Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2015 | Page 68

ANTIQUES

HRD Auction Rooms

talks antiques

Warren
Riches:
Ask an expert!

Caring for Bronze Antiques

T
A

s with all things in life, the world of antiques and
collectables is ever changing and evolving, with fashion
largely dictating prices and saleability across the board.
With traditional markets for items such as ceramics and the
notorious ‘brown furniture’ not being as strong as in previous
years, and currently showing no signs of a return to the glory
days, auction houses are seeking new and emerging markets in
order to modernise and diversify.
One such market is luxury goods and clothing, an area where
collectables make the cross-over with the ever fashionable
vintage items. We have seen huge growth in the number of
designer handbags being offered at auction, with some of the
larger auction houses dedicating entire sales to this genre.
They offer a potentially shrewd investment, as the big names
like Chanel and Hermes are consistently sought after and
accruing in value.
In addition to expanding the range of items on offer at auction,
many salerooms have also realised the need to expand their
clientele. It is fair to say that the average age of an auction
house’s customer base could be described as a somewhat ‘ageing
population’. This is by no means meant to be derogatory, indeed
it is a most accurate description of our nation as a whole, and
certainly our local Island community. These are people for whom
the buzz of buying and selling at auction has been a lifelong
passion, but there is a definite need for salerooms to attract eager
young buyers to follow in their wake.
Branching out into the luxury goods market has immediately
attracted this newer category of client, something which we
ourselves have witnessed when we recently sold a selection of
designer bags including Louis Vuitton and Dior. We must hope
that these customers have been bitten by the auction bug, and
spread the word amongst their friends of the treasure trove of
goods hiding behind a saleroom door.

The Auction Rooms, Quay Lane, Brading, PO36 0AT
Telephone: [phone]
68

www.goilife.co.uk

he dark or greenish brown patina that forms on
bronze is highly desirable and should be preserved;
so don’t use metal polish or solvents on any bronze or
any water on indoor bronzes. Dusting alone should suffice.
A dull patina can be revived by a very light coating
of microcrystalline wax. Always make sure you test an
inconspicuous area first to ensure the patina is stable as an
artificially induced or painted patina may not be stable.
Apply the wax with a soft bristled brush and burnish
gently with a soft cloth.
Archaeological bronzes or items that have been exposed
to salty air may develop ‘bronze disease’ – small powdery
green spots on the surface. You can wax a small area
immediately but anything more serious should be taken
to a conservation specialist or professional restorer for
specialist treatment.

Talking antiques & collecting

W

hether you buy from antique dealers, antique
fairs, auction houses, or boot sales, always, always,
always, buy the things that appeal to you directly. If
something appeals to your sense of style or your idea of
beauty, you will develop a passio