Vintage Fashion & Textiles

A cheaper storage solution than secondhand furniture at the time, this steamer trunk, shown right, from a Twickenham bric-a-brac shop was the economic option for a father buying a practical gift for his daughter’s first flat.

In exceptionally fine condition and probably never worn, a c.1730-40 embroidered silk skirt offered at Dominic Winter (20% buyer’s premium) also had a back story adding to its attraction.

The latest sale of Costume, Accessories & Textiles at Tennants (22% buyer’s premium) in Leyburn included an unusual example of early 20th century Irish linen: a white damask tablecloth and napkins made around the time of the coronation of George V in 1910.

This scarlet and navy woollen cape sold in an Essex auction is sewn with the numerous cloth regimental badges that were given to Esme Kathleen Robinson (d.2017) by the soldiers she treated in Oxfordshire as a member of the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) during the Second World War.

'Frock Me!' was launched 25 years ago when vintage fashion was viewed by many as just someone’s old rubbish cast-offs, probably harbouring germs.

Massachusetts sale includes elaborate examples of early needlework from across the Atlantic

Mainland Chinese buyers bidding on jade, porcelain, wooden and textile offerings dominated the leader board at an Asian & Islamic sale at Cheltenham.

Just as the title reads, this album offered by Mellors & Kirk in Nottingham contains Specimens of Needle-Work Executed in the Female Model School, Kildare-Place, Dublin.

Eighteen works by the Birmingham School artist Mary Ireland (1891-1980) were offered at a recent Lyon & Turnbull’s (25/20% buyer’s premium) sale.

Stand-out lots on offer in upcoming summer auctions and from dealers.

Sworders’ (25% buyer’s premium) Design sale on May 18 included a record for a wall-hanging by the weaver Peter Collingwood (1922-2008).

This pair of Mickey and Minnie Mouse toys has been on quite an adventure.

The numerous coronations offer a chance to buy more esoteric objects at auction.

Recently my son Phil Swift (Antique Laces – stall 1 Portobello Road) sold a piece of antique lace via the internet to a lady who lived in Kyiv (Ukraine).

Thousands of items are available to buy from dealers online. Here we pick out one that caught our eye this week.

Maxine Stonehill of Pop Up Vintage Fairs popped up in March at the Grade II-listed St John’s Church in Hackney, which has had a £6m restoration and is now a busy music and events venue as well as remaining a working church.

Knowledgeable bidders spot a design by Owen Jones on offer in North Yorkshire