Dear readers. We hope that you all had a wonderful Easter weekend and managed to enjoy some of the lovely weather before this rather bizarre turn! Here in the UK we are currently experiencing snow, rain, and blazing sunshine all in the space of a few hours!
This week sees the beginning of the end. The lockdown is easing, shops, hairdressers, gyms and pub gardens are re-opening and there is an all-round good vibe in the air.
The view over the fields next to Mark Goodger HQ
Featured Stock
Burr Yew Tea Caddy
Novelty Medicine Decanters
Silver Jewellery Perfume Box
Dunhill Cigar Box
Hukin & Heath Cocktail Shaker
Apothecary Box
Georgian Cutlery Boxes
Spa Work Tea Caddy
Memory Jewellery Box
Betjemann Writing Slope
Don’t forget to check in to the website regularly so you don’t miss out on our new stock!
Looking for something specific? Don’t forget to use the search tool on our homepage!
We are listening to your feedback and appreciate some items are a little out of reach, so we are now accepting layaway payment methods. Contact us for more details about the item you’d like to purchase. Email: sales@markgoodger.co.uk Phone: +44 (0) 1604 863979
SAVING THE PLANET – ONE TREASURE AT A TIME
You can run, but you can’t hide. Whenever you open a newspaper or magazine, switch on a radio, fire up the lap-top, there it is – the S-word. S for what? Sustainability, of course – a term that wraps up plenty of red-hot topics. Conservation and continuity. Environmental awareness, recycling, preservation of scarce natural resources. Reducing or eliminating carbon emissions. Eliminating waste. In a nutshell, not sacrificing the future of our planet for quick wins in the present. All very laudable and worthy, no doubt, but what has this to do with collecting antiques, bibelots and other objects of desire? The answer is quite a lot. The history of collecting goes back into the mists of time, but in the modern sense it probably dates from the fashion in Renaissance Europe for what came to be known as ‘cabinets of curiosities.’
These were a mixture of natural and man-made treasures that were accumulated by noblemen and prosperous merchants. Apart from providing a diversion for the collector, they could be used to amuse, impress and enlighten visitors. The British soon leapt on this bandwagon, and by the eighteenth-century collecting had become very much a ‘thing’ – indeed many of our great museums were founded on the back of bequests from benevolent collectors. Probably the most famous of these was Sir Hans Sloane, whose gift to the nation of a mind-boggling 71,000 items provided the foundations for three of our greatest institutions, the British Museum, the Natural History Museum and the British Library.
Sloane’s collections, and many others that succeeded them, have been seen and appreciated by millions of people over hundreds of years. And while, in the interests of marital harmony, few of us could contemplate amassing a hoard on that scale, many of the principles that actuated him underlie our own collections today. The ownership of something old, attractive and rare is a form of trust. It is both a sobering and a cheering thought that the fabulous tea-caddy, vanity box or art deco figurine you bought from Mark Goodger (at least I hope you bought it from him) will almost certainly outlive you. Or in the words of a famous watch advertisement, you’re just looking after it for the next generation. For those who care about such things, and we should all care a little, the acquisition and custody of antique and vintage pieces goes a long way beyond self-gratification. You are preserving a tiny part of our heritage. You have raised your sights from the immediate to the distant, both past and future. Every object tells its own small story about our history, not just for you but for all those you allow to share your enthusiasm – and for those yet to come.
Many old things are not mere ornaments but have practical uses today. By acquiring an 1890s game-box or a 1930s decanter, you are exemplifying one of the key tenets of sustainability – longevity.
In terms of manufacturing, sustainability is the antithesis of built-in obsolescence. It is the notion that investing in the skills practised by our forefathers makes far more sense than splurging good money on some gimcrack modern equivalent. It breathes life into the old expression ‘I always buy the best – I can’t afford anything less.’ But how can you be sure you are getting the best – or at least, the best you can afford? This is where top-class dealers like Mark come in. Sadly there are lots of fakes out there. Yes, you may get lucky at a car-boot sale, or buying from some unknown character on an auction site. Perhaps Mark will charge you a little more. But you have the assurance that the objects he handles, and the clients he sells them to, really matter to him. Once he gets to know what kind of thing appeals to you, he has both the expertise and the motivation to deliver – which is sound business sense as well as good ethics. On the other hand, that bargain you were offered elsewhere may not look quite such a smart purchase once you get it home. When the great engineer Sir Henry Royce was challenged about the cost of his cars, he famously replied: ‘The quality will remain when the price is forgotten.’ How right he was.
An artefact from a bygone age isn’t precious just because of its monetary value, or even its links to past times. It’s also a symbol of where we need to be going in future: preserving, if necessary restoring, our prized possessions, celebrating their design and workmanship, using them as their makers intended – or even repurposing them for a different application. This is the very essence of sustainability. Manufacturing depletes natural resources and spews carbon emissions into the atmosphere. That doesn’t mean we can, or should, live without our smartphones, tablets and other modern miracles. But it does mean we need to pause and take stock – to prioritise longevity over novelty, craftsmanship over mass production, the enduring over the ephemeral. As collectors, conservators and curators, we are in the vanguard of a movement that has a long way still to go.
So whether it’s books, stamps, coins, Georgian clocks or Edwardian silver – or exquisite cabinets from Mark Goodger – in our own small way we’re doing our bit to save the planet. What a very reassuring thought.
Special thanks John for this super thought-provoking article.
