Collecting Guides

Keep gilded picture frames tidy and clean with these handy tips

Unearth the history of these classic wooden furniture designs, famous for the little signature mouse carved into every piece...

Explore the charming history of sponge printing as Ellie Tennant dips into a thoroughly British pottery technique. Photographs Rachel Whiting

Whether you’re looking to maintain a 17th-century bronze or a modern granite piece, LAPADA member Alex Puddy of Architectural Heritage, which sells antique and contemporary sculpture, has some advice for caring for your outdoor sculptures

Discover top tips for picking up a one-of-a-kind antique online through a vast network of digital auctions

Decorative antiques dealer Luke Honey reveals the history of witch balls, and what to keep an eye out for if you fancy adding some to your collection

If it’s your first time in an auction room, it might seem like a daunting place. But there’s a lot of fun to be had, and plenty of unique items to be bought…

Antique photographs offer a vivid glimpse into history, allowing us to engage with moments from times long past. We explore 
the joys of starting your own collection

Tea brewed in a vintage or antique teapot adds a sense of occasion to your daily brew and tastes that bit better. Our guide looks at how to collect beautiful vintage and antique teapots and a brief history of tea drinking in Britain

Colourful acrostic jewellery provides the ideal gift for amorous collectors, but only if you can decipher it...

From souvenirs and gifts to inherited treasures and class indicators, antique napkin rings are highly sought after. Here, Ellie Tennant explains how you can build a collection...

From Victorian patents to ladies’ legs, Ellie Tennant explores the competitive realm of antique corkscrew collecting

We explore the realms of antique jelly moulds and explain how you can build your own collection

Intricate craftsmanship and historical consequence make antique model ships fascinating to collect, finds Janet Gleeson

Early 20th-century sewing kits featuring flowers and crinoline ladies have a nostalgic appeal...

These unlikely yet highly collectable birds are among the founding pieces of British studio pottery

Luke Honey remembers why toy theatres make the most magical Christmas presents

Discover the best 20th-century and antique chair designs to invest in now with this free-to-download guide

Managing Director of Bonhams, Jon Baddeley, shares his love for collecting antique ship models

Remember the joy of finding an annual under the tree? Antiques Roadshow expert Katherine Higgins explains which are the most coveted now

We talk to Sotheby's watch specialist Joanne Lewis to find out more about the history of the pocket watch, and how to go about collecting them

Make sure your mince pies look their best by adding some festive plates to your collection. Discover where to find the finest

Go back to the future with antiques expert Luke Honey, as he explores the mind-boggling world of Atomic Age toys inspired by space and science

Add to your collection with an antique or vintage pen with pedigree. Discover how to find the finest in a crowded market