Auction Houses

Origins of Auction Houses Auction houses have a rich history dating back thousands of years. The concept of auctions can be traced to ancient Greece, where they were used to sell goods, property etc. The Romans also conducted auctions for a variety of purposes, including the sale of assets seizedRead More →

Classic Vehicle Manual

Introduction My dad (who unfortunately is no longer with us) was a classic car enthusiast. He would buy cars that required work and enjoyed restoring them in his spare time. I remember as a child taking an interest in the mechanics and the welding, that went on under the carportRead More →

Ephemera

Understanding Ephemera Ephemera is a fascinating category of collectibles encompassing a wide array of transient materials, typically designed for short-term use and intended to be discarded after use. Despite their disposable nature, ephemera hold significant historical, cultural, and social value. Examples include tickets, brochures, postcards, posters, menus, playbills, and tradingRead More →

Funko Pop

Origins and Early Development of Funko Pops Funko Pops, those adorable vinyl figures with oversized heads and captivating designs, have become a cultural phenomenon since their inception. The story begins in 1998 when Mike Becker founded Funko, a company initially focused on creating nostalgic bobblehead figures. However, it wasn’t untilRead More →

Ghetto Blaster

Introduction The term “ghetto blaster” typically refers to a large, portable stereo system that gained popularity in the late 1970s and 1980s. These devices were characterised by their powerful speakers, often accompanied by a radio tuner and cassette tape player. The ghetto blaster played a significant role in the culturalRead More →

Costume Jewellery

Origins and Early History of Costume Jewellery Costume jewellery, also known as fashion or imitation jewellery, has a rich history dating back to ancient civilisations. The concept of adorning oneself with non-precious materials for aesthetic purposes can be traced to ancient Egypt, where people used glass beads and coloured stonesRead More →

Fortune Telling

Origins of Fortune Telling Fortune telling, also known as divination, has a rich and varied history that spans across cultures and civilizations. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times when people sought to understand the mysteries of life and predict the future. One of the earliest forms ofRead More →

The Birth of the Acme Whistle The history of the Acme whistle dates back to the 1870’s when Joseph Hudson, a toolmaker from Birmingham, England, began experimenting with various designs. His aim was to create a more reliable and effective whistle. Hudson’s innovation was driven by a growing need forRead More →

Feng Shui means Wind and Water in English

Introduction We start 2024 with a blog about Feng Shui, why? I hear you ask. You have heard of the expression “New Year, new me” and the big clean and tidying away of the festive items. As humans we like to think a clear mind not only starts with ourRead More →

Kitten In Tree

Introduction The modern celebration of Christmas has evolved over centuries and is influenced by a combination of religious, cultural, and historical factors. While the roots of Christmas can be traced back to ancient pagan and religious celebrations, the modern Christmas celebration has been shaped by various traditions and customs. HereRead More →