No matter how hard I try to imagine that I see Springtime unfurling around every corner, it has to be admitted that most days are still pretty wintery here - especially at the moment, with only just above freezing temperatures, bitter winds and sleeting rain. At times like this, I take more than a little pleasure in browsing through photographs of my visits to the many antique shops and emporia that I am lucky enough to enjoy in my area. I enjoy my visits twice, once in the visiting, and once more in the remembering.
For anyone else who is moderately fed up with the cold and the dark at the moment, here are a few images from my visit to Marlborough and Hungerford last week. Click on any picture to enlarge and peek more closely at all these pretty (and peculiar!) items - I hope they both entertain you and inspire you, ready for those days of spring cleaning and decorating that cannot, surely, now be that far off!
The pretty - decorative cow creamers, jugs and teacups in Marlborough
The somewhat unexpected - one wonders just where this has been an object of devotion and why it has been abandoned?
The downright irresistable - here in the Hungerford Arcade. I am constantly enchanted by the everlasting charm of beautiful Blue and White decor - glass, ceramics, interior design - and I know I am not alone.
How to do it beautifully - so many ideas in the the OKA showrooms at Froxfield
Serenity...
...and simplicity - all on a winter's afternoon.
I always enjoy a little tour of the antiques shops with you. I spotted several sweet little taper sticks in the top photo. They are more rare than larger candlesticks. Old brass is something I am able to buy very cheaply, as few know the difference between old and new pieces. I'm sure you had a nice lunch, or tea, as well. I really need to get out and about,especially now it's warming.
Posted by: Margaret Lambert | Wednesday, February 06, 2013 at 21:39
I have been impatient to get out and about to a few antique shops but our weekend weather too often has brought snowy and icy roads.Thanks so much for the tour!!Count me in as another enchanted by blue and white decor. I have collected Blue willow dinnerware for years. My Aunt gave me her set and I have added to it over the years.Those blue goblets would have wanted to come home with me.Thanks Roz! Those little pitchers on the shelf call to me too!
Posted by: Avis | Wednesday, February 06, 2013 at 22:56
Lovely tour. That collection of blue and white really called out to me. A match made in heaven!
Posted by: Lorrie | Thursday, February 07, 2013 at 00:27
I love antiques. I can spent days sauntering around such shops. In Thessaloniki (North Greece) where I was raised and lived for about 30 yrs, there was a whole area in the centre of the city (Mpit Pazar area) dedicated to all things rare and antique. I have enjoyed there so many hours of searching and finding and sharing the happiness of the new journey for a unigue design piece or craft.
The blue cobalt pieces fascinates me.
Posted by: Maria Moutsiou | Friday, February 08, 2013 at 12:34