Fair Finds

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selection of antique & vintage homewares bought at Lincoln Show

We made the trip to Lincoln Antiques and Home Fair on Monday. Our alarm was set for 5.30am, so it was quite an early start in the cold and the dark. Add in a few hours driving and you have to hope that the effort will be worthwhile.

selection of antique & vintage homewares bought at Lincoln Show including a bolt of vintage 1950s fabric, set of sky blue Czech enamel containers, circular Nymolle pottery plaques designed by Bjorn Wiinblad, trio, vintage Marks and Spencer blue and purple floral curtains of fat lava West German vases and antique 18th/19th century wooden pie/bread peel

Fortunately it was – and we picked up some very nice pieces – some favourites are shown here. It’s mainly vintage, mid 20th century stuff; but we couldn’t resist a couple of country antiques too, such as this beautiful 18th century bowl and bread/pie oven peel.

selection of antique & vintage homewares bought at Lincoln Show with antique 18th/19th century turned wooden bowl highlighted

We bought quite a few West German ‘fat lava’ pots, concentrating on bold reds & oranges. Their prices are certainly on the rise. Other ceramics included the wall plaques designed by Bjorn Wiinblad for Nymolle of Denmark. Each one represents a month of the year and features a loving couple’s story – from courtship to parenthood. We like the whimsical, folk art design and we’ve actually got a set on our kitchen wall.

selection of antique & vintage homewares bought at Lincoln Show highlighting a set of 1950s teak coasters in a matching lidded holder

A slightly more recent piece of wood was to be found in the shape of this 1950s/60s teak coaster set. We’re not sure who the maker is, but it’s got real quality to it – it’s very Scandinavian and has a gorgeous, warm colour.  There was no shortage of enamelware to be found – we plumped for this set of graduated blue kitchen pots – the largest has an impressive 18 litre capacity!

selection of antique & vintage homewares bought at Lincoln Show

The sewing box dates from the 1960s and is made of a plastic weave material. Some people call in Dandycord – which we think was a trade name or brand of PVC flooring. The same material was used in the manufacture of these sewing boxes. You also see chairs, plant pot holders, magazine racks etc from the same period made from it. We were given a real flash of flower power colour when we lifted the lid!  Equally bold & bright were the lovely little teatowel and this absolutely stunning roll of unused 1950s fabric, with it’s classic vase design & period colour combination of yellow, red, grey, black & blue.

It’s always tempting to stay in a warm bed, but we’re glad that we didn’t when we look back at this haul!

X is for… Xmas

'X is for... Xmas' blog post banner
Vintage hand-made cross stitch of Father Christmas and reindeer

Xmas… that’s worked out nicely…

Vintage children building blocks
Vintage children building blocks
Vintage Xmas biscuit tin
Vintage Xmas biscuit tin

It’s a good job that Christmas is here as we didn’t have any xylophones or x-ray machines for sale!

Vintage 1960s December Nymolle ceramic wall plaque Vintage 1960s December Nymolle ceramic wall plaque
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian ceramic wall plaque designed by Bjorn Wiinblad

Vintage 1970s Bernard Buffet print entitled 'Nativity'
Vintage 1970s Bernard Buffet print entitled ‘Nativity’

X is for Xmas gives us the chance to send all our blog readers seasons greetings…

Vintage 1960s/70s desk calendar manufactured by Park Sherman
Vintage 1960s/70s desk calendar manufactured by Park Sherman

Vintage 1970s Hornsea Pottery December mug Vintage 1970s Hornsea Pottery December mug
Vintage 1970s Hornsea Pottery ‘December’ mug

Vintage Christmas baubles in original box
Vintage Christmas baubles

…and, with 2009 approaching, it’s also an opportunity to thank you all for your support & encouragement during our 1st year in business.

Detail from a vintage 1970s linen tea towel entitled 'Noel' by Jonelle
Detail from a vintage 1970s linen tea towel entitled ‘Noel’ by Jonelle

H is for Home is going really well and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed these past few months.

'Tall Book of Christmas' inside cover
‘Tall Book of Christmas’ inside cover
'Christmas Surprise' story from the Tall Book of Christmas book
‘Christmas Surprise’ story from the Tall Book of Christmas book

So it’s a happy Christmas to you all – we hope you have a fabulous time!

Charles Harper illustrated Christmas recipes
Charles Harper illustrated Christmas recipes
Bill Charmatz illustrated Christmas pudding recipe from the Gourmet Restaurant
Bill Charmatz illustrated Christmas pudding recipe

Warmest wishes,

Adelle & Justin xx