For a while I had a "thing" for art deco and went to lots of Deco fairs but couldn't afford the prices of Clarice Cliff, Susie Cooper etc.
One day at a car boot I came across this jug at my car boot and the owner wanted £2 for it. It had a bit of a hairline crack in it but I liked it and thought it would look good with some flowers in it. When I got it home I did some research on the maker, Myott. It was far less well known than the other factories from the thirties and there were very few collectors (this was in 2002). It turned out that this was actually quite a rare design and a perfect one had fetched £200. I started looking out for these pieces and finding out more by talking to one or two specialists at the deco fairs and got to the point where I knew more than many of the non- specialist dealers in terms of what was "special" and what wasn't. Over the next few years I picked up pieces wherever I could find them at a good price. I don't have a lot of disposable cash but would occasionally have a car boot or sell some of my other "stuff" to fund my habit. (So far they haven't developed a rehab place for those of us who have addictions to "stuff" so I'm safe for the time being)
Over the next few years I acquired quite a few jugs, vases, bowls etc and had them randomly displayed about the house but it wasn't until I put them all together on my shelves that they really came into their own as a collection. The different shapes have names and would be instantly recognisable to other collectors. But there was a problem around the time of entering Blogland. I went off orange! I'd never been a fan of orange but something about the iconic combination of the 1930s orange and black had appealed. But I no longer wanted a room dependent on orange. I've tried to reduce my collection - but the market at the moment is eschewing Myott and the prices have dropped (for the time being). So at the moment the orange is packed away and my shelves have morphed to include pieces from some of my other collections.
The cage with the dolls in it? Well what would you do with a canary cage bought for £3? Any suggestions gratefully received. For the moment it houses my collection of forsaken souls with a nod to the old Victorian fair ground.
It's a grey day - time to sort out one of your collections?
I know what you mean about orange but seeing your collection all together I think it looks great. It's funny because my taste has changed over the last couple of years as I too had quite a few more Deco pieces. I still love the 1930s style but have gone off some of the Deco shapes and colours.
ReplyDeleteAnn x
Oh wow! Those orange peices look amazing as a collection. I do know what you mean about the colour but together it works so well.
ReplyDeleteI love the dolls in the cage, very hansel and gretal. I have far to many collections myself and definitely need to have a good sort out!
That 'orange' collection looks fantastic to new eyes! You can't sell it on, but I guess prices will rise again, and then you can make a killing!
ReplyDeleteI have too many collections of all kinds of "stuff"-cats, snowglobes, Betty Boop, books, (lots of vintage ones) oh, goodness, a bit of everything from all ages. A dusting nightmare!It was brilliant to see you last week-my lamp is up in the bathroom and my brooch sits perfectly on the lemon felt chick from Sharon.
Have a great week,
Z xx
Oh dear Wend, what have I started? Is it going to take a few months because you're pacing yourself... or because you have so many collections? I love all the art deco stuff even the orange bits and pieces. I have a small Myott dish and a multi coloured Shorter fruit bowl but I will never have as many jugs as you. I think your shelves look fantastic . They make me want to come to your house for a good gander! Lesley x
ReplyDeleteThe Deco collection looks very striking, and I love the cage, I'd be so tempted to put one of my 'captured'fairies in there!Linda xx
ReplyDeleteFantastic collections. I found myself looking at the rear end of the carved deer next to your shelves and remembering my mum's collections of carvings...........
ReplyDeleteI love the dolls in the cage! I prefer your newer display, lovely colours - it is a little softer on the eye; I like orange myself, but that is a very - orangey orange in your collection!
ReplyDeleteWow - your collections look wonderful - they all play off each other really well. Must be worth a small fortune too! Great shapes there. I don't really collect anything (its a habit I just daren't even try!).
ReplyDeleteloving your collection , you are wrong to dislike orange, wrong i tell you,
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