A Rocking Christmas From Graham Smith Antiques!

As a special seasons greetings this year, Graham Smith Antiques have commisioned local artist Phil George to paint this year's Christmas card for our customers.  George, who has painted a number of local scenes including the gates of St James Park on match day, has wonderfully depicted the front of the Jesmond shop on a snowy winters evening (shown below).  The painting, called "The Rocking Horse", is our way of thanking those who have bought and sold to us and we hope that our customers enjoy their card as much as we have. 

We would also like to thank all of our customers - those who have bought from us and those who have sold us many of the wonderful items we have had in stock this year.  We look forward to the launch of our new website in 2012 and in the meantime you can browse our current stock via our temporary homepage. 

Merry Christmas and a happy new year from everyone at Graham Smith Antiques!

Christmas Gift Ideas For Those In A Hurry

With the last week before Christmas Day upon us, finding the time to carefully select those last remaining presents is hard to come by.  Here at Graham Smith Antiques, we've done the hard work so hopefully you don't have to!  We have a wide range of classic gift suggestions for you to consider from ceramics and glass ware, to scientific "gadgets" and objects of intrigue.  Full details and photographs are available on our website.  However, for those who are in a hurry or are still looking for that unusual gift, here are a few ideas guaranteed to be a gift like no other!

First we have, a George III oval tea caddy (shown above).  With its classic, mahogany form and lock and key, this tea caddy proves to be a winner with any tea-loving friend or family member.  Next we have a late 19th Century travel chess set. As you can see from the photograph below, each piece has been wonderfully carved from bone and the board itself, although wooden, rolls up to fit neatly into it's own custom made box. The great thing about these kinds of gifts is that it provides the new owner with joyful pleasure again and again.  And finally, for those looking for something special and more feminine, a perfume bottle (shown below) would go down a treat. Edwardian cut glass with a beautifully decorated silver lid, this bottle is lovely even just as an ornament decorating a desktop or side board.

We are currently improving our company website to make the antiques in our collection even more accessible and to a wider audience. In the meantime we are providing links to new stock items via our Twitter and Facebook pages.

Merry Christmas Fare!

The food traditionally served at Christmas time is a thing we all very much look forward to, especially the puddings!  With such wonderful food we all want to show it off at its best.  What would make the presentation of your carefully prepared festive dessert fare truly perfect is an elegant dish set. Here at Graham Smith Antiques, we have just the thing to help you add to the magic of Christmas. Shown in the photograph below is a 19-piece, Spode dessert set glazed in a bright green, decorated with delicately gilded butterflies and exquisitely illustrated fruit.

Circa 1800, this set is in good condition with just slight signs of use on some of the gilded edges.  There are more detailed photographs on the website for you to see for yourself and our staff are available to answer any questions by telephone or in our shop (01912 815 065).

We are currently improving our company website to make the antiques in our collection even more accessible and to a wider audience. In the meantime we are providing links to new stock items via our Twitter and Facebook pages.

Happy Festive Eating!

Christmas Cheers!

To kick start the festive season, and to continue a popular tradition, Graham Smith Antiques are giving customers visiting our Jesmond shop delicious home made mince pies and mulled wine!  Every Saturday until Christmas day our customers are invited to tuck in to these goodies whilst taking a break from the hectic Christmas shopping experience in our calm and warm shop.

We also have a fine collection of glasses for you and the family to share mulled wine at home, such as the set of pan top wine glasses, shown in the photograph below.  With generous proportions and simplistic style, this set is sure to fit in with modern or antique Christmas dinner sets!

We are currently improving our company website to make the antiques in our collection even more accessible and to a wider audience. In the meantime we are providing links to new stock items via our Twitter and Facebook pages. Alternatively you can ring us on             01912 815 065       for further assistance and information on current and new stock.

Something to get you 'hooked' for Christmas!

