hank goodness we are now enjoying some dry weather after a very wet summer.  During the summer months there are numerous large Antique & Collectors Fairs set out in large grounds with indoor and outdoor stands.  Traditionally, many exhibitors display their precious wares outside in the summer to catch the visitors who want to enjoy the good weather.  This year has been a disaster for them. 

We always take an indoor stand because, if there is just a small gust of wind, it can be catastrophic for porcelain displays.  In June, we were in a marquee at the Kedleston Hall fair in Derbyshire and it poured solidly for the three days.  However, many collectors braved the weather and mud to view the extensive variety of antiques on sale. 

In general, for several months now, business has not been good for dealers with the economic climate making it difficult for collectors; however, we are pleased to say there appears to be an improvement recently. 

Mauchline Ware 

In the early 1820’s, William and Andrew Smith, brothers from the small Ayrshire town of Mauchline, set up a factory to make snuff boxes.  However, they soon diversified and dominated the market for wooden souvenirs during most of the Victorian era. 

The vast majority of their wares that survive today in good condition are the transfer-printed wares of boxes and souvenir items in sycamore wood decorated with views of locations in the British Isles and overseas.  The engraved locations are printed in black and, more often than not, are shown in an oval frame with the place name printed underneath.

From the 1870’s, some Mauchline ware was decorated with impressions of ferns in dark brown stipple that catered for the Victorian taste of the time.  This is now referred to as Fern Ware.  

There was also Tartan ware that is very difficult to find today in good condition.  The Smiths took great care to illustrate the accuracy of the 69 tartans that they used for their wares.   

The Smith’s company was by no means the only company of that era producing wooden souvenir wares however, their achievements were so great that now, generically Scottish Souvenir Wood ware is known as Mauchline Ware. 

The firm closed at the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. 

Diary 

Over the next three months we have booked a stand at the following Antiques & Collectors Fairs:- 

• October 7th^: November 4^th: December 2nd – The Grand , The Leas,  Folkestone,

• September 14^th, 15^th & 16^th: – Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire

• September 21^st, 22^nd & 23rd: - Stamford Meadows, Lincolnshire

• October 5^th & 6^th:– Peterborough

• November 10^th & 11^th: - Norfolk Showground

 If you are in the area, please come in and see us.  If there is anything you would like us to bring with us, please let us know.