Turning back time at the Antiques For Everyone show

Jul 23 2010 By Anuji Varma

Anuji Varma looks at the highlights of this weekend’s Antiques for Everyone show.

A private collection of silverware crafted by Matthew Boulton and a teapot once owned by Agatha Christie are among the highlights at the Antiques For Everyone show this weekend.

The show at Birmingham’s NEC until Sunday marks its 25th anniversary and to celebrate there will be unique features from Birmingham’s Assay Office and collectors at the event.

There will be more than 300 specialist antique dealers with around 50,000 pieces available to buy.

Those on show include Matthew Boulton pieces that have previously been kept under lock and key including a beautifully crafted wine jug.

“The collection we will have on show is usually a private one,” says Dr Sally Baggott, curator for the Assay Office which is based in the Jewellery Quarter.

“The public can only view it by appointment at the Assay Office, so this is a great way to see the items.

“We will also have lots of other things on display which are not normally on show. These include 18th century silver toys, made up of vinaigrettes, buckles and buttons.

‘‘The Assay Office will exhibit arts and crafts items too. There will be old pieces right through to modern products made this century.”

One of those includes a privately commissioned piece made by artist Theresa Nguyen which was inspired by Der Rosenkavelier Opera.