With the the first snow of winter falling north of the border, it feels like Christmas is well and truly on it's way!  We can feel the unusually mild November air changing to its more familiar chill - definitely time to be thinking of getting out those thick winter coats and warm boots. But where to put them?  At Graham Smith Antiques we have have a collection of individual hallway stands to store all the family's winter hats, coats and scarves - something to get you hooked on Christmas! 

First of all there is this distinctive, late Victorian hallway stand (above) with enough hooks for the extended family and friends as well. Complete with a section to store snowy shoes and dripping umbrellas, this stand is guaranteed to be a Christmas helper!  

The oak hallway stand, shown below, is an alternative to the previous stand. More traditional in design and very practical. This item (circa 1880) even comes with a mirror for a last minute check before to make sure your scarf is on tight and snug before dashing out the door to get to that Christmas party!  

We are currently improving our company website to make the antiques in our collection even more accessible and to a wider audience. In the meantime we are providing links to new stock items via our Twitter and Facebook pages. Alternatively you can ring us on 01912 815 065 for further assistance and information on current and new stock.

George IV Gothic Bookcase

Continuing with last week's writing theme, this gothic style bookcase (circa 1830), shown in the photograph below, is an unusual and elegantly personal piece. Made from oak with ebony turned handles, the bookcase is decorated with Gothic styled layers, carved pillars and cornice work.

This type of bookcase is also known as a ‘secretair’ because it has a discreet desk space, neatly folded away behind the top drawer. A close-up view of the interior, pictured below, shows an eminently practical workspace protected with leather, lock and key. This typically clever use of space means you can use it at your leisure without cluttering up your home. The ever- practical bookcase separates into two halves making it easier to transport.

We are currently improving our company website to make the antiques in our collection even more accessible and to a wider audience. In the meantime we are providing links to new stock items via our Twitter and Facebook pages. Alternatively you can ring us on 01912 815 065 for further assistance and information on current and new stock.

Writing Boxes

For some of us, writing letters is a deeply personal and thoughtful way to keep in touch with loved ones. Everyone is heartened when they receive a crisp, hand written envelope with their name on the front.


For those who still prefer to hand-write the occasional letter or document, Graham Smith Antiques has carefully chosen a few writing boxes - the perfect gift. Shown in the photograph below is a Georgian, mahogany writing box with a style of classic simplicity. All of the writing boxes included in this blog have storage compartments concealed inside for inkwells, pens and writing surfaces.

If you prefer a more decorative piece then the Indian Vizagpatam writing slope is a lovely choice. Named after a major seaport on the southeast coast of India, this example is made from veneered sandalwood with an ivory border, inside and out, which is beautifully engraved with a floral pattern. It has a working lock and key (which are hard to find) so you can trust your personal writings are kept safe.

More decorative still is our Regency writing box, pictured below, with its’ unique illustrations. The majority of the box is made from amboyna, a rare exotic wood noted for its swirling patterns in the grain. Circa 1810, this writing box also has a working lock and key.

Portable, contained and secure, writing boxes were the laptops of the antique world. Today they can be the guardians of our most treasured form of communication, the hand crafted personal letter.

We are currently improving our company website to make the antiques in our collection even more accessible and to a wider audience. In the meantime we are providing links to new stock items via our Twitter and Facebook pages. Alternatively you can ring us on 01912 815 065 for further assistance and information on current and new stock.

Paul Frenzeny Screen

A lovely and highly decorative way to divide space in your home is by using a stand-alone screen. At Graham Smith Antiques we have a rare treat of a screen for any one looking to transform their home in this way. The panels are illustrated by a nowadays little known French painter, Paul Frenzeny (1840 - 1902).  

Frenzeny travelled to North America in the 1860's to serve under Marshall Bazaine, a commander of the French army in Mexico, and famous for the surrender of the last organised French army to the Prussians in the Franco-Prussian war (1870).

Frenzeny was commissioned by Harper's Weekly to produce artistic observations of his travels across America during 1860's.  Frenzeny’s growing success as a painter provided him with opportunities for an adventurous life whilst dedicating his time to painting and illustrating commissions. 

