Antique AGM
ON SEPTEMBER 12, members of the Charnwood Antique and Collectors’ Club attended their AGM which was held in the Old Primary School Rooms of the Rosebery Street Medical Centre.
All officers were re-elected. The chairman, Rowland Tatton, thanked everyone for their support during the last twelve months. Kim Lawson gave a preview of the 2018 programme that she had put together, even though she had resigned as secretary, she maintained her role in providing a programme.
Unfortunately, Aline Williams, the minute secretary, was unable to be present, but was re-elected. Margaret Bell, the treasurer, gave a clear and concise report on the accounts she provided.
At the end of the business, the chairman thanked everyone for attending. He also thanked the staff of the Medical Centre for their support, co-operation and help during the year.
However, he asked that every member to try to broadcast to members of the public, what the Club was for, what it provided and what it did in order to try to increase the membership. He said that anyone and everyone could come along to listen to, and see the displays presented on the subjects set out in the programme.
After the AGM, some members brought along items to show and talk about.
To start the ball rolling, the chairman produced a blue and white flour pot, designed by the Burleigh Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent.
He then gave a brief history of the firm. The Pottery was founded in 1851 by Messrs. F. R. Burgess & W. Leigh. Its premises were originally in Burslem, but moved to Middleport in 1889. In 1897, it had built up a thriving export network and had a workforce of some 500 plus. The pottery produced being mainly blue and white.
The trademark “Burleigh” was coined in the 1930s and continues up to the present day. It ran into financial difficulties and closed for a short time until Rosemary and William Dorling, who had a pottery business in Worcester, bought the factory and along with the help of the Prince’s Restoration Trust, restored the factory to its former use, even employing some of the past employees and using the old designs they found when they took over.
Some time ago, the Club visited this pottery when it had just been bought. In a skip of seconds, the chairman, rescued a slightly damaged pot used for keeping flour in and obtained a new lid from the factory. This was the pot he displayed.
Margaret then produced a miniature chest of drawers made in Walnut (possibly), that belonged to her mother. She also produced a mixture of items found when clearing out her mother’s house after her death. These consisted of a number of items relating to hairdressing, e.g. plastic curlers, long hair clips and a claw-type Bakelite hair grip. Then a gentlemans old type razor and a bakelite box to contain it, plus an old flashlight with a domed glass.
She was followed by Liz who produced a plate with a picture of the Miramare Castle, Trieste, painted onto it. She then gave a very concise history.
It was built between 1856-1860 for the Austrian Archduke Ferdinand and his Belgian wife Charlotte, who was cousin to Queen Victoria. He designed the gardens. He was executed in 1867 when just 34. The Castle was used by the Habsburgs as a summer residence.
Till 1954, it was the headquarters of the German, New Zealand, British and US forces of occupation. Today it is open to the public. Marlou came next with a small gilt cylindrical holder (about double the size of with a large thimble) with a push on top to which a chain and a metal stylus-like pen was attached. Apparently, it was an Oman Kohl holder. Kohl being an ancient eye cosmetic, similar to cascara and used widely in the east. The metal pencil used as an eye-liner. Kohl was originally made from lead sulphide to which was added plant oils and soot and used to highlight the eyes.
She then produced a small glass measure, calibrated Dracamm’s, (possibly a ‘dram’), plus a small cup equal to one teaspoon.
Finally, a small, conduit set of salt, pepper and mustard jar with “Delfts Blauw”. The pottery is made in the Netherlands and had small scenes in blue and white. The chairman thanked everyone for providing their objects. A pleasant evening was had by all.
The next meeting will be on October 10 (note change of date). Please see venue in the programme.