Antique Dealer Catalogues
The 'Antique Dealers' project will be investigating a wide range of source material - including, for example, Dealer produced publicity catalogues of their stock. Indeed, throughout the 20th century antique dealers have regularly published catalogues such catalogues and these offer a fascinating insight into the practices of the trade and the changing tastes for antiques.
Catalogue of stock issued by A.W. & F. Little, Antique Dealers, Bristol, c.1915. Private Collection
These low-cost productions, printed catalogues from A.W.& F Little trading in Bristol during the period 1900-1920, present small hand-drawn lithographed illustrations of their stock. The catalogues date from c.1915 and Little were one of a number of dealers producing this kind of relatively cheap publicity at the time.
A.W. & F. Little catalogue, c.1915. Private Collection
Catalogue issued by Gorer, c.1910. Private collection.
In the same period, c.1910-15, high-profile dealers, such as the Chinese ceramics dealers Gorer & Co., trading in London, produced high quality booklets, indicative of their wealthy clientele. Here they exhibit 'Old Chinese Porcelain' at their premises in New Bond Street.
And the well-known antique furniture dealers F.W. Phillips (Phillips of Hitchen) also produced catalogues around the period of the First World War, as this early example dating from c.1920 demonstrates.
F.W.Phillips catalogue, c.1920. Private collection.
More recently, top dealers such as Mallett & Company, have produced glossy, full-colour illustrated brochures, keying into the desires of their well-heeled customers.
Catalogue issued by Mallet & Co. 2002. Private collection.