K is for…

"K is for... key" blog post banner

group of antique keys spelling out the word "key"

A good few years ago when we lived in Brighton, we saw an advert in the local paper… box of old keys for sale – £15.

pile of antique keys

We were quite curious so drove over… and were very pleased we did.

pile of antique keys row of antique keys

A large box of lovely old keys – hundreds of them – all sizes, shapes and uses.

detail of a pile of antique keys

Made from iron & steel, some have got real age to them – two or three hundred years!!

group of antique keys spelling out the word "key"

We think they’re quite beautiful to look at. They’re not the easiest thing to display – one day we’ll get round to hanging them on one wall with lots of little nails…

…or perhaps you’ve got other display ideas?

J is for… jug

"J is for... jug" blog post banner

trio of vintage milk jugs

Here’s a little blog in praise of the humble jug.

mosaic of four vintage jugs

An essential part of domestic life over thousands of years – we use jugs for carrying water, pouring milk, washing & bathing, displaying flowers – the list is endless.

trio of handmade salt glaze jugs by Damian Keefe

Justin’s brother is a potter  and we have some of his jugs dotted around the house. We love the salt glazed ones above which he makes. They’re quite timeless – you can imagine the one on the right filled with ale in a Pieter Bruegal village scene. The simple thumb detailing around the base is lovely. We need some bowls to match if you’re reading this Damian!!

trio of handmade slipware jugs by Hannah McAndrew

And, as if we didn’t have enough jugs, we bought 3 more at last October’s Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair. We couldn’t resist Hannah McAndrew‘s wares for a second year – her traditional slipware pottery drawing on medieval influences. They look perfect set upon antique wooden furniture  – but would look equally fantastic as stand alone pieces in a very contemporary modern space.

Here are a few more favourites that have recently passed through our hands.

mosaic of four vintage jugs

vintage Figgjo Flint pottery jug

bright green vintage vacuum flask

mosaic of four vintage jugs

A well designed & attractive jug will give you a little bit of pleasure every time you use it!