Category Archives: Lessons
Variations in Tiffany Studios Favrile lily lamps and shades
Tiffany Studios produced lily lamps in many sizes from 3-light to 18-light, as well as custom-order. Over the course of decades, the models were tweaked with subtle improvements, like thicker tubing, bronze leaf switches, better patina, etc. Early on, Tiffany … Continue reading
Pate-de-verre French glass by A. Walter and Argy-Rousseau
I buy and sell a lot of French cameo glass, mostly from the Art Nouveau period, 1890-1920, and the Art Deco period, 1920-1940. Some of the highest quality glass from these periods is not cameo glass, but rather pâte-de-verre (pronounced … Continue reading
Some treasures I’ve owned, part III, Martin Brothers Stoneware
If you’re not familiar with the Martin Brothers of London & Southall, you should be. They produced the zaniest, most whimsical stoneware that one could imagine. What’s amazing is that they did it over 100 years ago. Many Martin Brothers … Continue reading
What is Art Deco?
The Art Deco movement began developing in the 1910s during a transitional period from the Art Nouveau movement. It was in full bloom by the 1920s and 1930s. Art Deco is characterized by stylized designs of people and flowers, as … Continue reading
What is Art Nouveau?
The Art Nouveau movement started in the 1890s, drawing its inspiration from nature. Women, flowers and insects were pictured realistically with curved flowing lines that were rarely symmetrical. A poster by the Austrian artist Alphonse Mucha for the cigarette paper … Continue reading
How to clean antique glass including Tiffany Studios Favrile and French Cameo Glass
Having sold many thousands of antique glass vases over the years, I’ve learned a lot about how to clean them from trial and error and a few mistakes. It also doesn’t hurt to have a Master’s Degree in Chemistry. Most … Continue reading
Tiffany candle lamps lesson
You would think that all Tiffany candle lamps use candles, but not all do. There are actually three versions — electric, kerosene and candle. All candle lamps have three basic components, the base, the insert and the shade. They may … Continue reading
Suggested etiquette when attending an antique show
Having exhibited at hundreds of shows over 35 years, I’ve seen attendees do some unusual and sometimes unacceptable things. As a service to the showgoing public (and also to me), I’ve decided to write about some of them as suggested … Continue reading
My Icart etching doesn’t look good. What can I do about it?
Most Icart etchings that are in original frames with original mats have problems, such as foxing, light darkening, glue or acidity, amongst others. Read yesterday’s blog for a more complete explanation. Some people like them that way. They show their … Continue reading
My Icart etching doesn’t look good. What is the problem?
Icart was most popular in the 1920s and ’30s. At the time, it was fashionable to give a gift for a wedding or special occasion, rather than money. What better gift than an Icart etching? They were beautiful, signed by … Continue reading