Collecting Guides

An illustration by Polly Fearne showing bidders in a salesroom

Collecting Guides

A beginners guide to buying at auction

Vintage and antique teapot guide: how to collect teapots and history of tea drinking in Britain

An antiques dealer pointing at a glass display case full of Martin Brothers birds

The history of Martin Brothers pottery birds

A brightly coloured Pollock's toy theatre

The history of antique toy theatres

An antique wooden chair with a woven seat

Collecting Guides

Antiques guide: how to collect antique chairs

The corner of an ornate gild frame

Antiques guide: how to care for antique frames

Jon Baddeley, Managing Director of Bonhams auctioneers in Knightsbridge

The Knowledge: Jon Baddeley on ship models

A collection of children's annuals

Instant expert: Collectable vintage children’s annuals

Free downloadable guide to buying and caring for outdoor sculpture

Collecting Guides

Outdoor sculpture: Where to buy and how to care for them

Collecting Guides

Top tips for buying antiques online

An image of witch balls

Collecting Guides

What are witch balls, and how can you buy them?

An antique pocket watch

Collecting Guides

What to look for when collecting pocket watches

A 1950s toy inspired by space

Collecting Guides

1950s space toys: what to look for

Apple green 'Swift Birkin 35' handbag, £7,600

How to buy vintage handbags at auction

A collection of antique pens

Collecting Guides

Antique pens: What to look for and how to buy