Telling the Story of Antiques
Any antique enthusiast could tell you that buying and collecting antiques is more than just a hobby. It often develops into a lifelong passion of learning, acquiring, curating, and sharing. We learn by talking to dealers, reading books, watching programs, and listening to interviews with experts. We acquire by going to antique stores, shopping fairs, bidding at auction, and searching online. We curate well-loved pieces in our homes, and share their stories with friends. Antiques are unique in the fact that they all have a story to tell and there is always something to learn about them.
For 40 years, antiques expert and author, Judith Miller, has been telling the story of antiques by sharing her knowledge with the world. She recently celebrated her illustrious career at the Art & Antiques for Everyone Fair at the NEC, Birmingham and we were there to join in the festivities. As we look at Judith’s journey, two themes emerge; curiosity and knowledge.
How Curiosity Leads to a Career
Judith hales from Galashiels, Scotland, and began collecting antiques while studying history at Edinburgh University. Like many people who buy antiques, she longed to know more about the items themselves. She wanted a reference book with photos of objects along with details like when they were made, and by whom. Her curiosity led her to co-author the first Miller’s Antiques Price Guide in 1979 as a reference book on antiques. Over the last four decades, Judith has written more than 100 books that deliver reliable, accurate descriptions and values, in digestible form.
Her full color antique handbooks & price guides have proven to be invaluable for auction houses, antique dealers, and private buyers alike. In addition to sharing information about when and where items were made, Judith explains why certain features make some objects more valuable than others. She also teaches how to differentiate between good, better, and best with her Miller’s Compares section. Her thoughtfulness toward the reader is incomparable. She teaches budding collectors and serious antique lovers how to identify pieces and what their value is by providing practical information. From observations on specific market trends to useful background information on different collecting fields, Judith’s books reinforce the old saying, “Knowledge is power.”
In an era of information overload, it is so important to have trusted resources like Judith. While technology continually progresses and more content is available at the click of a button, having quality, curated information that is accurate has become even more essential.
While the world of antiques spans a wide range of topics, Judith has surely covered all the bases and helped guide us on how to integrate antiques into our homes. In “Decorative Arts,” she breaks down periods and covers stylistic differences of glass, silver, ceramics, furniture, and more. To learn about fabrics, wallpaper, flooring, and paints, “The Style Sourcebook” is indispensable. “Furniture” is a must have and “20th Century Design” explores more contemporary pieces. Of course, the “Antiques Encyclopedia” has been called the Bible of antiques, and “A Closer Look at Antiques” provides an overview of everything from furniture to silver, glass, and ceramics.
Judith also shares her wealth of knowledge as a consultant and co-presenter for several television shows. Whether she is appearing on BBC Antiques Roadshow or The Antiques Trail, Judith teaches us history by way of antique objects. Her approachable delivery takes the stuffiness out of antiques and creates a connection with viewers where they can learn and be inspired.
Curiosity Leads to Knowledge
As anyone who loves antiques can attest, buying and selling antiques is a constant learning process. And while the thrill of the hunt may be an alluring part of antiquing, the satisfaction of knowing what you have and what it’s worth is just as significant. After all, that’s why Antiques Roadshow has been such a huge success over the years. Watching experts like Judith Miller tell someone about their prized possession and its value is exciting, entertaining, and most of all it fulfills our curiosity.
Thank you, Judith, for sharing your knowledge and passion with the world. Here’s to the next 40 years!
