The Market For Antiques in the UK Today – or- Why No-one Wants To Buy Your Wardrobe Anymore – A Lecture on March 4th 2021

Matthew Denney gave an interesting and informative talk on Zoom this month. Matthew is an auctioneer, writer and lecturer. His talk, “The market For Antiques in the UK Today – or – Why no one wants to buy your wardrobe anymore!” opened our eyes to the constantly changing value of antiques and collectables.

Matthew started by comparing the size of a room in an Edwardian House to that of a modern house or apartment. He talked about how lives had changed. Slides were shown of a 1970s lounge with chairs, occasional tables, ornaments, collectable china, and with many pictures on the walls. This was compared to a modern minimalistic apartment with white walls, large windows, a television and music centre and only a few large and colourful pictures. People no longer want cluttered rooms. Large bedroom furniture, dining room tables, chairs and sideboards rarely fit into a modern home. Nowadays people often eat in a kitchen and even dining rooms are out of fashion. Dinner parties are out of fashion: people would rather go out for a meal with their friends.

The modern feeling is that one should “Spend time with friends and not money on things”

Matthew said that while there is little demand for older dark furniture if there is a very special, mahogany wardrobe in perfect condition it could sell well. People are prepared to pay for something which they really want.

Many traditional items have gone out of fashion. Brass and copper, which needs to be cleaned, is no longer in demand. People no longer treasure tea sets, or hang decorative plates on the wall. In the past people had china display cabinets but these are no longer wanted. Ercol furniture will sell if it is in a light wood colour but the same item in a dark wood is very hard to sell.

Less jewellery is worn. Ladies no longer wear as many brooches, necklaces or bracelets but earrings are still popular.

Many animals are now endangered species and need protection. People no longer wear real furs. There are less elephants and many ivory items are illegal. However, Matthew showed a very beautiful late nineteenth century ivory casket which had sold well because it was of such high quality. There is a market for top quality goods. Slides were shown of a nineteenth century Chinese porcelain bowl of high quality which had sold well. Clients are selective and will wait for the right one to come along and if they really want the item are prepared to pay big money for it.

Paul Newman’s Rolex

Apparently wrist watches sell well. Rolex watches are a status symbol and fetch a very high price. Paul Newman’s Rolex went for £17.8 million!

Matthew went on to talk about collectable items. Military medals, coins, stamps, postcards, are all items which are small, easily stored and have a great deal of nostalgia. Items with nostalgic value are very popular. Toys from the 1970s are collectable. Lego, Air fix and Star Wars sets in good condition are very saleable. Wondering about collectable things of the future, Matthew said that at present a play station is not worth much but, if in good condition, it may well be valuable in forty years time.

When asked if it was worth buying things as an investment Matthew replied “No, buy these things because they fill you with joy, because you love them, they are fascinating and they are full of history.”

Matthew‘s enthusiasm for the beautiful and interesting objects which he sells was apparent throughout his talk.

Linda Dixon