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Royal Doulton Bunnykins table wear and figurines came to life in the 1930s, created by Mary Barbara Bailey. Mary was not a professional illustrator but a nun. Mr and Mrs Bunny became well known table ware in England, especially after Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret were known to have there own sets. These lively bunnys were always dressed in human clothing and scenes set in rural or small towns in England doing recreational activities. Our top five favorite designs are: Family Cycling Tour Netting a Cricket Family in the Garden (1940) Conducting the Orchestra (1967) Santa Claus (1940) Bunnykins items...

Antiques have made a resurgence in home decor in the last few years. Popping up in House and Garden magazines, and on UK television with many shows dedicated to finding and repairing antiques (The Repair Shop) and even gracing local New Zealand television with shows such as The Block NZ and The Apprentice Aotearoa. Antiques create talking points in a home whether it’s reliving childhood memories or discussing the unique details (or value) of the piece. Every item has a story, a history, and those memories live on through the new owners. Every item in Antique Alley has a purpose,...

We get asked all the time the best way to polish silver, how often and the best technique. Here are a few tips to help keep your silverware at its sparkling best. The Non Toxic Method - place hot, salty water with baking soda into an aluminum pan. Stir until the salt and baking soda has dissolved. Soak pieces of silverware until a chemical reaction occurs. Leave for a few hours then remove from solution and dry. Silver Cloths -These cloths are highly effective and made especially for removing tarnishes called Patina. These cloths are perfect if you only have...

Brooches started out life as a functional item to hold together garments or cloth. Back in the Bronze Age brooches were made from natural materials such as bone, shell, wood or stone. Throughout the centuries brooches were refined and crafted using jewels and precious metals. In the 1800 brooches became more popular and around the 1900 the locking C clasp was invented, stopping brooches from falling off. Now days brooches bring class, elegance and life to outfits or items of clothing. Here are our 6 top ways to wear a brooch: Traditional Lapel -On an evening jacket, winter coat or...

The fantastic Bizarre work of Clarice Cliff is one of our favorite potters. Clarice Cliffs Bizarre ceramics are a spectacular array of Art Deco shapes and designs. She used contemporary and angular aspects with many of her ceramics, including teapots, cups and sugar shakers. Geometric flowers, diamond leaves with angular zigzags featured on many of her ceramics. Taking inspiration from her Garden in England, her long time love of flowers influenced her vibrant pottery. Our Top 5 Clarice Cliff Picks; Capri -1935, simple garden patterns with orange, yellow and brown flora.   Crocus- Clarice Cliffs signature pattern. Free hand painted...