Antique Clothes, Costumes, Accessories, Textiles and Soft Furnishings.
Have you ever watched those period dramas on TV and thought, 'I wish we could wear clothes like that today'. Well, suprisingly, you're not alone! The large market for reproduced antique clothing has produced a demand for the real thing, which unfortunately, because of recycling and alterations (early fashions changed as quickly as they do now), means that large quantities of antique clothing don't exist.
On the other hand, clothing with sentimental value, such as christening gowns and wedding dresses seem to be plentiful, as do many of the accessories available at the time which reflected social attitudes and change, such as hats, purses, bags, fans, parasols and lace.
Equally important, are items of household decoration, especially recognized today for the craft skills and design flare of the maker. Soft furnishings, such as, wall hangings of embroidery, needlework, tapestries and samplers, to cushion covers, firescreens, patchwork and quilt, are all eagerly sought after by collectors today.