Very little else is known about the painter after he left America. He ceased painting for publications, so we can only observe and interpret his adventures through his paintings done whilst on the roads of America during the late 19th Century and through work such as can be found on this screen.

The fluent detail and expression displayed through Frenzeny's brush strokes, shown in the photograph below, is a delight for the eye and ample evidence of his painting skills. His delicate use of colour and light suggest an admiration for his subjects.  This screen is both beautiful and an insight into the life of a French 19th Century painter, who without paintings surviving in screens such as these, would have been forgotten through time. 

We are currently improving our company website to make the antiques in our collection even more accessible and to a wider audience. In the meantime we are providing links to new stock items via our Twitter and Facebook pages. Alternatively you can ring us on 01912 815 065 for further assistance and information on current and new stock.

Secrets of the Past

Antiques, Victorian in particular, are full of wonderful, hidden surprises.  Secret drawers and compartments are some of the many treasures left for the new owner to discover over time.



An example of this intriguing and clever use of space and privacy is demonstrated in the design of the box desk, illustrated below.  This beautiful box, made from rosewood with brass inlay, was crafted to store writing tools and supports but the real hidden gem is behind the lining, waiting to be unlocked! To find out more, visit our shop.

Another fine example of antiques with a hint of mystery is the bureau, an example from our stock is shown in the photograph below. This example is richly coloured with walnut veneer detailing. Hidden behind the internal workings are two secret compartments, possibly used for holding important documents.


Such secret features often found in antiques add an exciting element to collecting. You can explore these delightful mysteries when you are next visiting Graham Smith Antiques. You will be surprised!

We are currently improving our company website to make the antiques in our collection even more accessible and to a wider audience. In the meantime we are providing links to new stock items via our Twitter and Facebook pages. Alternatively you can ring us on 01912 815 065 for further assistance and information on current and new stock.

The Perfect Match

It is difficult to find antique matching pairs of bedroom furniture, so when you do come across them they are often worth snapping up.  At Graham Smith Antiques we have a fine pair of box wood inlaid mahogany chests, perfect for his and her's bedroom.  


The chests, originally made around 1810, are in good condition whilst still retaining the antique look and feel.  The chest have matching line inlays to the chest tops and drawer fronts and similar unusual sprung brass knob handles in a true Georgian design.  A decorative and functional addition to the home, these bow fronted set of drawers are great storage units, well worth a viewing.

We are currently improving our company website to make the antiques in our collection even more accessible and to a wider audience. In the meantime we are providing links to new stock items via our Twitter and Facebook pages. Alternatively you can ring us on 01912 815 065 for further assistance and information on current and new stock.

Mirror Mirror On The Wall...

Whether purchased to lighten or decorate a room, or for more practical purposes, the decorative mirror is an important part of interior furnishing.

A favourite item amongst our customers at Graham Smith Antiques, is the gilded, convex mirror, of which a fine example is shown in the photograph below. An early 19th century example, the carved eagle with ball and chain adds a regal element to this bold piece.

An example of another stylish and popular design is the Chippendale mirror seen in the photograph below. This mirror, currently for sale at Graham Smith Antiques, is cut from warm mahogany in the style of Thomas Chippendale (1718 – 1779) the London based cabinet-maker. A quietly stylish piece with an intricate outer contour, this would do well in today's family home. 

We are currently improving our company website to make the antiques in our collection even more accessible and to a wider audience. In the meantime we are providing links to new stock items via our Twitter and Facebook pages. Alternatively you can ring us on 01912 815 065 for further assistance and information on current and new stock.

Let The Games Begin!

At Graham Smith Antiques we have an Edwardian games compendium for sale (shown below); with over seven different games it has something for everyone.  The pair of doors, rosewood veneered onto mahogany, swing open to reveal  beautifully presented chess pieces, each specially secured to an individual place.  

