New Pitcher for My Collection with Hound Handle

I added a new pitcher to my collection, the one on the right. I took this photo with the overhead light on and it's not the best but I wanted to share. I bought from a delightful couple who live in an 18th century house and they used it for lemonade. So meet my new (old) lemonade pitcher.

See this old post for the other pitchers in my collection and another older post for the story of my copper pots on the top shelf.

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Antique Accessories

Simply Beautiful! I would love to see more restrained decor in this home. I love this arrangement against a stark white wall. via

Blue and White on a Kitchen Wall

Just my style! I love this kitchen wall and the artful arrangement of the owner's collection of blue and white Staffordshire serving pieces. The artwork is perfect and the Staffordshire figures add a bit of color and interest. The decorative shelf supports are lovely but don't compete with the wall arrangement thanks to the white paint. You have to look very carefully to see the subway tile backsplash. There is so much to absorb in this single photo found in Victoria Magazine. Enjoy looking and have a great weekend. xo

Tartan Books and Staffordshire Dogs

Tartan Book Jackets and Staffordshire Dalmations! This photo made my morning. via

Pair of Antique Staffordshire Lamps in My Cottage

I had to make a quick run to look at a house for a customer yesterday and there was a thrift shop nearby. Look what I scored. A fabulous PAIR of antique staffordshire figures converted to lamps without being drilled with wonderful shades.

I took a photo of my new arrangement last night by lamp light.

This is the Jockey on Horseback facing right. I have the identical one facing left but I won't take a photo of it.

I adore the handmade shades. The pattern goes perfectly with the green checked sofa they are behind. 

As you can see, I haven't lost my touch for spotting great antiques that double as interior design elements. xo

Fashion Advice for Dog Lovers

I had a great time at one particular realtor open house tour today. This little stoneware plaque made me laugh. Isn't it great?

There were two cute real dogs running around inside and outside but they wouldn't be still long enough for a photo so I snapped these Staffordshire poodles instead.

Sampson and Horne Antiques Inventory To Be Auctioned

Sampson and Horne Antiques

Very sadly due to Jonathan Horne’s illness it has been decided to close the business and auction the entire stock at Bonhams, Bond Street on 28th April 2010. Make sure you click on the link above to see a wonderful slideshow of extremely rare items.

Auction House Note: After 40 years of trading at the top end of the business, legendary English antique dealership, Sampson and Horne, are to sell their entire stock, comprising nearly 800 lots, and attracting a pre-sale estimate of £1,000,000. Read entire press release.

Years ago, I sold a magnificent extra-large pair of salt glazed stoneware Staffordshire spaniels to the late business partner Alistair Sampson and I have always been sorry. He bought them from me right on the floor of a Sotheby's Arcade Sale, having arrived too late to bid. I had no idea how rare they were...I just liked them. I still think about them from time to time. Oh well.

We don't ever actually own antiques, we are just caretakers.

"Take care of your antiques and they will take care of you."




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