La Joie de Vivre

A good friend of mine once said "If you are going to have a nice home, you have to have nice things". And this statement never holds more true than when you are entertaining. The likelihood is that as the sprawling Easter weekend approaches (Hurrah!), you will be opening up your home to friends and family in order to enjoy a few days away from work.

As I’m sure all of you managed to stick to lent with strict regiment (hmmm…) it’s time, to undo forty days worth of good intentions and see it off in style! And no, I don't mean diving head first into a pile of chocolate eggs- no matter how tempting! Traditionally, the Easter Sunday lunch comprises of a feast of lamb with all the trimmings, followed by a simnel cake and as any budding domestic gods and goddesses among you know, if you are going to put in the effort to cook a spectacular meal, you’ll need something just a little bit extra special to serve up your mint sauce!

Wherever your religious persuasions lie, this weekend is an opportune time to relax, enjoy the wonderful weather, maybe beat the kids in a egg hunt and celebrate la joie de vivre surrounded by friends and family.

We hope you all have a lovely long weekend, whatever you get up to and we look forward to seeing you on the other side!

W4372: An Antique George V English Sterling Silver Old English Pattern Flatware Service
W4233: A Pair of Boxed Antique Victorian English Sterling Silver Napkin Rings

W4060: An Antique William IV English Sterling Silver Sauceboat

W3704: A Fine Vintage Irish Sterling Silver Sauce Tureen with Matching Stand and Ladle
W3515: A Pair of Large Antique Victorian English Sterling Silver Peppers

Happy Bard-day

This week is the anniversary of William Shakespeare’s Birth (Happy 447th Birthday Shakes!). Granted, the man needs no introduction but just in case... In his lifetime Shakespeare wrote some of worlds greatest literacy work's including 38 plays, 154 sonnets and numerous poems, which have subsequently been translated into every major language and have led him to become the most famous playwright of all time (and the cause of headaches for many an English student). In celebration of his Birthday you could revisit some of his greatest works (frolic with the fairies in A Midsummer Nights Dream, witness tragedy unfold for star crossed lovers in Romeo and Juliet) or you could rediscover the English language and the power of the written word for yourself. In the age of text messages, twitter and Facebook, communication has undoubtly become quicker but much less personal. Jane Austen’s protagonists agonised over the arrival of the mail coach, awaiting letters containing declarations of love and exploiting scandalous tales. Handwritten letters stir up the kind of anticipation and romantic connotations that could never be achieved in an email (regardless of what Meg Ryan has attempted to lead us to believe...). Furiously tapping away at a computer keyboard seems incredibly corporate, too far removed from emotion in comparison to the whimsicalness of some of the world’s greatest love story’s being instigated at the helm of a quill. Realistically, attempting to handwrite the next epic novel may not be particularly efficient, but putting a pen to paper is the ideal way to scribble a note to your beloved (monogramed stationary and wax seal optional). Aside from being incredibly practical pieces, antique and vintage stationary items add character to any room and are classic additions to any desk space. Not to mention they may be just the creative inspiration you need!


W3509: An Impressive Antique Victorian English Sterling Silver and Cut Glass Galleried Desk Standish W4048: A Fine Vintage 9 Carat Yellow Gold Propelling Pencil

W1990:An Antique Edwardian English Sterling Silver Letter Opener

W1322: An Edwardian English Sterling Silver and Ivory Paper Clip

Where the heart is...

There is something special about Newcastle. Though not a born and bred Geordie, it’s the place I flew the nest to, and the city I’ve fallen for! I challenge anyone else not to do the same... How many other cities are you guaranteed to be welcomed with open arms?...albeit the arms of a 200 tonne steel angel! However, similar reception can be expected from the Toon's residents who are renowned as Britain’s friendliest people, and it's not hard to see why, Northern soul is contagious!

It's a city with a mirror ball of different faces, from the history that surrounds bustling Grey street, to the vibrant nightlife that emerges after dusk and the subsequent lazy (hazy?!) Sundays in leafy Jesmond that follow. Newcastle manifests itself to suit all tastes.

Understandably, being based in Jesmond, items of Newcastle silver are some of our most coveted pieces with both locals and tourists alike. The Newcastle Assay office was established in 1702 however the city's silver trade dates back to the 13th century. Unfortunately, due to the decline in items the office closed in 1884, making Newcastle silver even more collectable due to its rarity. Pieces are denoted by the three castles assay mark and AC Silver has many fine examples from celebrated makers including John Langlands.

W3620: An Antique Edwardian English Sterling Silver Cup and Cover

W3707: A Set of Six Antique George III English Sterling Silver Old English Pattern, Feather Edged and Bright Cut Engraved Newcastle Table Spoons W3976:A Set of Eight Antique Victorian English Sterling Silver Old English Pattern Table Forks W3434:An Antique Early George II English Sterling Silver Tankard by Thomas Makepeace I of Newcastle For more information please visit the Newcastle Silver page on the AC Silver website.