ANTIQUES LETTERS: 19 July
Q I would be grateful if you could give me any information about a silk commemorative programme from the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden that was found among my partner’s godmother’s things when she died. I am interested in its history and value.
RL, by email
A We had a great response to my column on opera collectables. Thank you for sending in photos of your wonderful programme. It was made for a gala performance featuring Nellie Melba performing in front of King Edward VII and Emile François Loubet, the president of the French Republic in 1903. The stylish Art Nouveau design around King and Queen Alexandra is typical of the era.
Edward was a key player in the changing relationship between France and Britain, as the French were impressed by him and formed a more positive relationship with Britain. In 1904, the two nations signed the Entente Cordiale, which finished their longrunning argument over Egypt and Morocco.
In 1903, the King visited Paris and, in a reciprocal visit, President Loubet visited England and the opera was held on 7 July in his honour. There was a huge debate about whether the French president would be allowed to wear trousers or follow protocol and wear archaic tights or breeches. The visit was timed for after Ascot as the horse-loving King had no wish to miss out on one of his favourite events, even in the interests of peace.
There were big egos at work – the French president’s people were firmly informed that, as Edward had been inconvenienced by the president when he visited Paris, the King expected more cooperation in return.
A fascinating history behind your silk gala programme… and a peaceful one. A bomb was thrown under their carriage when Loubet and the King of Spain went to the Paris opera on one of their exchange visits.
Silk programmes were produced for gala events to show their importance and are highly desirable. Yours is worth from around £150 to £250 in a specialist sale.
How To Deal In Antiques by Fiona Shoop (How To Books, £16.99).
Turn them over, if possible, to look for broken slats and signs of woodworm. If you see any worrying holes, turn the chair so the holes face downwards, tap the chair gently and, if ‘dust’ falls out, the worm is active. You can either have it treated or, if the chair isn’t particularly special, find another option.
Some companies ‘age’ chairs to make them appear older and more costly than they should. They focus on the top and back of the chair, often neglecting the underside and that’s where you can often see the chair’s true age, eg, the dye hasn’t been extended to the bottom of the chair.
Next month: What to spot when looking for silver, how to clean it and other top tips, including how to avoid popular scams. So do write to me at the address details printed below, to ask about your silverware, including silver plate.
Send your antiques questions to: Fiona Shoop, Antiques, The Lady, 39-40 Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ER (enclose an SAE for a reply); or email TheLadyAntiques@lady.co.uk
Send an image of the item, with backstamp if possible, and no more than two images at once.
RL, by email
A We had a great response to my column on opera collectables. Thank you for sending in photos of your wonderful programme. It was made for a gala performance featuring Nellie Melba performing in front of King Edward VII and Emile François Loubet, the president of the French Republic in 1903. The stylish Art Nouveau design around King and Queen Alexandra is typical of the era.
Edward was a key player in the changing relationship between France and Britain, as the French were impressed by him and formed a more positive relationship with Britain. In 1904, the two nations signed the Entente Cordiale, which finished their longrunning argument over Egypt and Morocco.
In 1903, the King visited Paris and, in a reciprocal visit, President Loubet visited England and the opera was held on 7 July in his honour. There was a huge debate about whether the French president would be allowed to wear trousers or follow protocol and wear archaic tights or breeches. The visit was timed for after Ascot as the horse-loving King had no wish to miss out on one of his favourite events, even in the interests of peace.
There were big egos at work – the French president’s people were firmly informed that, as Edward had been inconvenienced by the president when he visited Paris, the King expected more cooperation in return.
A fascinating history behind your silk gala programme… and a peaceful one. A bomb was thrown under their carriage when Loubet and the King of Spain went to the Paris opera on one of their exchange visits.
Silk programmes were produced for gala events to show their importance and are highly desirable. Yours is worth from around £150 to £250 in a specialist sale.
How To Deal In Antiques by Fiona Shoop (How To Books, £16.99).
TOP TIPS: CHAIRS
When buying antique chairs, sit on them for comfort as heights and figures have changed over the years. I’m always astonished to see people buying chairs at auction who haven’t even made sure that they’re comfortable.Turn them over, if possible, to look for broken slats and signs of woodworm. If you see any worrying holes, turn the chair so the holes face downwards, tap the chair gently and, if ‘dust’ falls out, the worm is active. You can either have it treated or, if the chair isn’t particularly special, find another option.
Some companies ‘age’ chairs to make them appear older and more costly than they should. They focus on the top and back of the chair, often neglecting the underside and that’s where you can often see the chair’s true age, eg, the dye hasn’t been extended to the bottom of the chair.
Next month: What to spot when looking for silver, how to clean it and other top tips, including how to avoid popular scams. So do write to me at the address details printed below, to ask about your silverware, including silver plate.
Send your antiques questions to: Fiona Shoop, Antiques, The Lady, 39-40 Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ER (enclose an SAE for a reply); or email TheLadyAntiques@lady.co.uk
Send an image of the item, with backstamp if possible, and no more than two images at once.