As voted for by H&A readers, we announce Britain’s best-loved treasures
Back in our May issue, a panel of experts nominated 25 of what they deemed to be the nest British-made antiques. From Chippendale and Chester eld, to Windsor chairs and Welsh dressers, we asked you, H&A’s readers, to vote for your favourites. Here, Sophie Hannam reveals the winning pieces… 10 ANGLO SAXON METALWORK
Sitting in tenth place is Anglo Saxon metalwork, which was chosen by Antiques
Roadshow expert and author Paul Atterbury, with the Alfred Jewel being his favourite example. Commissioned by King Alfred, its original use was as an aestel (or pointer) to guide those reading religious texts. ‘It makes a powerful statement about religion, politics and civilisation,’ says Paul.
9 ARTS & CRAFTS TAPESTRIES
H&A’s editor, Mel Sherwood, lauds William Morris’s tapestry designs as some of Britain’s best. ‘I am not surprised to see Arts and Crafts tapestries in the top 10,’ says Mel. ‘They are the perfect symbol for the shift we are seeing towards the appreciation of quality craftsmanship and, of course, they are stunning.’
8 CHIPPENDALE FURNITURE
As 2018 marks the 300th anniversary of Thomas Chippendale’s birth, it’s only fair that his exceptional pieces made it into your top 10. Chairman of Christie’s UK Orlando Rock selected Chippendale’s Diana and Minerva Commode at Harewood House as a particularly brilliant example of his creative flair. ‘It is a veritable masterpiece and epitomises all the hallmarks of Chippendale’s mature neoclassical style,’ he says.
7 CHESTERFIELD SOFAS
Whether upholstered in luxe velvet, washed linen, or butter-soft leather, the deep buttoned Chesterfield is regarded as design royalty to those savvy about furniture. ‘They always fit both classic and contemporary interiors,’ explains interior designer Abigail Ahern, who chose the shapely seat for its enduring style. Sitting at seventh place on our list, it’s clear this design classic remains a firm favourite of H&A readers, too.
6 WINDSOR CHAIRS
Picked by Homes & Antiques’ Editorial & Picture Assistant Katy Layton, the Windsor chair has been the inspiration for many contemporary seating designs, and narrowly missed out on a space in your top five. ‘I still think it’s a classic,’ explains Katy. ‘A Windsor adds countryside charm to any room – regardless of its age or style – and I always keep an eye out for one at antiques fairs!’
5 WEDGWOOD CERAMICS
Wedgwood ceramics are at the top of most antiques aficionados’ wishlists (turn to page 117 for our feature on Jasperware) and Antiques Roadshow expert and author Eric Knowles was thrilled to see Josiah’s work in your top five. ‘Wedgwood represents the spirit of the age of enlightenment,’ says Eric. ‘He took a family business and turned it into an international service industry, providing the emerging middle classes with affordable ceramics for their table.’ Gaye Blake-Roberts, Curator of the Wedgwood Museum, adds, ‘Josiah Wedgwood was primarily a potter, but also a scientist. He did much to improve manufacturing techniques and conditions.’
4 THE CROWN JEWELS
Nominated by the President of BADA, Lady Borwick, the Crown Jewels are a glittering example of fine British craftsmanship. Colonel Richard Harrold OBE, Keeper of the Jewel House and Governor of the Tower of London, was delighted to see them in the top five and said: ‘There is nothing quite like seeing the Crown Jewels in real life, and they are exhibited in such a way that you can study the craftsmanship and splendour of each object. They tell many stories, represent much of British history and are powerful symbols of the British constitution.’
3 WELSH DRESSERS
Prime for loading with treasured collections of ceramics and curios, a Welsh dresser adds character and personality. Selected by H&A’s Production Editor Rachel Nott, she says, ‘My parents have had an antique Welsh dresser for as long as I can remember and I love how stately yet homely it manages to look.’ Both practical and beautiful, it’s also a favourite of Welsh country furniture dealer Tim Bowen. ‘In the age of minimal kitchens, the Welsh dresser allows you to display much-loved possessions,’ explains Tim. ‘It also won’t take up too much space: dressers aren’t very deep – they use wall space, but don’t extend far into the room.’
2 ARTS AND CRAFTS FURNITURE
‘A piece of Arts and Crafts furniture will literally last you a lifetime,’ says Antiques Roadshow expert and Bonhams’ MD Jon Baddeley, who nominated the antiques of this period, in particular the work of Gordon Russell. ‘While fashions come and go, the fine design of such pieces will always look appropriate in traditional or contemporary interiors,’ he explains. Sitting at second place in our poll, it’s clear that the hand-carved touches of Arts and Crafts designs struck a chord with you, too. ‘Russell was motivated by a belief that good design could have a lasting impact on people’s quality of life,’ says Verity Elson, Gordon Russell Design Museum Manager and Curator.
1 ARCHIBALD KNOX’S SILVERWARE
Intricately formed shapes enfolded in shimmering enamel, silver and pewter: Archibald Knox’s elegant designs are iconic, though – until only recently – not often accredited to him. Knox was one of the most successful designers for Liberty & Co during the early 1900s, creating jewellery, accessories and homeware during the department store’s most prolific period. However, as Liberty & Co had a policy of not crediting individual designers, Knox’s name fell into obscurity until 1978, when a group of V&A curators put together an exhibition called ‘Liberty 1875-1975’. The exhibition celebrated Knox and his achievements for Liberty & Co, finally thrusting his name into the design limelight.
Nominated by Industrial Designer Ross Lovegrove, we’re thrilled to announce that Knox’s highly collectable pieces won our poll by a healthy margin. ‘I’m so happy that readers voted my choice number one!’ says Ross. ‘Knox is still accessible and each and every piece is a small wonder of British craft and design.’ Knox worked to the principle of ‘Aim at order, hope for beauty’, a concept that is reflected in the unique shape and style of his designs. Auction houses and dealers have seen prices for Knox creations soar in recent years, and Brad Pitt is even rumoured to be a keen collector. An unsung hero of the design world for over a century, we think Knox’s creations are well-deserved winners!