Treasure Box

On Sunday, right in the heart of SW1 there will be a super antiques fair at the Horticultural Halls .  Last time I was there, I bought a beautiful Shagreen Edwardian jewellary box. Lined with green velvet inside, its the perfect little box for my precious bits. Although the key to the box is missing, so I can't lock it, it doesn't detract from the lovely workmanship that went into the box. If I had wanted something new & pristine I would have gone to Smythson and paid a fair whack too.

I love hunting out original goodies at antique fairs. Finding something unique and being able to re-use it again. Another great find was an intricate bone, mother-of-pearl and silver inlaid cigar box which now houses my make-up brushes. I have a Victorian mahogany marquetry writing box. The writing slope has long gone but its a perfect place to keep love letters and cards. As you can probably tell I have a thing about boxes! When I see one on a stall I can't resist picking it up to see what's inside. Maybe it used to be a tea caddy, or a lady's work box full of bobbins, silks and threads. That's part of the thrill of going out to an antiques fair. You never know what you might find. Always ask the stall-holder 'what's your best price'. It can mean a few quid off and any discount is a bonus.