Emma Longstaff

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.

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.

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.

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...

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

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...

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...

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

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

From towering chalices to quirky animals, Emma Longstaff considers the enduring charm of Bitossi Ceramiche

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

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

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

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

Once used to imitate and lure real birds into shooting range, carved wooden decoys are now viewed as highly collectable pieces of folk art

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

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

Minutes away from the thronging tourist-traipsed streets of the capital’s West End, this London enclave promises a peaceful, one-of-a-kind Christmas shopping experience

A land of hills, crags, ruined abbeys and waterfalls where time seems to have stopped, this area of the Yorkshire Dales is ripe for antiques shopping

Wandering the cobbled streets of this cathedral city is a must at this time of year, and makes an excellent midwinter break for present shopping

Big skies, boundless beaches, freshly caught seafood, eclectic independent shops and cafes, and cosy boltholes await you.

From novelty cigarette packets to Lalique oyster shells, perfume bottles exude a powerful allure, finds Emma Longstaff.

Long-pile, bold and brightly coloured, Swedish rya rugs adorned many 60s and 70s homes. Emma Longstaff tracks their appeal.