Selecting stock for the forthcoming BADA Fair, I was struck by the timelessly romantic nature of many objects which I am fortunate to have through my hands.

Of course, some objects are obviously romantic, such as the pretty early 18th Century love token in the form of a scroll work picture depicting a Castle in a garden still glowing with colour. In the same vein is a truly beautiful Boulle Mirror, undoubtedly made for a lady at the Court of the Sun King, with it's poignant message that the greatest beauty lies behind the image reflected in the glass.  

Of course, the modern British Antiques Trade has it's roots in the creation of 'Romantic Interiors' by 18th Century collectors such as Horace Walpole and William Beckford.

In this vein this large early 17th Century panel of tremendous quality is shown in a 19th Century photograph. It is pictured in a 'Romantic Interior' formed at Rheola House, Glamorgan and was probably bought on the European travels of John Edwards Vaughan between 1817 and 1821. The house was built in 1810 and designed by his cousin and friend John Nash , architect to George IV.  

On a slightly different note, I am very pleased to be bringing a very well documented Oak 'Showcase' of tremendous quality, commissioned by the great Whig Peer, Sportsman and Collector, the 4th Earl Fitzwilliam. Removing the plinth to do some restoration has revealed both the information that it was delivered to Wentworth Woodhouse on 17th June 1829 and the names of the workmen who put it up. It is also signed by the famous York architects Watson and Pritchett who were surveyors to the Earl and designed the Folly known as the Bear Pit at Wentworth.. But the romance of this piece, for me, lies in the fact that when the piece was moved in 1863 and later 'on St Patrick's Day' in 1898,both it's whereabouts in the house and the names of all the servants who had assisted are recorded; 'Thomas Croft Head Porter - a very good man'. And so they live on. Fortunately this house, one of the greatest of the great, has now been vested in a preservation trust after many vicissitudes.

And there will be some less romantic, but I hope interesting English Furniture and Works of Art.