‘Queen of vintage clothing’ brings expertise to town

COULD your unwanted wardrobe classics earn you a windfall?

Vintage clothing expert Notty Hornblower will be in Leek to let you know.

Vintage clothing and textiles expert Notty Hornblower is coming to the town to uncover your wardrobe wonders and antique treasures.

Notty, owner of Hope House Costume Museum at Alstonefield will be at the Foxlowe Arts Centre, Stockwell Street, on three Wednesday’s between September and November from 11am until 2pm.

These will be today, September 26; October 31 and November 28.

Valuations will be free but donations will be invited for the arts centre. As well as vintage clothing, general antiques, silver, ceramics and jewellery valuations can be carried out.

If you like the guide price, items can be consigned there and then to future sales at Derbyshire’s Hansons Auctioneers, where Notty works as a valuer.

Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “Notty is our queen of vintage clothing and textiles, with a lifetime’s knowledge and passion on the subject. We want to see what the people of Leek have hiding in their wardrobes, old suitcases or even under the bed. Bring us your treasures.”

Notty began accumulating her huge collection of costumes in her 30s, harnessing a fascination with history and clothes which began when she was a girl. She is still collecting now.

Vintage clothing is hugely popular and Hansons has sold everything from vintage lace and period dresses to wartime clothing, a movie star ball gown, a suit worn in a West End musical and even Queen Victoria’s bloomers.”

A typical example in Hansons’ summer textile and costume auction was an Art Deco wedding dress from 1939 in cream satin with tapered sleeves, press stud fastening, bias cut skirt, oval neckline and ruched embroidery on the bodice inset with crystals. It had an estimate of £60-£80 and came complete with an original wedding photo.

Another of Notty’s favourite finds this year was an elegant 1930s dress in a subtle shade of grey which was also worn as a wedding gown.

To find out more, email service@ hansonsautioneers.co.uk or call 01283 733988.