We would love to hear from you, tell us your story so we can publish it in this newsletter, we can add images and will liaise with you. Rest assured your identity will be kept strictly private. Click here: mark@markgoodger.co.uk or call Mark on +44 (0)1604 863979
We have started to upload content to our youtube channel. This will include featured items that will give you a better look at some of the wonderful items we have available. Click on the play RED PLAY button to view.
We are also planning on a few video features on some of the subjects and questions often asked. All in due course.
So don’t forget to subscribe and click on the notification bell so you don’t miss out on future uploads!
Founded By Dealers for Dealers
We are very excited to announce we are now part of a new website platform founded by Dealers for Dealers. 2Covet have some really exciting ideas and we are pleased to be part of their journey together. More hot off the press news will be revealed in our next newsletter.
2Covet provides a transparent, reliable marketplace that connects world-renowned dealers and their most exceptional pieces with discerning buyers and collectors, in order to foster mutually beneficial relationships.
2covet has also taken over The Chelsea Antiques fair.
The Date has now been announced for Sept 21-26.
Chelsea is the longest established event of its kind having run consecutively since 1951.
The proposed 2021 Fair will host around 30 dealers, initially inviting 2Covet members and former Chelsea exhibitors. Displays will reflect the stunning architecture in the newly refurbished Chelsea Old Town Hall, adding style and elegance to the event, which is anticipated to be open for seven days, Monday to Sunday, offering a sumptuous selection of art and antiques accompanied by tempting food and drink.
BREXIT We are geared up for Brexit and everything should be ready to keep our shipment times as speedy and efficient as always. However, due to Brexit related issues with customs clearing, some shipments are experiencing severe delays due to a backlog of paperwork in certain European countries. We are aware that France, Germany and Italy are currently affected by the backlog. However, there could be delays with any European imports so please keep this in mind if you are purchasing from inside the EU. Please rest assured we monitor shipments every day and have good communications with our shippers.
We are not liable for any extra customs or VAT charges that may occur. If you have any concerns or questions, please get in touch.
Purchasing online With no exhibitions and unable to see, inspect or handle our pieces, we understand this can be frustrating. More and more of us having to come to terms with purchasing goods online, which is not what we’re used to – but please feel free to call or email with any questions you may have regarding any of our items, we are only too happy to hear from you and always here to answer any of your questions.
If you happen to see an item on our website click the ADD TO CARTblue button and proceed to purchase or contact us by the ENQUIRE blue-button.
For your peace of mind! All our items come with an authentication certificate with an image, as well as our latest catalogue, care instructions and separate invoice for insurance purposes. On top of this, our items come with a 14-day no-quibble money-back guarantee and are all fully insured for when shipping.
LAYAWAY PAYMENT OPTION Many have now taken advantage of our LAYAWAY payment process; making what would normally be outreach purchases more affordable. For more details, please contact us here sales@markgoodger.co.uk
NEVER MISS A NEWSLETTER..! If you ever miss a newsletter or are a new subscriber – our previous newsletters can be found in the “catalogue” section or our website; they are added a few days after the initial email as we like to give you, our subscribers, the first look. Click on the grey banner to view now.
A warning about fakes!
More and more of us are shopping online during these times, which has unfortunately seen a surge in rogues out there keen to prise you of your hard-earned money. Please be careful when buying antiques online, fakers have been extremely busy and making lots of money!
So many flaws hidden by clever photography, added inlays, period caddies re-veneered and turned into what appear to be rare unusual designs – these unscrupulous fraudsters giving us dealers a bad name! So please, do your homework thoroughly on the person/dealer and the item you are looking to buy.
I am happy to give my opinion and will not charge you for my time especially if you’re a customer of ours. I do this for many of my collectors, after all, I am as keen as you to help build the best collection money can buy.
SHOWROOM
Our showroom is open by appointment. Face coverings are required and will be worn by staff. Hand sanitiser and disposable towels will be available. While you are visiting the showroom we will endeavour to reduce staff contact as much as possible.
Certain postal restrictions are in place due to the coronavirus. Prior to purchasing, if you are uncertain of any postal restrictions where you live, please get in contact and we will look into it for you and be happy to assist.
DATA PROTECTION ACT To view our privacy policy please click HERE
SOCIAL MEDIA Want to keep up with our latest news and gossip? We feature on all the platforms listed below, so connect with us!
FEEDBACK Please don’t hesitate to let us know of any glitches on our website, or how we can help improve your online experience.
SHOWROOM Visits are by appointment only. If you have any questions relating to future appointments or an item you are considering purchasing please get in touch.
We now only accept payments for items online! So if you see something you like please go ahead and purchase the item before it gets snapped up!! This can be done by clicking on the “Add to Cart” button on the item you would like to purchase.
Then click on the shopping cart icon at the top of the page and click on “proceed to checkout” button on the dropdown menu.
Payments can also be made by bank transfer, paypal, or we can invoice you through our website give us a call on: +44 (0) 1604 863979 If you have any other questions relating to payment. Please bear in mind that the facility to deliver an item to an address other than that of the registered card-holder is only available for existing customers.
SEARCH & SOURCE SERVICE Send us an email with as much information as possible and we’ll get straight on the case for you. We may even have that coveted piece in our ‘special reserve’! Click the link to get in touch:sales@markgoodger.co.uk
And finally…. thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter. Please forward it on to friends & colleagues who may be interested.
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