Charlotte Packer, Editor
s readers of H&A, your interest in antiques is a given, and I’m sure you are regulars at your local antiques shops; your homes furnished with an eclectic mix of old and new. But have you ever wondered why we revere old things and when collecting antiques, as sold by dealers, first began? We sent Rhiannon Batten in search of the answers and you can read her lovely history of the antiques trade on page 31.
Elsewhere in this issue, we look at the work of Paul Scott, who has taken the ancient art of Japanese kintsugi and applied it to classic British blue-and-white ceramics, subverting some of the familiar motifs along the way. Ceramic art has long been fertile ground for political protest and Paul’s works follow in this tradition, while also embracing current concerns around overproduction and the general trend towards reuse and recycling. Turn to page 27 to read about his beautifully thought-provoking and witty work.
This month’s houses take us back through the centuries: from Inchbonny, built in the 1800s (p40), to historic Owlpen in Gloucestershire, which dates to c1450 in its current incarnation (p60). With rich and fascinating histories, all four houses are maintained by their current custodians with future generations in mind, and each one is a model of sensitive restoration and conservation.
Continuing with the theme of history and heritage, our travel pages (from p103) offer an alternative Italian itinerary for modern-day Grand Tourists, and a round-up of the oldest working theatres in the UK. We hope you enjoy the issue!
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