Lillies BBC production.

This is a picture taken from the set of Lillies, the acclaimed BBC production.

I was asked to do some room sets by the BBC and this is the Artemis house in the series. I originaly had a brilliant mirror for the fireplace but it picked up a reflect.

This was a house in Falkner Square in Liverpool 8.

A letter to the Times from Henry Sandon

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/letters/article6031353.ece

From The Times
April 4, 2009
Preserve antiquarians
Chancellor not doing enough to help British antique and fine art dealers maximise their global appeal

Sir, Last year many antique and fine art dealers were forced to close their premises as a direct result of high rent and business rate increases, at a faster rate than in previous recessions. While the Chancellor’s rethink on the previously tabled increase in business rates shows some sensitivity to the needs of businesses, it does not do enough to help this often overlooked sector.
In 2007 the UK’s antiques and art industry generated revenue of £4 billion. Global revenue from the art and antiques market was £40 billion in 2007, the UK’s contribution therefore represented 10 per cent of the global market share. In 2008, however, there was a significant fall to £2.75 billion. While other sectors are receiving help from the Government, the antiques industry — which is partly reliant on the housing market — does not. Even the recent VAT reduction does not help us.
The antiques industry creates jobs in tourism, shipping, transport and conservation. At a local level, antique shops provide an important draw to country towns, helping other local shops and businesses. Every closure leaves a gap in provincial streetscapes. On an ecological level, the antiques industry encourages the re-use of old and beautiful things, reducing landfill and new-goods consumption.
With sterling at its lowest for some considerable time, UK products are once again attractive to overseas buyers. With some marketing support from the Government, we could be using this opportunity to reach the world market for antiques.
Iain Michael Brunt
Ledsham, Leeds
Henry Sandon
Worcester

Della Robbia Pottery Charger by Cassandra Annie Walker-Piece of the Week.

One of the reasons for me to go to the Williamson Art Gallery on the Wirral to look at the Della Robbia was to see how one of my acquisitions fares.
I think it may be correct to say that I think this is the best example of Della Robbia I have seen.
Designed by Cassandra Annie Walker it is of a design I have not seen before. Purchased in France it is of two Sirens luring a ship of sailors onto the rocky outcrop. An Art Nouveau take on the mythical tale. The colours are fantastic. I felt as if it was coming home when it was found in France the lady asked me if I knew what it was as she hadn't been able to sell it as it is unknown in France.
 Oh yes I said as I clutched it when paid for.

Williamson Art Gallery-Della Robbia Collection

Williamson Art Gallery Birkenhead.
Went to see a textile exhibition Sunday last of Lee fabric and textile manufacturers who were based in Birkenhead. They sold Fortuny clth and clothes in thier New York and London showrooms and there was the most wonderful Fortuny dress on display as part of the exhibition.

Of course we had to have a look at the wonderful permenant Della Robbia exhibition.
It is well worth a visit.

Etched Glass by Hector Whistler-Liverpool Philharmonic Hall .

Has a doorway into Liverpool’s past been found in Paris?Oct 21 2008 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post
Wayne Colquhoun, outside his antique shop in India Buldings, with one of the pieces of glass he says is from the Philharmonic Hall
A MERSEYSIDE antiques dealer has returned from his travels with what he believes is a piece of Liverpool history.
Wayne Colquhoun, who owns an Antiques and Fine Art shop in the city, says he has uncovered original panels of glass that once sat in the Philharmonic Hall.
Mr Colquhoun discovered the 6ft pieces of etched glass in a market in Paris.
The glass bears the signature of Hector Whistler, who designed it under the supervision of eminent Philharmonic Hall architect Herbert Rowse.
Mr Colquhoun said: “It was 5.45am and I had bought a vase and a statue and then I got that shiver down the back of my neck that makes me twitch.
“Out of the back of a lorry a piece of etched glass about 6ft high was being passed down and I was there on it right away. For a moment I couldn’t talk, because there in the glare of my torch was a plate of glass, acid etched with a cubist design of a clarinet.
“Now I play clarinet, so that’s a find, but there was something a bit more to this. I recognised the design and I was thrown geog- raphically when I questioned myself.
“Is this a piece of glass from the entrance doors of the Philharmonic hall?”
With the questions of how it arrived for sale in France in the back of his mind, the stall holder then drove him back to his depot.
Mr Colquhoun said: “Twenty-minutes later I arrived and there were several stacks of glass, one with the sign that gave me the confidence to know that these were glass from the Phil.”
He then went on to barter with an American couple who wanted to buy the glass, before making the 2,000 mile trip back to Liverpool.
He now hopes a Liverpool museum might buy the glass to exhibit as a piece of Liverpool’s art deco heritage.
Mr Colquhoun added: “Herbert Rowse, who designed India buildings and the Philharmonic hall, also designed Pilkington’s head office and there is a good possibility they were originally made there.
“The original Phil burnt down in 1933 and I believe these panels were put into the new building in 1939.
“From what I can find out, the panels were removed in the 1990s refurbishment and replicated with toughened safety glass.
“ I feel like I have saved them and they may have been lost to America and for that I feel proud.”
Mr Colquhoun said he will keep the piece with the saxophone for his own collection and is considering donating a piece to National Museums Liverpool.
A spokesman for the Philharmonic said it was difficult to authenticate the glass as no members of staff who over-saw the refurbishment are still working at the hall.
laurasharpe@dailypost.co.uk