The Archdeacon's Cottage

One advantage of the downpour currently affecting the Northern Beaches is the temporary restoration of a wetland between Barrenjoey Road and Careel Bay, where it will soon be rediscovered by frogs, ducks, insects and other aquatic life. Prior to colonisation this would likely have been part of a chain of ponds stretching down the creek (now largely a concrete drain) from Avalon down to Careel Bay. This would have kept the surrounding area hydrated in dry times. Now the natural water cycle has been largely broken

Not normally what I’m looking for but couldn’t resist this full set of Beswick Alice in Wonderland. For sale $600 SOLD

Royal Doulton prototype of a young girl with a book in one hand and a teddy in the other. Not sure if this ever made it to market or it remains a one-off.

A superby worked Irish sterling silver dish ring by Edmond Johnson, Dublin 1909, featuring art nouveau inspired pierced and chased decorations of swan and mythical birds amongst scrolls and foliage. Fine condition. For sale $1250. DM for details

Rare Minton pattern 670 c1815 with gilt highlights and stylised foliage on white ground. A true antique, still fresh and undamaged. For sale by expression of interest

35 degrees here on the Northern Beaches

Full house at Foundry616 for this end of year spectacular; super quality band, powerful vocals, crowd was pumping. Watch out for 2025 gigs and don’t miss it!

There are teapots … and then there are teapots! Rosenthal Studio Line ‘Flash’.

A Bow allegorical figure of Winter. Or is it?

This wise old fellow is exactly 100 years old this year. Royal Copenhagen barn owl modelled by Christian Thomsen. Still in lovely condition. For sale $400

Couldn’t resist this Coalport gilt cobalt blue miniature cup and saucer. Lovely condition. For sale $95

Am amazing sterling silver gilt dessert set in the trailing fruiting vine pattern. The knife by John Samuel Hunt 1850; the fork and spoon by John and Henry Lias 1852. Incredibly detailed silver work. For sale DM for details