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Discovering Antiques |
A Guide to the World of Antiques and Collectibles |
By Eric Knowles |
| De Agostini Editions, Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 575 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10012, 1996, pp. 218, $29.95, hardcover. |
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| Eric Knowles, a director of Bonhams auction house and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, has put together an excellent overview for the beginning antiques collector. Covering furniture, ceramics, glass, silver, clocks and watches, teddy bears, dolls and toys, carpets and textiles, Art Nouveau and Art Deco, Knowles gives a general introduction to his subject at the beginning of each chapter, followed by a "Where to Begin" section, which discusses materials, construction, restoration, fakes and maintenance. Approximately 500 well-executed color photographs illustrate the categories, and are accompanied by in-depth captions and estimated values. "Collectors' Notes" also offer tips on buying antiques ("buy pieces of the same standard of craftsmanship as your larger, more expensive investments"). As an Englishman, the author includes many examples which American furniture and decorative arts collectors may not be interested in, but which are informative and beautiful nonetheless. Also featured is a chart of styles and periods and a clever section on collectibles of the future.
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