Unusual games, as well as the classics such as backgammon and draughts, are included in this set.  Cribbage, Bridge and racing horses are also amongst the carefully compacted variety. Dating from around 1910 this compendium is certainly well played and well made, whilst still being in remarkably good condition.  This Edwardian games compendium is an ideal gift, sure to be a success for all the family to enjoy.  More information about this item can be found on the website.  

We are currently improving our official website to make antiques even more accessible to a wider audience but in the meantime we are providing plenty of links to new stock via Twitter and Facebook.  Alternatively you can ring us on 01912 815 065 for further assistance.

Victorian High Chair

Antique children’s furniture is often more evocative of the original owner than other antique furniture, perhaps because of the many tactile signs of use on the family-worn exterior.  The appealing nature of children’s furniture can owe itself to the familiarity with its ‘grown-up’ equivalent piece of antique furniture, combined with the novelty of its small scale.  These romantic association's stemming from Victorian’s love of the sentimental, are true of the Victorian high chair that is for sale at Graham Smith Antiques. Whilst it has these characterful signs of use, nevertheless it is in remarkably good condition. The mahogany structure and framework are as strong today as they were new.  With its endearing proportions yet thoughtful practicalities of use, this high chair would still be suitable for new generations of children. 

The chair in Graham Smith Antiques consists of its original cushion and fixtures. These allow the chair to be separated from its four-legged base transforming it into a chair and matching table.  This high chair could be used for decorative purposes such as a home for beloved toys, textiles or a decorative feature on its own as well as its main purpose – as a safe and comfortable child's chair, for many years to come.  You can find more details about the high chair on Antique Atlas website.  Thank you for reading Graham Smith Antiques weekly blog.

Inspirational Antique Design

With the London Design Festival week (17th - 25th September) fully underway, the abundance of exhibitions and events promoting the top end of contemporary design is an exciting reminder of where we are today.  This celebration has prompted us at Graham Smith Antiques to reflect on good design from the past.  


Before the age of the machine and mass production, household items were designed and made to serve their purpose, with expert ease and longevity built in.  The vast quantity of good British design is almost overwhelming when attempting to search through; one of many examples good British design is a Victorian Stationary Cabinet (shown below).  This piece equally combines aesthetics and function through exquisite design and craftsmanship.

Addressing the needs of the buyer, the designer has cleverly engineered a way of concealing the necessary compartments to keep the design elegant and functional: a writing surface, drawers, storage for ink wells, pens and paper are all kept behind neatly sealed, carved walnut walls.  A pleasure to use and to decorate the work or home environment is enough to delight the owner, this combined with the uniqueness of the look makes this cabinet an impressive piece from the late 19^th century. 

Design Festival Week is about encouraging new designers, apprentices and students to serve the nation’s desire for good design.  Whilst it is agreeable to use contemporary inspirations, we can also look to our past for everlasting, unwavering design.  Thank you for reading this blog, you can find more information, photographs and browse our current shop and showroom stock online.

Satsuma Pottery

The delights of Satsuma pottery are as never ending as the tightly knit patterns wrapped round the vessels themselves.  One can identify typical Satsuma pottery by its heavily decorated exterior; gold glowing throughout bordered repetitive patterns separate the figures that represent Japenese Gods, myths and battles.  Often Samurai warriors, women, children and dragons, legendary creatures, associated with wisdom, make an appearance on items designed for places of worship.  A good example of which is shown in the photograph below, a Satsuma Temple Jar, circa 1920,  which we have in our Jesmond shop.

At Graham Smith Antiques, we have several Satsuma items which can be found on the Antiques Atlas website.  Among them is a delicate bowl, (shown below) made during the Meiji period (1868 to 1912), representing the first half of the Empire of Japan. This bowl is another excellent example of the use of Samurai Warriors and gold emblems, which enhance the beautifully adorned surface.  You can find more information, photographs and contact details via our Facebook Store, Selling Antiques website and Antiques Atlas website.

