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Learn about and understand the items, manufacturers, designers and periods as well as the specialist terms used in describing antiques and collectables. Either click one of the letters below to list the items beginning with that letter, or click on a category on the left side of the screen to list the items under that category.
Ulla Procopé (1921-1968) was a Finnish ceramic designer and
decorator. She is considered one of the most important designers of the Golden
Age of Finnish Design. Her work is characterized by its simple, functional
forms and bold, colorful designs. She was born in Helsinki, Finland, in 1921
and studied ceramics at the Central School of Arts and Crafts (now the Aalto
School of Arts) and graduated in 1948. Immediately after graduating, she joined
the Arabia ceramics factory, where she worked for the rest of her career.
Although most hall stands and hall trees have provision for umbrellas and sticks, there are stands specifically designed for only this purpose. They are usually of waist height or lower, with compartments that ensure the stored accessories stand upright. The lower sections are usually fitted with removable trays to catch the run-off from any wet umbrellas and sticks that are placed in them.
Most umbrella stands date from the nineteenth century when the umbrella became an indicator that the owner was middle or upper class.
Una Deerbon (1882-1972) was a renowned Australian artist and potter. Born in Woollahra, New South Wales, Una attended a convent school where she discovered her passion for fashion design through needlework classes. She later studied painting at Sydney Art School under Julian Ashton and attended the Slade School in London and the Chicago School of Art in the United States.
Una married Richard Darlow in 1904 but later divorced and remarried Karel Jellinek, who later changed his name to Charles Francis Deerbon. In Brisbane, Una learned the art of pottery and established the Deerbon Pottery and School of Art, which gained attention for its excellent quality and breathtaking beauty.
Una's handiwork exhibited a delicate appeal with a fine combination of colours and designs, often showcasing her unique touch of humor and exuberance. Her works mainly consisted of vases, jugs, glazed flora, bowls, bears, masks, and other items. After moving to Melbourne, she opened the Una Deerbon School of Pottery, which trained numerous potters influenced by her style.
Una's legacy lives on as a household name in pottery and art and crafts. Her works are still held in public galleries such as the Australian National Gallery, the Ballarat Art Gallery, the Melbourne College of Art, the National Gallery of Victoria, the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, and the Shepparton Art Museum.
Unmarked pottery produced in Staffordshire in the 19th century can be difficult to identify, as there are no identifying marks or stamps to indicate the maker. Blue and white transfer ware: was produced by a number of different potters in Staffordshire in the 19th century. Blue and white transfer ware is characterised by its white body and blue transfer-printed decoration, which often features pastoral or scenic designs.
View further examples of Unmarked Blue and White Staffordshire
The company was initially established as a partnership between Leopoldo Gori and Carlo Zucchi, two skilled goldsmiths who combined their expertise to create exquisite jewellery pieces. The name "UnoAErre" was derived from the initials "A.R." (Arezzo) and the word "Uno," meaning "one" in Italian, signifying the brand's commitment to excellence and craftsmanship.
In the early days, UnoAErre focused on producing affordable jewellery for the mass market. The company's success was due in part to its use of new manufacturing techniques that allowed it to produce jewellery at a lower cost than its competitors. In the 1950s, UnoAErre introduced the concept of hollow gold jewellery, revolutionizing the industry with its lightweight yet durable pieces. This innovation allowed the brand to create intricate designs that were more affordable and accessible to a wider audience. As UnoAErre continued to expand its operations and diversify its product offerings, the company collaborated with renowned designers, including Giò Pomodoro and Angelo Mangiarotti, to create unique and artistic jewellery collections. UnoAErre's designs ranged from classic and elegant to modern and avant-garde, catering to different tastes and styles.
In the 1970s, UnoAErre expanded its product line to include home accessories, such as tableware and decorative objects. The company also opened a number of retail stores in Italy and abroad. In the 1980s, UnoAErre became part of the Bros Manifatture Group, a leading Italian jewellery manufacturing company. This merger provided the brand with additional resources and expertise, further enhancing its capabilities and global reach.
In the 1990s, UnoAErre began to focus on sustainable manufacturing practices. The company was one of the first jewellery companies to use recycled gold and silver in its products. UnoAErre is now one of the leading jewellery companies in Italy. The company produces a wide range of jewellery, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and watches. UnoAErre's jewellery is sold in over 40 countries around the world.
Australian uranium glass, is a type of glassware that was produced in Australia in the early to mid-20th century. It is called uranium glass because it contains small amounts of uranium oxide, which gives the glass a distinctive yellow or greenish-yellow colour, similar to Vaseline glass.
Uranium glass was first produced in Europe in the 1830s, but it became particularly popular in the early 20th century. The glass was prized for its unique colour and its ability to glow under ultraviolet light. It was used to make a variety of items, including bowls, vases, and decorative objects.
In Australia, uranium glass was produced by a number of manufacturers, including Crown Crystal Glass and Australian Glass Manufacturers Co. (AGM). The glass was particularly popular in the 1920s and 1930s, and it was often used to make Art Deco-inspired pieces that were characterized by their geometric shapes and bold colours.
Despite its popularity, uranium glass fell out of favour in the mid-20th century, largely due to concerns about the safety of uranium. While the amount of uranium in vintage Australian uranium glass is relatively small, some people are still cautious about handling it.
Vintage Australian uranium glass is prized for its unique colour and historical significance.
USM Modular Furniture was founded in Switzerland in 1885 by Ulrich Schaerer as a metalworking and locksmith's business. The factory and headquarters were built in Munsingen, Switzerland, where they remain to this day.
In the early decades of the twentieth century, USM began specialising in window fittings then ornamental hinges and precision-machined sheet steel. In 1963, USM collaborated with architect Fritz Haller to develop a new furniture system for the company's own offices. The system, known as USM Haller, was based on a modular grid of steel components that could be easily assembled and disassembled to create a variety of furniture pieces.
The USM Haller system quickly gained popularity for its versatility, durability, and style. It was soon adopted by other companies and institutions, and it is now used in homes and offices all over the world.
The USM Haller system is available in a wide range of colors and finishes, so it can be customized to fit any style. It is also very durable and can be easily cleaned and maintained.
USM Modular Furniture is a family-owned business that has been in operation for over 130 years. The company is committed to sustainability and uses only the highest quality materials in its products. USM furniture is designed to last for generations, and it is a testament to the company's commitment to quality and innovation.
Notable users of USM Haller furniture include the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, The Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
USM Haller furniture is a symbol of modern design and is used by people and organizations all over the world who value quality, functionality, and sustainability.