Collector - AnArt4Life

Mysteries and Memories of Boxes

What is it that attracts us to collect boxes and treasure them? Firstly the memories they invoke – how we acquired them and the personal stories we attach to them. And secondly the mystery of what they contain – from meaningless paraphernalia to treasured keepsakes.

Collector

Boxes for Boxing Day 2021

I didn't know what to put up on the AnArt4Life blog for Boxing Day which is often a bit of a rest day if you have enjoyed too much eating on Christmas Day. For those of you who haven't gone off to join in the mad shopping sales here is a post on my collection of boxes!

Exhibition

Ivan Morozov and Sergei Shchukin: Collectors of the Parisian Avant-garde by Hannah Starman Nov 2021

With permission from Arteez we post an interview by Hannah Starman with art historian Natalia Semenova about Ivan Morozov & Sergei Shchukin: Collectors of the Parisian Avant-garde.

Ceramics

Magnificent Moorcroft - Part 1 !

Today we look at the beautiful art pottery of Moorcroft, which has been produced continuously in the same premises since 1913, and is still highly valued and collectable. Image: potteriesauctions.com

Art Mentors

Sheila Cruthers leaves a legacy that “will paint Australian women artists back into our history”

Introducing Sheila Cruthers, an art collector and a philanthropist of note. What makes Sheila different to other who championed Australian women artists.

Ceramics

Classic, quirky Carlton Ware

Today we look at some of the many designs of Carlton ware, many of which are still available and are popular today for lovers of retro and quirky kitchen and dining items. Image: carltonwareworld.com

Ceramics

Royal Albert fine china – Refined and prolific!

Today we look at a bone china brand which still features at refined High Teas around the world today - Royal Albert. Even though there were over 1,000 patterns produced it is instantly recognisable for the consistency of its production for over 125 years. Image: chinasearch.co.uk

Ceramics

Royal Doulton: Recognised and Respected

Many of us may be familiar with Royal Doulton, Royal Albert and Bunnykins china, but Doultons initially earned success and recognition by Queen Victoria for their part in solving a very big problem in London. Image: Vauxhall history.org

Ceramics

Magnificent Minton - Part 2

Today we return to look at some of the Minton innovations and the different styles of pottery, initiated under the guidance of "Herbert Minton" and his heirs, working with many other talented designers and artists. Image: My photo at NGV Victoria.

Ceramics

Magnificent Minton - Part 1

Today we look at the beginnings of Minton, a Staffordshire pottery founded by Thomas Minton in 1793. It is a brand well known for its many innovations, from perfecting willow ware through to unique floor tiles in prestigious buildings. Image: aoc.gov/Wikimedia

Ceramics

Spotlight on Spode

Today we learn about Josiah Spode, who, like his friend Josiah Wedgwood, also created a famous Staffordshire pottery brand, perfecting Willow ware and fine bone china. Image: Spode Museum Trust

Ceramics

The enduring legacy of Josiah Wedgwood

Today we look at the founder of the iconic Wedgwood brand, where a disability enabled a man of science and innovation to follow his a passion for excellence, leaving a legacy which endures today. Image: Wikipedia

Ceramics

The Staffordshire Potteries

It seems there is more to ceramics, pottery, earthenware, porcelain and fine bone china than meets the eye! Today we look at some of the variations made in the Staffordshire area of England in a proud history of over 300 years. Image: thepotteries.org

Ceramics

Is "Famille Jaune" familiar?

Today we examine the wide variety of "Famille Jaune" Chinese porcelain, produced in the Qing Dynasty and still widely sought after by collectors today. Image: Christie's

Tribute

Journey through the Outback: Ode to Hugh Schulz

We conclude our posts on the Australian naive artist Hugh Schulz with a poem written by Rivka Morley which captures his unique style. Image credit: S Lindeman

Heidelberg School

Bailed Up and The Breakaway: A Story to Tell

The title headlines are intriguing and will lead you into an Op Shop (Charity Shop, Thrift Shop) where you will be as surprised as was John Wylie from South Australia. Photo: John Wylie

Ceramics

The ever popular Willow pattern

Most of us have probably seen it or may even own a piece or two, or at least our mothers, aunts, grandmothers did. The Willow Pattern was popularised in the late C18th - C19th. But do you know the story of the legend behind it? Image: housebeautiful.com

Clocks

At Home with Pierre and his Clocks: the Passion

If you love clocks this post is for you. It brings you a selection of "French Four-Glass" clocks from the last quarter of the C19th. The clocks belong to "Pierre" so you will also get an insight into the passion of a clock collector. Photo: Pierre

Collector

The Extraordinary Gilbert Collection

Come with us to see some of the extraordinary collection of Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert, particularly the detailed micromosaics. We will learn a little about the fascinating lives of these entrepreneurs, collectors and philanthropists. Image: Victoria and Albert Museum.

Exhibition

A Taste of The Hermitage - Downunder

A little taste of The Hermitage at the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney during early 2019 - Masters of Modern Art from the Hermitage. Image credit: Adapted from the poster for the exhibtion - Art Gallery of NSW February 2019.

Japan

The Idemitsu Collection from Tokyo

Today we look at an inspirational Japanese man named Sazo Idemitsu, a petroleum magnate who created his own museum in 1966 to showcase his personal art collection, acquired over more than 75 years. Image: From the book "Japan: Masterpieces from the Idemitsu Collection"

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