Author Emma Longstaff
Emma Longstaff

Emma Longstaff

Emma Longstaff is an antiques nerd. Her collections range from 18th century trade tokens and Victorian hourglasses, to bakelite napkin rings and novelty 1950s handbags. Her family are very tolerant.

Recent articles by Emma Longstaff
The Dugald Stewart Monument on Calton Hill in Edinburgh

Shop, dine and stay: Experience the best of this budget-friendly British hotspot

During the crisp winter months, the Scottish capital comes into its own with its captivating blend of history, architecture and culture. Emma Longstaff takes us on a tour of the city’s most magical sights...
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From Darkest Peru to big bucks: Your childhood Paddington toys could be worth thousands

As the nation’s favourite bear returns to the big screen, the popularity of toy incarnations of the iconic character soar.
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17th Century Dutch delft polychrome tiles

Tiles of style: why both antique and new Delftware will always be in fashion

Whether they were made in the Netherlands or England, in the 1600s or far more recently, Delft tiles seem never to go out of fashion. In this buyer’s guide, we discover their fascinating history
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Three silhouettes

Life before photographers: the art of the silhouette portrait

Small, often beautifully framed and with an air of mystery, silhouettes are an intriguing field for collectors, and look striking placed together on a wall
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Diamond Christie's

Collecting diamonds: a cut above the rest

Diamond jewellery is perhaps the ultimate Christmas gift – timeless, romantic and beautiful. Though investing requires some thought...
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Brown and pink Bilston enamel box

Collecting Bilston enamel boxes

Small, beautifully crafted and often surprisingly complex, these decorative boxes were the height of fashion in the 18th century, and represent a fertile field for collectors today
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Thimbles

At your fingertips: a guide to collecting thimbles

Thimbles represent a compelling slice of social history as well as miniature vehicles for artistic expression – it’s little wonder they hold such enduring appeal for today’s collectors
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toleware

A guide to toleware

From practical household objects to flamboyant embellishment and imaginative designs inspired by flowers, fruit and even hot air balloons, it’s no wonder toleware’s popularity is soaring.
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Antiques in film

Antiques in Film & TV: how experts find the right pieces

Period-drama season is upon us, and as viewers are transported by the sumptuous costumes and award-winning performances, we sneak beyond the sets to discover the hectic realm of sourcing antique props for TV and film.
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Antique stumpwork

What is stumpwork?

Stumpwork, a specific type of raised embroidery that was at its height in the mid to late 17th century, requires immense skill and time. Here, we take a look at its history, how to collect and recommend stumpwork kits to buy if you fancy trying it out yourself.
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King Charles Medals

What medals are the royal family wearing?

Everything you need to know about royal medals, which medals the royal family wear on formal occasions, and the medals they are likely to wear for King Charles' coronation...
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Penny Black stamps

Beginners' guide to collecting stamps

If you've been surprised by the incredible value and significance of the royal family's stamp collection, read on for everything you need to know about starting your own collection
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Collecting Snuff Boxes

You may be familiar with these antiques from Bridgerton, or perhaps The Queen Consorts visit on the Antiques Roadshow, but collecting snuff boxes is becoming evermore popular...
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Faberge exhibition

What are Fabergé eggs?

The infamous Fabergé egg has intrigued and beguiled the world since the 19th century. Here'e Everything you need to know about Fabergé eggs and the mystery that surrounds them...
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Buying antique rugs

Buying antique rugs

With their intricate patterns, painstaking production and compelling history, antique rugs are capable of provoking high passion, and they make a striking focal point in the home
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Collecting vintage wristwatches

Buying and collecting vintage watches

For their individuality, sense of intimacy and subtle nuances in design, watches are enduringly popular to the vintage collector
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Collecting Bitossi

Collecting Bitossi

From towering chalices to quirky animals, Emma Longstaff considers the enduring charm of Bitossi Ceramiche
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A cased set of Edwardian mother-of-pearl fox buttons and hunting-themed stick pin sold at Tennants in January 2021 for £400.

Collecting buttons

Not just a practical means of closing a shirt or jacket, antique buttons are mini carriers of social history and fascinating to collect.
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Collecting Postcards

Collecting postcards

Whether written as love notes, letters home from the front line, or greetings from the seaside, postcards offer us a tangible link to the past
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Kokeshi dolls

Collecting Japanese kokeshi dolls

Japan’s iconic wooden kokeshi dolls are highly collectable pieces of folk art. We explore their history, appeal and intriguing craftsmanship
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48 hours Bethnal Green Paradise Row

How to spend a weekend in Bethnal Green

Columbia Road – at the heart of Bethnal Green – is a rare thing indeed: a high street filled with independent shops which, on Sundays, bursts into life with the bustling flower market
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Rob Slater’s collection of pigeon decoys, which are more commonly made in Britain and would have been used for pest control.

Collecting decoy birds

Once used to imitate and lure real birds into shooting range, carved wooden decoys are now viewed as highly collectable pieces of folk art
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Viaduct nr Harrogate - North Yorkshire.

Harrogate and Knaresborough travel guide: how to spend a weekend

These contrasting historic towns abound with charming independent shops and elegant places to dine and stay
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Collecting pincushions

Collecting pincushions

Charming, innovative and packed with character, it’s little wonder that antique pincushions pique so much interest and represent a lively market for collectors
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