Black Forest, Bavarian Wood Carvings

Bavaria, one of Germany’s largest states, is home to some of the most beautiful and striking woodlands. The Black Forest is a constant source of inspiration for artisans and our Bavarian book slide is no exception. The end panels to the book slide depict incredibly ornate carvings of the Chamois found in the Black Forest. This decorative piece has its origins intrinsically placed throughout the details.

Perhaps a more unusual piece is our Bavarian bear liqueur stand. This piece has a great sense of fun and doubles up as a talking point for you and your guests. Each glass has been hand cut and made to perfect proportions, sliding into place on each outstretched branch. Along with these items we also have a Bavarian Cuckoo clock which was rescued by its owner in 1915, during the First World War. Complete with a sweet birdsong, this clock is guaranteed to be a winner with the children and can be found in our warehouse or website.

Skibo Castle Bed

New to Graham Smith Antiques this week we have a beautiful four poster bed.  From the photograph below you can see the deeply ornate carvings surrounding the structure and get a sense of the overall of size of the bed. With dimensions such as the width being 200cm (78.7 inches) you will need a few volunteers to help erect this bed however the bed does disassemble into manageable sections for transport.  To appreciate the enormity of the bed, a viewing is strongly recommended.

The bed is from Skibo Castle (shown below), located on the Scottish Highlands; it was built during 12^th Century but later reconstructed during 19^th Century.  It is now the home of the Carnegie Club and members-only hotel, with stunning views and grounds, it is no wonder it was the venue for Guy Ritchie and Madonna’s wedding.  You can find more information, photographs and dimensions on the antiques atlas website.  You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or browse more of our stock online, via our Facebook store.

G.S.Antiques Facebook Store

The speed at which we develop our technology is truly astonishing, it can be the definitive factor behind the success of companies and individuals. Social media has never been this active with the likes of Twitter and Facebook leaping into the foreground, creating new and exciting opportunities for all. Graham Smith Antiques are the first UK antique business to have the pleasure of announcing the arrival of our brand new Facebook Store.

Our objective is to improve our services by making antiques more accessible to a wider audience. This means developing and using a simple and clear navigational system throughout the online store and providing helpful features such as "Antique Terminology" to explain the language used in the item descriptions. The store links in securely to Paypal so that customers can quickly and easily make purchases without leaving Facebook. Currently the Facebook store takes UK orders with a plan to expand into international orders in 2012.

ID: 9579

Each week our team of staff will carefully select items of furniture, smaller items and gift ideas to ensure a fresh set of choices for our customers. Photographs are included with the option of viewing the item up to ten times the original size. A popular item among the staff and customers, shown in the photograph above, is a beautifully decorated Victorian jewellery box made by "Garrard & Co". For those who are not familiar with "Garrard & Co." they were the UK Crown Jewellers from 1843 to 2007.  More information is available on our Facebook store together with many more splendid and unique items, which you can enjoy from the comfort of your armchair, all available from Graham Smith Antiques.

FitzRoy's Remarks

With the strength of summer thinning out, predicting the weather becomes a more practical and necessary preparation for the day.  1st August 2011 marked the 150th anniversary of the first weather forecast, printed in "The Times", researched and developed by Admiral Robert FitzRoy.  FitzRoy, commander of the infamous HMS Beagle, appointed Charles Darwin as his on board companion who discovered and named a new species of dolphin, "Delphinius Fitzroyi", in honour of the Captain. 

In 1859, an unforeseen storm caused the loss of the Royal Charter, counting the highest number of deaths at the time.  This catastrophe inspired FitzRoy, who by that time was head of the British Meteorologist Department, to develop charts based on data collected by electrical telegraphs in order to predict the weather.  It was Fitzroy who first coined the term "weather forecast" and established Barometer stations as well as inventing the "Admiral FitzRoy Domestic Barometer".  Since 2002, his name is announced daily on the UK's BBC Radio 4, as part of the shipping forecast. 

