BRITAIN’S FAVOURITE ANTIQUES

What is the best antique that has ever come out of the British Isles? Our expert panel has selected 25 of the nation’s nest and now it’s time to cast your vote. Alice Hancock reveals the nominations…

Interiors experts select 25 of Britain’s top antiques from over a hundred years ago

hat makes a piece last? What makes it something to treasure? To run your hand along as you pass it or hold into the light simply for the pleasure of looking? In celebration of Homes

& Antiques’ 25th year, we gathered 25 experts from the antiques and interiors industries (and a few of the

H&A team) to nominate what they considered to be the ! nest antiques made in Britain. The remit was simple: choose the best British antique (here, we have stipulated that they must be over 100 years old) and tell us why.

The results are surprising in some cases and welcome reminders of classics in others. They range from the everyday, such as Joanna Wood’s bureaux, to pieces we only see in stately homes – Paul Smith’s trompe l’oeil or Dame Helen Ghosh’s Chippendale furniture. Hail the day when we can a "ord our own Chippendale! For now, we settle for admiring the incredible marquetry and the genteel lines.

Expert insight is fascinating but we want your input too. We invite you to choose your favourite piece of the 25 nominated here. Tell us your favourite by 3rd May (turn to page 61 for details) and we will announce the winner in a few months’ time.

Now, here’s to some fine craftsmanship that makes you feel proud to be British.