E.McKnight Kauffer: One of the outstanding graphic artists of the 20th century E. McKnight Kauffer created some of the most memorable poster-images ever to adorn the billboards of Britain.  

'Born in humble circumstances in Evansville, Montana, USA Edward McKnight Kauffer progressed from itinerant theatre work to employment in a San Francisco bookshop, with time to study art. Chance meetings with a benevolent patron enabled him to continue his studies, first in Chicago, where, in 1913, he saw the Armory Show of modern European and American art, and then in Paris. On arrival in Europe he spent time in Munich, where he was overwhelmed by the posters of Ludwig Hohlwein. Reaching Paris in the autumn of 1913, his time there was curtailed by the outbreak of war.

Planning to return to the US he quit France for England; however, an introduction to Frank Pick, the Publicity Manager of the London Underground, led to a commission for the first of many posters, and Kauffer remained in England for the next 26 years. His design, ‘Flight’, was purchased by Francis Meynell to launch the Daily Herald, and became one of the best known images of the 20th century...'

Antiquexplorer Book Offer:

'Once again antiquexplorer has joined forces with the Antique Collectors’ Club to bring you a truly superb multi-book offer.

‘DESIGN’ is a series of hardback books celebrating the best exponents of design from the last century. Each book in the series is produced to a standard size of 216 x 142mm and all are complementary to one another – in short, they will look great on your bookshelf!

These titles normally retail at £12.50 but our special offer price is £9.35 per book or three for just £25. This offer also includes free p&p within the UK (Overseas postage rates on enquiry to the ACC).

To place your order phone the Antique Collectors’ Club on 01394 389977 or write to: Antique Collectors’ Club Ltd, Sandy Lane, Old Martlesham, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1PJ.

Please remember to quote ‘Antiquexplorer Design Series Offer’ when placing your order...'

Restoring Faith: Conservators and makers Robert and James Adam’s work is unrivalled in excellence and attention to detail

'When a customer enquired if it was possible to recreate the aged finish of the Castle Drogo kitchen table designed by Edwin Lutyens; Robert and James Adam decided to take on the task of recreating the table in its entirety, including simulating the age and finish. They strive for perfection in every aspect of their work so the process of making the table began with numerous visits to study the original timber selection, construction, environment, use, ageing and finish...'

Head,Hand and Heart: A selling exhibition of British Art Pottery is taking place at the Court Barn Museum, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire 4th - 11th October

 “WHAT HAVE you got?” and “Can you give me a sneak preview?” are two of the questions that Alison Davey of AD antiques is being asked regularly at the moment. There is a buzz about the business since they began hosting Selling Exhibitions in their hometown of Chipping Campden.

Between their Shows they save up their best examples of stock and showcase them at Court Barn Museum at Chipping Campden. Invitations for the private preview are hotly contested and the catalogues for the Exhibition are bought and sold on a well know internet auction website.

For their next exhibition – ‘Head, Hand and Heart’ – they have collected over 100 pieces of Fine British Art Pottery; this will be combined with their current stock to make the most important collection of its type available for sale in the world! This is exactly the reason why they have a queue of customers for the opening...'

Clever Combination:The best of both worlds! Karyn Sparks meets the masterminds behind Plympton’s newest venture – a combined antiques centre and auction house all under one roof.

'WHAT IS IT with this recession? I’ve spoken with more new or expanding businesses over the past two months, than I have in the past five years! Maybe the message has finally hit home – antiques are 100 per cent recycled, invest and be individual with your choices. Plympton is just one of many lucky towns due a new and very exciting business...'

Campaign Furniture: Sean Clarke admires this ingenious furniture specifically made to breakdown for ease of travel

An old copy of The Army & Navy Society’s catalogue will show numerous items of campaign furniture, from portable beds to collapsible candlesticks, that were available to ease life for the soldier or traveller at the end of the 19th Century.

The Society followed on from a strong British tradition of innovative and practical design in portable furniture that had its roots in the 18th century and grew as the Empire expanded. The vast majority of campaign furniture is of British origin or was made in the colonies for the British market. The British Army was unlike any other in that ranks could be purchased and so many officers were from wealthy backgrounds.

To give an indication of the money involved, the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Foot Guards cost £9,000 in 1857; at this date a lady’s maid would hope to earn just £20 a year. Having been used to the best, these wealthy soldiers saw no reason why they shouldn’t be able to sit comfortably at a fashionable dining table on the eve of a battle in the middle of nowhere...'