Antiques & Collectibles

Remembering my mother, and her very special beauty.

Jul 1, 2006 - Barbara Bell

The development of America's most important contribution to the world of furniture design.

Aug 28, 2004 - Barbara Bell

A brief description of some of the flea markets open this summer around the U.S. - so you can plan your vacation trip accordingly!

Jul 26, 2004 - Barbara Bell

A diversionary trip to a most unusual web site, the Museum of Jurassic Technology, leads to an exploration of the question "why do we collect?"

Jun 25, 2004 - Barbara Bell

Vintage linens are very rewarding to collect. Here are tips on buying, caring for, and displaying your collection.

May 22, 2004 - Barbara Bell

Despite the evolution of Stangl Pottery from Fulper to Pfaltzgraf, its colorful dinnerware and bird figurines continue to be highly sought after by collectors.

Apr 25, 2004 - Barbara Bell

One of today's most popular collectible art pottery manufacturers, Weller began in Ohio in a one-room log cabin!

Mar 18, 2004 - Barbara Bell

An attractive swirled pattern in the clay characterizes the unusual Niloak pottery known as Missionware.

Jan 15, 2004 - Barbara Bell

For collectors of vintage Christmas ornaments, lights, decorations, a review of books to tuck under the tree.

Dec 15, 2003 - Barbara Bell

One of my favorite ways to relax is with a cup of coffee and a good cookbook!

Nov 17, 2003 - Barbara Bell

Syracuse, New York, regains one of its architectural gems when the old train station is restored.

Oct 18, 2003 - Barbara Bell

Enjoying the revival of the American Front Porch with an overview of its evolution

Sep 5, 2003 - Barbara Bell

My interview with Harry Rinker of HGTV's "Collector Inspector" continues.

Aug 5, 2003 - Barbara Bell

In which I interview Harry Rinker of HGTV's "Collector Inspector"! Part I.

Jul 5, 2003 - Barbara Bell

A biography of one of the Arts & Crafts movement's most influential artists, Adelaide Alsop Robineau.

Jun 5, 2003 - Barbara Bell

Enjoy the collecting craze of retro Mid-Century Modern!

May 5, 2003 - Barbara Bell

Various kitchen items photographed at State Fair antiques show express the wide range of collectibles available.

Apr 5, 2003 - Barbara Bell

If you can't find room for a set of dinnerware, why not collect these "orphans" of the china world?

Mar 6, 2003 - Barbara Bell

Internet fraud is on the upswing. Updating 1998 article with suggestions on protecting yourself from the crooks.

Feb 4, 2003 - Barbara Bell

Many African Americans have become avid collectors of black history antiques, ephemera, militaria and objects which help them understand their own pasts.

Jan 5, 2003 - Barbara Bell

Kwanzaa begins December 26. Share its values and traditions with your family with special gifts and collectibles.

Dec 6, 2002 - Barbara Bell

For the Childhood Memories Event, a recollection of my mother's of Havana, Cuba.

Nov 22, 2002 - Barbara Bell

It's easier to be a copyeditor at Suite101 than to be a proofreader in the "real" world!

Nov 5, 2002 - Barbara Bell

Finding additions to your Christmas collections made fun and simple!

Nov 4, 2002 - Barbara Bell

A traveling appraisal fair reveals some interesting information.

Oct 5, 2002 - Barbara Bell

Several readers have sent questions about their antiques - which kept me busy this summer!

Sep 5, 2002 - Barbara Bell

Reviewing the new e-book price guide on Antique Clocks.

May 31, 2002 - Barbara Bell

Celebrate Teddy Bear's centennial!

Apr 30, 2002 - Barbara Bell

Second part of a series on residential lighting, both vintage and reproduction.

Mar 31, 2002 - Barbara Bell

Shopping for vintage and reproduction lighting for your home.

Feb 28, 2002 - Barbara Bell

Part II of a series on Shaker furniture, its spiritual foundation and expression.

Jan 29, 2002 - Barbara Bell

A brief introduction to Shaker furniture, which expresses in its simplicity both their faith and their spirit.

Dec 29, 2001 - Barbara Bell

Decorating for the holiday using your collections and making it work!

Dec 4, 2001 - Barbara Bell

Last in a series of articles focusing on the most influential and successful art pottery firms in New England.

Nov 29, 2001 - Barbara Bell

The evolution of the famous Grueby matte glazed pottery, so often imitated but never matched!

Nov 26, 2001 - Barbara Bell

The distinctive blue and gray crackled glaze of Dedham pottery was serendipity!

Nov 18, 2001 - Barbara Bell

Exploring the potteries of New England, from the late 18th century through the early 20th century.

Oct 24, 2001 - Barbara Bell

Exploring the history of potteries in New England, from Bennington to Dedham.

