A superb silver teapot made in 1838 will be a major attraction at The Pavilions of Harrogate Decorative Antiques & Fine Art Fair at The Great Yorkshire Showground, from 10th – 12th June 2022.

Belonging to specialist silver dealer Mike Wilson from Highland Antiques, the teapot came from the York silversmiths James Barber & William North. James Barber was a busy silversmith working in the mid-19th century during which time he formed business partnerships with other silversmiths working in York. This fine and rare teapot will be priced at £2995.00.

York was the most important English provincial city in the Middle Ages and was appointed by an Act of Parliament of 1423 to have its own “touch” or assay mark. The city mark was described in 1560 as half leopard’s head and half fleur-de-lis. A date letter was added to the city mark and was probably used until provincial assay offices were suspended in 1696. The assay office was re-established by Act of Parliament in 1701 when the city mark became the arms of York, a cross with 5 lions passant. The city mark was omitted, more frequently than not, from hallmarks.

The assaying of plate at York ceased in 1716 and restarted, around 1776 when demand from local goldsmiths increased. By 1858, however, there was only one remaining goldsmith, and the assay office closed due to lack of business, thereby making York assayed pieces more collectable.

The Pavilions of Harrogate Decorative Antiques & Fine Art Fair features many more fascinating collector’s items including a superb painting by Harrogate artist Brian Shields, also known as BRAAQ, titled ‘I’ll bring my own boat then!’ depicting a large public boating pool with children playing in the foreground with a smoky industrial scene in the distance. Painted in oil on board, it will be for sale from Rowles Fine Art.

Born in Liverpool, Brian Shields (1951-1997) lived in Harrogate where he depicted, in a humorous way, his childhood memories. He frequently painted himself as a boy wearing a striped jumper.

Among other exhibitors will be Shapiro & Co specializing in 19th and 20th century British and European jewelry and silver, including pieces by Faberge; ceramics specialists John Newton Antiques, showing Continental porcelain, including silver-overlay pieces, plus East German studio pottery. Mark Buckley Antiques returns with fine late Victorian and early 20th-century walnut furniture and bronzes, and Melody Antiques with country furniture, ceramics, and collectibles.

Public Admission is £5.00.

Open Times: Friday – Sunday 11am-5.00pm

The fair is organized by Cooper Events, Somerset TA8 1BU. Tel: 01278 784912. www.cooperevents.com. info@cooperevents.com Facebook: coopersantiques.fairs Twitter: @CooperAntiques

ADVERTISING, PRESS INFORMATION & IMAGES Duncan Phillips, Somerset TA19 0LR. Tel: UK 01460 359782. Duncan@antiquespr.com \ www.antiquespr.com