Homes & Antiques

Although it's been nearly 40 years since I left secondary school, September's association with the start of a new year shows no sign of waning, so it feels fitting to kick off the issue with a splendid selection of antique desks (p6). This studious t

Editorial Editor Charlotte Packer Acting Senior Production Editor Poppy Benner Senior Production Editor Rachel Nott Senior Features Editor Katie Pike Antiques Writer Caroline Wheater With thanks to Jenny Oldaker and Amanda Robinson Design Art Directo

As all book lovers know, one of the great joys of books – aside from the pleasure of actually reading them – is the simple sight of one's collection lining a room. Although exhibiting books upright on shelves with spines facing outward is the standar

Madeline Miller Madeline Miller's critically acclaimed 2011 retelling of The Iliad has been released in a special new edition by The Folio Society, which is famed for its exquisitely produced and illustrated hardback books. The novel itself, a compel

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Suzanis are prized among the historic textiles of Central Asia for their vibrant colours, exuberant patterns and, most of all, the exquisite hand-embroidery which earned them their name, derived from ‘needle’ in Persian. Suzanis were among textiles w

1 Auction previews take place two to three days before a sale. In-person is best, of course, but not always practical, and many auction houses offer virtual viewings and/or page-turning online catalogues. 2 Registering to bid with an auction house is

Brighton has a rich tradition of silhouette-making, explains Annebella Pollen, Professor of Visual and Material Culture at the University of Brighton: ‘When the Prince Regent made Brighton his party destination and built the Royal Pavilion, the town

Durk Regts explains how to use antique Delft tiles at home ‘We sell antique Dutch Delft tiles all over the world, where customers are not bound to the traditional Dutch approach. They use Delft in exciting combinations and contexts; it's inspiring to

Built in 1930, at the height of Britain's lido-building frenzy, this huge rockpool on Cornwall's Summerleaze Beach took an existing slick of seawater and made it permanent. The idea was to give all holidaymakers a safer spot to enjoy the health benef

What first sparked your interest in antiques? My parents had a few nice pieces and the skill and craftsmanship always fascinated me. Handmade pieces look and feel completely different from machine-made furniture: nothing is quite regular, and wood me