Oct 17, 2001 - Barbara Bell

Is this a good time to re-enter the antiques business? Readers' input is sought!

Sep 27, 2001 - Barbara Bell

In the days after September 11, 2001, a collector offers some suggestions.

Sep 20, 2001 - Barbara Bell

More questions from readers of this column, which range widely in subject matter!

Aug 29, 2001 - Barbara Bell

Learning about antique weather vanes is a short course in Americana. One reader inquires about her authentic "running horse" vane.

Aug 13, 2001 - Barbara Bell

Third part of a series for readers' inquiries about their antiques and collectibles.

Jul 30, 2001 - Barbara Bell

A collector of dinnerware inquires about her early earthenware platter.

Jul 16, 2001 - Barbara Bell

Lacking a response to my solicitation to readers, I answer questions from past correspondence.

Jul 2, 2001 - Barbara Bell

A little bit of a change from the usual...

Jun 18, 2001 - Barbara Bell

A brief overview of thimble collecting.

Jun 5, 2001 - Barbara Bell

Hats, handbags and makeup accessories are a hot collecting category!

May 22, 2001 - Barbara Bell

As American home life gradually lost the services of "hired help", housewives demanded convenience and efficiency in order to maintain the kitchen without extra help. Thus was born the Hoosier Cabinet!

May 7, 2001 - Barbara Bell

The Oneida Community began as one man's vision of Perfection on Earth, but today is known for its successful commercial ventures, especially silverplate, flatware and tableware.

Apr 23, 2001 - Barbara Bell

A connection between Portmeirion china and the Welsh village of the same name, is no coincidence!

Apr 8, 2001 - Barbara Bell

Gene Gill creates unique one-of-a-kind miniature models of historical landmark buildings and monuments from around the world. His web site reproduces each of the miniatures he has crafted during the past 10 years. Your visit here will be like taking a mini-tour around the world.

Mar 24, 2001 - Barbara Bell

It's not just toy trains for children anymore, but a fascinating and absorbing hobby for adults.

Feb 28, 2001 - Barbara Bell

My response to this reader's question ended up as an article!

Feb 13, 2001 - Barbara Bell

Collecting golf-related memorabilia is a fun and fascinating adjunct to the sport, for pros and duffers alike...

Jan 30, 2001 - Barbara Bell

Collectors of walking sticks and canes are preserving a long tradition that goes back to the Pharaohs. You'll be amazed at this history!

Jan 16, 2001 - Barbara Bell

Theaters have a never-ending need for clothing, furniture and décor from many historical periods. Can you help?

Jan 2, 2001 - Barbara Bell

A variety of tiny worlds from Department 56 to Alaskan habitats, let us imagine ourselves inhabiting another place and time!

Dec 15, 2000 - Barbara Bell

The great ecclesiastical artforms, Russian icons, are explored within the context of Russian Orthodox history up to and including the seventeenth century.

Dec 1, 2000 - Barbara Bell

As soon as I arrived in Anchorage, Alaska a few months ago, I headed for the first antiques shop I saw.

Nov 15, 2000 - Barbara Bell

Reading my "Comments" results in some rewarding information.

Oct 16, 2000 - Barbara Bell

Some interesting websites which appeared in my mail...

Sep 14, 2000 - Barbara Bell

Wedding-related collectibles are a way to indulge two obsessions at once!

Aug 9, 2000 - Barbara Bell

A brief history of the American jigsaw puzzle.

Jul 25, 2000 - Barbara Bell

Mary Gregory Glassware depicts an idyllic Victorian world in many colors.

Jul 12, 2000 - Barbara Bell

We explore the fascinating hobby of collecting antique fishing tackle, lures and flies.

Jun 21, 2000 - Barbara Bell

The history and collecting of porcelain from Limoges.

Jun 7, 2000 - Barbara Bell

Guidelines for the beginning collector of fine art on a modest budget.

May 22, 2000 - Barbara Bell

A brief history of wicker furniture, the manufacturers and styles from Victorian to present.

May 9, 2000 - Barbara Bell

You voted - now see the results of the Hot Trends Poll!

Apr 24, 2000 - Barbara Bell

Review of the Antique Trader's Comprehensive Guide to American Painted Porcelain, with Values, by Dorothy Kamm, Krause Publications, 1999.

Apr 9, 2000 - Barbara Bell

What are the next hot trends in collecting? Vote in the poll!

Mar 25, 2000 - Barbara Bell

Putting on my baseball cap transforms me into Lois Lane!

Mar 8, 2000 - Barbara Bell

Collecting vintage movie posters is a hot trend!

Feb 23, 2000 - Barbara Bell

The re-emergence of popular Chintzware and reproductions are fueling the latest collecting trend.

Jan 29, 2000 - Barbara Bell

Collecting snowglobes can provide both nostalgia and profit, but returns us to a more innocent time regardless of our motives!

