What happens to the the Antique world for future generations
50WALLMART versus CHIPPENDALE
Today the furniture stores are filled with flat packs,mass produced modern three piece suites and furniture all ready to put into the minimalists cream and spotless idyll.The manufacturers of this designer furniture are now having sales on a daily basis to beat the looming recession,and there are many good discounts about.
But having been fan of what some may call tat,trash,rubbish or even craftmanship for many years ,I have to ask you to take pity on the oak and walnut creations that lay unwanted and thick in dust at the Auction houses around the globe.You would be right in saying that they have no place in the minimalists home
Every auctioneer is faced with the prospect of trying to rap his gavel down aorund fifteen hundred times at each sale. It is clear that he has a superhuman task when some of the auction lots are announced..Lot 1356..a pair of matching glass eyes,circa 1900..the gavel has by then given up the ghost!
But then we turn to look at the truly wonderful craftmanship that has gone before us,all of the wood turning,carving,french polishing, inlaid wood and marquetry,to name but just some of the types of work done by our forefathers.The patina the wood has developed over the years with the love that has gone into the polishing process.The outstanding ornate victorian furniture ,a little over the top,but so very sought after now.The miniature chest of drawers that were worked by the craftmens apprentices,tactile treen.
But then we go back to the beginning of the hub,and we are made to stop and think.Where are the antiques of the future going to come from?Will the manufacturing industry be able to turn out a Cheraton lookalike?Will the future generations want antiques as such?or have any idea how to care for them?
So we need to preserve our heritage and ensure that the future generations have a legacy .Let them know how clever and artistic their forefathers were.How they worked tirelessly on a small piece of furniture,to create that something special.
