As an avid collector of a variety of antiques and collectibles for over 40 years, I know what I'm writing about. Beginning with one modest English writing box, I  developed collections of not only writing boxes, but also of Satsuma-style ware, Staffordshire ware, toy trains, Mexican kitchen ware, and Victorian furniture. Friends often say visiting my house is like visiting a museum.

Besides writing about antiques, specializing in furniture, I have also sold at flea markets and worked in antique shops, so I know the business side of antiques, too. In the last 23 years, I've reviewed some of the top antique shows in the Mid-Atlantic region and have many contacts in the antiques business.

My antique interest has taken me to England many times, where I've covered the prestigious Chelsea Antique Show in London, as well as several others and have written about antiquing there. I've also gathered items for my collections, as well as done research for feature articles in England, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Holding a a fine arts degree, I've studied decorative arts and know historic periods from ancient civilizations to Art Deco. I've also written about antiques and collectibles for many antiques and consumer publications and Web sites, including British Heritage, AntiqueWeek, The American Antiquities Journal, Southeastern Antiquing and Collecting Magazine, OldandSold.com, and GeorgiaAntiques.com,

I've also authored two books on antiques for Globe Pequot Press: How to Start a Home-Based Antiques Business and How to Recognize and Refinish Antiques for Pleasure and Profit. Both are on sale at your favorite bookstore or through Amazon.com.

In addition, I also teach courses on antiques and decorating with antiques, including an all-day seminar at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

< Back to About This E-zine            Bob Brooke at the Smithsonian >