Jan 7, 2000 - Barbara Bell

Family memories are recalled with vintage Christmas decorations for your collection.

Dec 17, 1999 - Barbara Bell

Celebrate Christmas 1999 with a limited edition plate!

Nov 30, 1999 - Barbara Bell

Louis Prang, Father of Christmas Cards

Nov 16, 1999 - Barbara Bell

A brief history of the early days of tourism, conceived by the visionary Thomas Cook.

Nov 1, 1999 - Barbara Bell

The life of the greatest actress in the world, Sarah Bernhardt!

Nov 1, 1999 - Barbara Bell

A history of one of the most enduring and charming of Victorian china styles, which has been restored to popularity among collectors.

Oct 26, 1999 - Barbara Bell

The rise of tourism in the late19th century recalled with Torquay, Mauchline, Tunbridge, and Tartan wares.

Oct 12, 1999 - Barbara Bell

Ceramic tile has a history stretching back more than one thousand years.

Sep 28, 1999 - Barbara Bell

Pasadena, California, is a vital living museum of the Arts & Crafts era in architecture.

Sep 14, 1999 - Barbara Bell

An in-depth look at the end of the 19th century and the Art Nouveau style which has come to symbolize "La Belle Époque".

Aug 31, 1999 - Barbara Bell

An overview of Biedermeier furniture (1815-1850).

Aug 17, 1999 - Barbara Bell

As we continue to celebrate its founding in Weimar in 1919, the Bauhaus School has left its impact on nearly every aspect of 20th century life, from our houses to our manufacturing processes.

Aug 2, 1999 - Barbara Bell

Probably the most influential design and architectural movement since the Renaissance, the Bauhaus School has impacted virtually every area of functional living in the 20th century. A chronological history beginning with its founding in Weimar 80 years ago.

Aug 1, 1999 - Barbara Bell

Frankoma pottery is considered by many to be America's foremost earthenware and has become very collectible. Learn about its origin and the reasons for its popularity.

Jul 19, 1999 - Barbara Bell

Colonial American Society: the rise of the free press, public education, political structure, and religious tolerance in the Age of Enlightenment.

Jul 1, 1999 - Barbara Bell

Biography of the consummate gentleman of the Age of Enlightenment, Sir William Johnson (1715-1774).

Jun 30, 1999 - Barbara Bell

The furniture styles of the 18th Century were a reflection of the changing world at the time and were considered more as an art than a craft.

Jun 14, 1999 - Barbara Bell

The original Flea Market, Marchè au Puce, is in Paris.

Jun 1, 1999 - Barbara Bell

Collecting 20th century pottery should include some fine women designers and potters, including Clarice Cliff, Charlotte Rhead, and of course, Susie Cooper.

May 18, 1999 - Barbara Bell

Tips and guidelines for maintaining and restoring antiques.

May 4, 1999 - Barbara Bell

Part III and final article on doing antiques shows for the novice, with websites listing upcoming shows in US and Canada.

Apr 13, 1999 - Barbara Bell

Second part in series on participating in antiques shows, with tips for buyers and dealers.

Mar 29, 1999 - Barbara Bell

A dealer's perspective on antiques shows, with tips for buyers.

Mar 15, 1999 - Barbara Bell

BBC's popular TV show is broadcast this week by HGTV-reviewed here.

Mar 11, 1999 - Barbara Bell

Description and websites featuring Waterford Crystal, Belleek China, and Irish linens.

Mar 1, 1999 - Barbara Bell

An introduction to numismatics on the Web, the best sites for collectors!

Feb 15, 1999 - Barbara Bell

An overview of McCoy pottery, its history, and items to look for when purchasing.

Feb 1, 1999 - Barbara Bell

A lovely legacy of the China Trade, Chinese Export Porcelain is highly collectible and beautiful to own.

Jan 19, 1999 - Barbara Bell

Reviews and directories of collectors' clubs in US and abroad.

Jan 4, 1999 - Barbara Bell

The history and workmanship of the Roycroft Community (1895-1938).

Dec 21, 1998 - Barbara Bell

Take advantage of the Web to finish your last-minute holiday shopping for the collectors on your list!

Dec 8, 1998 - Barbara Bell

A layman's overview of the Arts & Crafts Movement, one of today's hottest collecting trends.

Nov 23, 1998 - Barbara Bell

Learn about the context of your antiques and enjoy a special Thanksgiving experience by visiting a Living History Museum near you!

Nov 9, 1998 - Barbara Bell

Buyer Beware!-Part II: Fakes and Reproductions

Oct 26, 1998 - Barbara Bell

First of two-part series on Internet fraud, fakes and reproductions.

Oct 12, 1998 - Barbara Bell

Sep 17, 1998 - Barbara Bell