Graham Smith Antiques are proud to present a FitzRoy Barometer, encased in carved oak.  The Barometer is in full working order and in great condition, the "FitzRoy's Remarks" columns a pleasing inclusion in this piece.  The Barometer is located in our Jesmond shop and on our website which provides more information, photographs and dimensions. 

"FitzRoy's Remarks"

All In The Call Of Duty!

Following on from our last blog, posting following Graham's travels in France, Graham also visited Champagne for some background research into which bottle of bubbly would be suitable for our antique champagne glasses (see images below) which are new to our website and shop. A very important task, Graham took it in his stride and did thorough "research" eventually deciding on the Brut and Rosé.

An abundance of pride, care and patience goes into the production of the champagne, including a three year waiting period for the champagne to ferment; almost three times longer than the minimum that the Champagne authorities stipulate. 

The champagne produced by Mr Charbaut, pictured above, is made from three types of grape, which were all grown on the family vineyards, originally landscaped in the 1930's by Mr Charbaut's grandfather.  The grapes are pressed, fermented and eventually bottled with yeast, sugar and a pressure cap.  The gradual process of upending the bottles over the years, allows the remaining sediment to travel to the neck of the bottle which is then frozen.  This clever technique enables the easy removal of the sediment, trapped within the block of ice. More champagne is poured into each bottle to fill them and then finally the cork, label and wire are attached, and the champagne is finally ready for storage and sale. 

Such a fascinating process which brings together tradition and quality must be paired with excellent quality drinking glasses.  At Graham Smith Antiques, we have just sold our large set of champagne glasses, leaving a classic set of six glasses and three elegant champagne flutes available to buy in our shop, pictured below.

Set of six French Champagne glasses, circa 1920

Traditionally shaped glasses are becoming hard to come by and their delicate elegance still appeals today. The set of six champagne glasses would encourage any owner to celebrate even the smallest of successes in style. Such distinctive glassware offers a fine excuse to invite friends and family over with the opportunity to savour the glamour of the past. This set of champagne glasses would make a sophisticated addition to any home. You can access more information and photographs via our Jesmond shop or website.  For further details regarding the Champagne Cave please visit the Charbaut website:

http://www.champagne-guy-charbaut.com/

British quality and value for money

After working flat out on sourcing bedroom furniture for our contract with the Scottish hotel (you can read our previous blog "Suite Success" to find out more) Graham has escaped for a well deserved holiday, travelling in France.  He visited L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a picturesque small town in the southeast, famous for it's antique villages.  Numerous markets and retail outlets provide the consumer with tasty treats for the eye; whilst the refreshing canals that navigate throughout, offer a peaceful setting in which to browse. 

The feminine curves outlining the item of furniture, as well as the carved details are impressive and ornate from the late 18th to early 19th century, a walnut chest of drawers, is for sale in L'isle-sur-la-Sorgue. The price for this piece being the equivalent of £8,414.  

For a lot less but with at least equal quality and good looks from roughly the same era then look to British furniture. Currently we have an eighteenth century mahogany chest comprising of superior quality and great value at £1,850.  Some of the factors which build up the piece's overall quality include oak lining in the drawers and ogee shaped feet; the chest itself being in excellent condition.  For those who are not familiar with the term "ogee" it is in reference to the curved form of the feet, presented in a "S" shape.    

A mid 19th century Victorian Wellington chest, from our website, is another example of top quality.  For those who value security this is the perfect piece because of it's dual locking system.  Mahogany again, the front has a hinged border overlapping the right hand side of the drawers, thus preventing them from opening.  

                                   £1,950.00 

A geometric, Victorian chest of drawers, dressed in smart mahogany with ash lining and original brass handles.  The photograph below describes the chest, which is in original condition and is for sale at £795.  All three chests aforementioned are of particulalry good British quality.  For further information regarding these items you can visit our website, shop or showroom.