Thursday, May 14, 2015

Disappearing Artisans






A blog friend in England was kind enough to ask me if there was anything I wanted when she went to London to the Kensington Dollshouse Festival. I told her collected Terry Curran's blue pieces. She didn't find these at the festival though. She found them in a shop. I was thrilled when she found so many.


 I have noticed Terry's work is slowly disappearing. Occasionally, I find a piece for sale online. The pieces I see on Ebay are going for as much as much four times the original value. Depending on the piece of course. So when I find something for the original price I buy it. No matter what the color. I know will be able sell those someday if I want to.

We are loosing so many artisans either to retirement or sadly they have passed away. I no longer hesitate to collect something, thinking I will get it later when my mad money jar fills up.

Who's work do you collect that has vanished?

35 comments:

  1. What beautiful pieces. So far I do not collect the work of anyone in particular but I have a number of polymer clay miniatures that were made by a very lovely talented lady that I knew back in the 1990s. Sadly she has since passed away but I always think of her when I see the items and it is lovely to have known her and to have some special pieces.

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  2. Thank you!

    Awww I am sure they are all the more special since you knew her.

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  3. You have a lovely collection Catherine....How nice to have someone take the time to aquire these pieces for you, I think there must be no nicer people than 'mini' people.....I'm sure you agree!
    Linda x

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  4. You are so right, I totally agree. She is one of my favorite bloggers too. :-)

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  5. Hi Catherine! You lucky duck!!! I love your taste in miniatures and everything that I see within your collection is Top Drawer and a Delight to the eye! I wish I could say that I always collect So and So's this or that, but frankly I am pretty fickle and if I have several pieces by any one artisan, it is a fluke. I use to try and collect Lori O'Halloran's contemporary lamps back in the 90's, but then she retired. I still have several of her lamps and an EXQUISITE celadon teapot but that is it. I love china so whatever catches my eye either high or low is on my list but to tell the truth, I like too much by too many and so I am pretty much all over the map these days. However, I am enjoying Everything that I see here! How wonderful that you have been able to not only add to your collection but have a scout on the lookout for you; Sweeeeet :D

    elizabeth

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    1. Thank you Elizabeth.

      I think this group must end my personal collection now. There are too many others out there I love too.

      XXX

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  6. I started a collection of Avon Miniatures beautiful roses china, and sadly, they seem to be retired or out of business. I still need two place settings :-(

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    1. That is exactly what scares me. I hope you find the last two place settings. Keep an eye on Ebay.

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  7. What lovely pieces! No wonder you have started to collect them! I started to collect some minis From Mrs.Who's carfts. Now for a year I haven't heard or seen anything from her...
    Hugs
    Kikka

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    1. Thank you!

      I am not acquainted with Mrs. Who's Crafts. I will have to Google her. :-)

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  8. Beautiful miniatures! Just found your blog, everything looks so lovely!

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  9. Thank you! I am so glad you stopped by to leave a comment. Please come back.

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  10. Beautiful pottery, what a shame they are rare now. I always feel a bit sorry for artisans when their work sells for more later on when it's out of their hands, reminds me of those famous painters who weren't famous until after death! Not currently collecting, but definitely coveting MANY! :D

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  11. Thank you Sarah.

    I feel sorry for them too. When I see what Obadiah Fisher's silver is selling for now it staggers me. Do a search for that on Ebay just for fun and look at the prices! He has passed away now.

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  12. Beautiful pieces, Katherine! So well made!

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  13. Thank you Lucille. I love porcelain.

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  14. Las ceramicas son preciosas y si la autora o autores ya no hacen más por x motivos, haces muy bien en coleccionar si te gustan.
    Un abrazo
    Maite

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  15. Gracias Maite. No sé lo que es su trabajo que encuentro tan irresistible. Aunque me encanta porcelana.

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  16. It is indeed very sad that so many wonderful artisans have disappeared and worse, I think that many are forgotten. I am working on blog posts featuring some early (well from the 70's and 80's) artisans who were pioneers in quality collectible miniatures. Nice you featured Terry here. I have a few of his pieces myself but not enough.

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    1. I look forward to your posts about these people from the 70's and 80's. So many of which I know have passed away. It will be nice to see them remembered. Hopefully with a few pictures of their work.

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  17. Your collection is beautiful! Those pieces are really exquisite and I can see why you want more.

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  18. Hi Catherine, how nice of that person to ask if you're still looking for something particular! And it's so true if you see something you really like don't wait! I'm very happy with the copper pans from Philippe Bordelet and regret that I didn't buy one of his limited edition stove when I had the oppertunity!

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    1. Yes it sue was nice of her. I was very grateful!!!

      I just went and looked in Google for Philippe's work. I found some in Sawn House Miniatures. They have one of his stoves.
      http://swanhouseminiatures.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=55&products_id=47077

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    2. Hi Catherine,
      Thank you but I've got some items from them allready.
      The stove is still on their website but sold out. But thank you for mentioning it to me.

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  19. You certainly have a beautiful collection, this thread is very interesting----

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  20. I was so happy to complete my collection of Danny Shotton miniatures last year, now that he is no longer exhibiting. Same with David Provan. They both sell if you contact them via email but I know it won't be long before they say goodbye to miniatuing forever. So very sad =0/

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  21. It is always sad to see someone retire and worse. I am glad you got everything you wanted from them. Both excellent artisans.

    THANK YOU!!! ;-)

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  22. I have been collecting miniatures for about 10 years now, and go to as many of the big UK shows as I can manage. I have noticed more and more miniature makers retiring from the shows, so I always try and buy something if I can afford it when I see it, but this isn't always possible, I can remember things I saved up for to buy at the following ye's show only for the maker to not be there anymore! I remember Terry Curran's miniatures, there were some at Kristin Baybar's shop when I last went there, but they have probably sold now, I did get a Muriel Hopwood chinese bowl from Kristin's shop, but she had stopped selling at the shows before I started collecting, I found a few of her miniatures on small wonders miniatures website, I have also found a few other pieces by makers who retired before I started my collection from various shops and websites. I don't ever think of looking on ebay! Fortunately there are lots of great miniature makers still out there!

    Andy

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    1. Thank you for you great comment here Andy.

      I too have to limit my purchases to the constrains of my wallet. I try to collect the best things I can. When I find there is something I missed out on because an artisan has retired I am happy to accept something second hand. Usually through eBay searches. I have email alerts that let me know when a certain artisans work has been listed. That has been valuable. :-)

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  23. It seems like just as I start collecting miniatures, so many great artists are no longer around! :( Your collection is so lovely!

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    1. Thank you Blake. Maybe you will find the things you want second hand on eBay. Happy hunting!

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  24. Hi Catherine, Your blog is very timely as I just came back from the Kensington show and did end up buying from vendors because I was worried the opportunity to own their work may not always be there.

    Keith from Small-Time miniatures was saying he can no longer afford to make kits as they are not economically viable so thank heavens I bought my Georgian and French townhouse when I did.

    I also talked to Ray Storey and he commented on aging eye sight and how he would have liked an apprentice to teach his craft to but alas the kids of today seem to lack concentration etc.

    I collect Jane Newman and will buy it when I see. For me her work is perfection. I was not collecting before she retired but have very slowly managed to put together a nice little collection.

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