Where we are today...

This weeks blog is about thinking about the people who got you where you are today

We've had a week of quiet reflection here at Graham Smith Antiques, after learning of the passing of an old friend and business associate, Owen Humble of Owen Humble Antiques.

When Graham Smith was a young chap of only 18 years old, he was offered a job driving for Mr Owen Humble, a prolific antiques dealer from Newcastle upon Tyne who already had an established and thriving antiques business in 1975 when Graham began working with him.

This fortunately chanced upon driving job was the beginning of a life long love of antiques and a career for which Graham will always attribute to having learnt from Owen. The job of driving Owen around the country on buying trips meant Graham started to learn how to buy, what to buy, the terminology and the ettiquette from a young age. The Owen Humble Antiques business was a global enterprise,established in 1959, with customers from Scotland to Chicago and everywhere inbetween. Graham worked his way up from 'humble' (excuse the pun) driver to business partner in his almost 30 years there.

His son Michael still has an antiques shop only 5 doors down from the original showroom, with his Dad's name above the door. We have reflected on the life of Owen Humble this week but in doing so, have realised the importance of not forgetting those who got you where you are today.

 As a wiseman once said, "Success is a journey, not a destination" 

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Traditional Orkney Chairs

The Island of Orkney, situated off the North East of Scotland has a rich history and is the birthplace of one particular item of antique furniture - the traditional Orkney chair. These chairs are classified within the 'Scottish Vernacular Furniture' bracket, meaning furniture native to Scotland. The Orkney chair has become very popular with our customers all over the world for both their practical and decorative uses.

Trends for 'country' and rustic interiors have fuelled the demand for antique Orkney chairs, with an appealing combination of traditional craftsmanship and historical elements to them. Our range of these chairs has never been better and we're proud to say that we've shipped Orkney Chairs to customers from Colorado to Harrogate!

Victorian pine framed Orkney chair (Click image to view more details)

Originally, the Orkney chair was a straw stool devised hundreds of years ago as a simple yet practical furnishing, low to the ground to avoid the smoke from the large open fires they used to keep warm through the windy Scottish winters. The development of the straw back was a later addition and the chairs were often made from driftwood as the island of Orkney was not abundant in natural wood resources.

The later addition of the high backed design was intended to shelter the occupant from draughts by trapping heat and providing a warm protective chair. The ideal spot for one of these chairs is around an inglenook fireplace to give a traditional feel, although many admirers of these chairs simply love the design and history behind them so choose them for their hallways, landings or passageways as a decorative furnishing. These versatile chairs could also be useful as nursing chairs due to their low seat and graduated back support.

Victorian Orkney Chair with Drawer (Click image to view more details)

It is thought that the addition of a drawer beneath the seat of some Orkney chairs was designed for the man of the house to keep his belongings in,  this aspect will probably appeal to most men even now!

For those who would like to find out more, comprehensive further reading can be found within Bernard D Cotton's 'Scottish Vernacular Furniture' - this book can be bought online here

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Antique Wall Mirrors

Antique mirrors are the centre of attention in this week's blog and we even have a fine original example to show you too!
 An antique mirror can add drama  above a fireplace, reflect attractive decor in a dining room or serve a practical purpose in a bathroom. Their versatility is sublime and the finishing touch that adding a mirror to a room can make is remarkable. For these reasons, antique wall mirrors deserve some attention!

One of the first things people notice about antique mirrors is the condition of the mirror glass plate, whether it has turned a smokey grey with age or developed darker spots within the silvering. The mirror glass is one of the main ways an antique dealer can tell the age of a mirror, the lighter in weight, the thinner the mirror glass is and therefore the older the mirror. In the past, when mirrors were much more expensive to manufacture, makers used thinner pieces of mirror glass and so modern mirrors or reproduction mirrors made to look antique are heavier as they have thicker mirror glass or replaced mirror glass.

Antique mirrors with original mirror glass plates are few and far between following breakages, damage and modern tastes to replace them for practical use, although a mirror with the original glass is far more valuable. The mirror below is a lovely original example that has recently come into stock.

18th Century Chippendale Mahogany Wall Mirror (with original glass)

Mirrors that we sell often have the original mirror glass, although customers are welcome to request it to be replaced with modern glass for practical purposes and keep the original for any time they wish to sell the item on. This is a popular decision so that the value of the original glass is not lost, although there is a charge for this procedure!

In a completely different style, we also have a lovely 19th century console table and mirror in stock that would complete a hallway as well as being an imposing stylish first impression in your home. The mirror glass is also original but without any notable darkening to the silvering.

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Graham Smith Antiques Ltd 2011

www.grahamsmithantiques.com

Wedding Gift Inspiration 2011

This weeks blog aims to inform and inspire, with suggestions on items to select as wedding gifts for friends and family.

Choosing antiques as wedding gifts is particularly on trend this year as there has been a distinct move towards 'Green weddings' with eco friendly choices. Wedding Ideas Magazine and Brides Magazine are full of eco-friendly ways to create your perfect day and this theme does not often lend iteself very well to luxurious or desirable gifts, with suggestions such as 'refuse gifts altogether' or 'make a donation to the rainforest allaince' often quoted by wedding publications. However, most people tend to prefer buying tangible presents for a couple, something for longevity that they can see in their home for years to come.

As you will no doubt realise, antiques are the ultimate green tangible gift as they are made using natural materials and recycled, often having been produced hundreds of year ago! We have made a few suggestions below for wedding gifts, specific to the nature of your acquaintance with the recipients.


For a non family acquaintance...

This Mouseman Cheeseboard and the pair of bucket bowl rummers above would be ideal for a couple whose interests or tastes you are not directly familiar with as they are both useful tangible household items with some history behind them. Click the images to visit the items on our website and read more about them.

For an extended family member or close friend...

This Maling Biscuit Barrel and Pair of Brass French Candlesticks are both ideal wedding gifts. They are both well made and attractive items with a practical use if necessary but a decorative element too.

For a close family member or lifetime friend...

This Butler's canterbury and Cuckoo clock are unique interesting and good quality items that would be an excellent addition to a newly wed couples home. The idea of a wall clock could be embraced with any style of timepiece, as this is a timeless and useful item that almost anyone would appreciate.

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Graham Smith Antiques Ltd, 83 Fern Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 2RA

0044 (0)191 2815065

www.grahamsmithantiques.com