Like the dozo I can often be, I arrived at Antiques in Tents to find that it didn't open until midday - not 10 a.m. as I thought (that was Saturday). It is a two day fair. I found the Facilities, looked into what I could see of the indoor stands through open doors (some VERY country house ceramics) . The somewhat supercilious woman who had told me I was too early, seemed to think I might like to form an orderly queue, as there would be "a long queue of people here before it opens." I went back to the car to read my book, in the warm, and people watched. I was dressed casually, as ever. Several people had dressed UP, and I smiled as one woman of around my age went up the hill to the house, looking for all the world like a Priest! Smart boots were also the vogue and daft furry hats! One ageing chap was clearly having a yellow day as his shirt/tie was matched by sand-coloured brogues . . . Transplanted Londoners perchance . . .
There were, of course, some lovely things.
I couldn't see a price, and didn't ask - I loved this but it would have been around three figures I imagine. It's so unusual. German or Scandinavian? Though Google Lens has just suggested it is an Indian pen stand . . .
Sunday sewing, from Victorian times . . .
I have a lovely Georgian oak candle box on the wall in my kitchen. An upright one, unlike the one with the spoons hanging from it, and mine has a lid.
An interesting array...the slipware plate then the two bowls between the coffers caught my eye.
ReplyDeleteSome people can be so snooty and pretentious!!
Yes - pretentious was the right word for her! These slipware plates are regular offerings at Fairs, and the sponge-ware bowls too. Those were very nice ones.
DeleteI love the blue and white ceramics.
ReplyDeleteHe has a fabulous display.
DeleteYou spotted some interesting bits to photograph but that horses head is weird, could be used to frighten small children and cats!!
ReplyDeleteWeird indeed, and difficult to place unless you have a very minimalist house and want to frighten the servants!
DeleteI love the little table with drawers with the built-in upholstered stool to rest one’s slippered feet on while brushing one’s hair or sewing or writing a letter perhaps! My grandma’s 1930s Queen Anne style bureau has a similar paint finish to the piece of furniture in your first photo. It felt sacrilegious to paint it but I really love the finished piece now. It sits in the patchwork bedroom which has all my special things - the pinwheel patchwork quilt on daughter’s old wooden bedstead, lots of homemade patchwork and embroidered cushions on the bed, the little Arts and crafts oak cabinet with Christmas decorations in the cupboard and my favourite old books on the open shelf above, the Swiss music box which my father brought home as a present to his parents in the 1930s, the 1970s glass bubble lamp base with a hand painted shade, the rag rug I am making with my grandma’s tools, my collection of scented pelargoniums on the windowsill, two framed cross stitch pieces on the walls include Hunca Munca with her babies in the wicker cradle. My mother bought this Permin kit for me when K was just a few weeks old and the four of us visited Granary Crafts in Bookham. I remember her saying if you are going to sew on 32 count linen you need to start now. I was 36 then and finished it in time for K’s third birthday! There is only one other framed cross stitch - Alicia Paulson’s Midsummer Sprigs sampler which I stitched on 28 count linen using my mother’s embroidery silks on early summer mornings after her death. Whenever I look at it I think of my mum as she was a midsummer baby. S is so poorly. No mobility and fading fast. I spend around three hours with him every day. I always take my knitting and an easy book to read and sometimes we watch nice things on iplayer (Hamza’s Wild Isles this week) although the other day I loaded the YouTube App on his TV and we’ve been watching Bob Dylan videos from the 1960s. That is true love as Bob Dylan is not my favourite but S loves his music and sometimes even remembers the lyrics. He has Lewy Body Dementia and the acceleration of his symptoms over the last year has been indescribable. The care home (S is not medically unwell so does not need nursing care) is wonderful. Such a kind caring space to be in. No drama, no fuss, everything done exactly as I would at home, even to the nighttime staff sitting with him all through the night drinking tea and giving reassurance. It’s breaking my heart BB. Does one ever recover? I know I am already in the midst of grieving for what was and what might have been. But I know it is so important to stay firmly in the present and count one’s blessings each day. I’m doing an eight week mindfulness course on Zoom which is being delivered via West Sussex Carer’s Support. Our tutor Bernie Heaney is Irish (gorgeous voice) but lives in Wales and is so lovely. She runs Mindfulness courses on line and maybe even in person too. Her website is called touchingstillness.org and I would recommend looking her up if you or others are interested in Mindfulness as a coping therapy for any situation. Please don’t worry about NZ. There will be people to help every step of the way - you just need to ask. Although perhaps you are more worried about leaving home and cats behind for three weeks. But all will be well and you are going to have the most amazing time and I for one am very envious of your travels - so please enjoy the anticipation. Sending love and as much bravery as I can spare right now. Sarah x
ReplyDeleteI've not seen one with the slipper-rest before! I love the sound of your patchwork room. I have Keith's grandmother's rag rug tools - have used them a little but then we moved house and the project is (still) on hold!
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you are able to bring some comfort into S's life, but it is SO hard. I am imagining him bopping away (perhaps just in his head) to his favourite music. You will be challenged in the coming weeks and months. I am still not totally coping with grief. It presents itself unexpectedly and can destroy a happy moment in an instant. I am glad that the mindfulness course is helping you. I am having help with getting back to meditating again and that does ground me, as does my ten minutes of gentle yoga daily.
Trying not to think about the journey to NZ and yes you have it - I will be stressed over leaving the cats to Pam's care . . . though she coped very well when I was in hospital.
Sending (((BIG HUGS)))
I'm drawn to the blue/white ware - there'd be something in there I'd be tempted to buy, probably one of those small jugs, depending on the price!
ReplyDeleteOh Sarah, I really feel for you, but if anyone can help you with kind words and good advice it is Jennie, she sadly knows, oh so well, the journey you are on. It sounds as though you are doing everything in your power to look after S. and look after your own mental health as well. We currently spend a lot of time at my Mum's bedside in her nursing home, as she slips away in the most sad and prolonged way. Different to your situation, but similar. Take care. xx
ReplyDeleteA lovely round up of your day out.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
The rocking horse took my eye because when ever I see one I remember the Blacksmith I worked for Shen I was 14 -16, he used to make the metal parts that allowed the horse to rock for a local Rocking horse maker. The guy taught me a lot. The fair is like looking around a museum.
ReplyDeleteSome very beautiful items and I was tempted last week by a beautiful glass vase being sold at Alnwick Gardens, which are well worth a visit, but I resisted. We got in using a Gardener's World 2 for 1 offer, spent over 4 hours wandering round. Then we queued for The Poison Garden, only 20 at any one time and a very interesting guided tour. My Gran used to make patchwork rugs from carpet samples and pieces cut off from being fitted. She used to go out with the fitters and sew the 12ft lengths together, hard work for a woman but the only job she could find after being widowed and to pay the mortgage. I still have her very fearsome curved needles. NZ will be a breeze for you, just ask if you are worried about anything. People always want to help. I can't believe we've been in our house nearly a year. Where has that time gone. Take care. Xx
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