old Blighty, the diary proved pleasingly full starting with another 6:30am pick up for the South Bank London Studios and This Morning with Philip Schofield and Fern Brittan. The reason being my Tuesday morning slot Win the Lot. The idea being that I go out the week before and make a five minute film featuring a chosen subject. Last week it was all things 1950s costume jewellery. It's down to yours truly to purchase three desirable items to take back to the studio one of which is more expensive than the others. It's then down to our 2,000,000 viewers to telephone in to state which of the three is the most expensive. Out of the thousands that get it right our computer chooses three viewers who are then put through 'live' to the studio and asked for a specific value. The one who is nearest to the actual purchase price wins all three pieces and quite literally 'wins the lot' - costume jewellery with a retail value of £4,500.
Next came a day at the seaside when 20th Century Roadshow arrived in Brighton. The turnout at the Brighton Centre was quite good in comparison to my previous venues, the only problem being that until the first series is transmitted not a lot of people are aware of the programme. I'm convinced that the series will prove a huge success and the next one will attract huge crowds.
A trip to Cambridge was tinged with a small amount of sadness as we filmed the final part of Restoration Man. Due to be transmitted at the end of April the final seven lots of furniture were offered by Cheffins. If you've never been let me tell you that it's a splendid purpose built saleroom run by a highly efficient, not to mention friendly and knowledgeable, team of experts including my old colleague of 29 years ago and Roadshow mate, George Archdale. Anyway, Alan Herd, my copresenter and restorer 'par excellence', and myself were made most welcome and had our best day ever with all seven lots making very good money. It would appear that the furniture market is beginning to show a long last optimism early in 2005. Fingers crossed that it continues throughout the year and beyond.
Moving from furniture to pots, those of you interested in Art Deco should be interested to learn that Liverpool City Museums are organising what will prove to be a fascinating exhibition dedicated to British Art Deco pottery. It's due to be opened by yours truly on the 10th June so should be open to the public on the 13th June - can't wait!
I'm just about to make a return visit to The Swan at Tetsworth antique centre to give an evening lecture. The great thing about The Swan is not only do they carry a large and diverse stock, they also boast a terrific restaurant. Trust me, I've eaten there on a dozen or more occasions and the food is top class without the usual mind numbing bill!
As for the talk, they have gone for 'The Genius of Rene Lalique' although they had another 14 to choose from. I'm told it's a sellout but as the evening event also includes dinner I can't be certain if the big attraction is the French glass or the cuisine. Let's face it, it's a rotten job but somebody has to do it! Bon Appetit!
Originally published in Collect it! April 2005