Features

With most BADA members working within highly specialised fields, it’s an inevitable reality that staffing can sometimes present a challenge—particularly when you’re seeking individuals with rare expertise and an appreciation for the subtle nuances of your industry. On top of this, current prolonged economic uncertainty is forcing more small businesses to become creative in how they solve their recruitment dilemmas. That’s precisely where DRAW Recruitment comes in.

A painter and illustrator of the Modern British movement, Mary Fedden’s bold compositions and vibrant use of colour helped make her one of Britain best loved artists.

Mary Fedden was born into a wealthy merchant family in the Bristol suburb of Clifton in 1915. Her father was a sugar broker, but from an early age she aspired to be a painter, possibly influenced by the work of her uncle, artist and writer Romilly Fedden.

In the latest of our series of videos showcasing the broad membership of the BADA, John Noott of John Noott Galleries presents his latest exhibition featuring dog paintings. He also introduces a painting by Sir Kyffin Williams OBE, RA (1918–2006) from his personal collection.

Arguably Britain’s foremost equine artist since George Stubbs (1724-1806), Sir Alfred James Munnings rose from humble roots, overcoming personal adversity, to become President of the Royal Academy and one of the most influential cultural figures of his day.

Munnings was born in the beautiful East Anglian village of Mendham, which sits on the eastern bank of the River Waveney, marking the border of Suffolk and Norfolk. The second of four sons born to John and Emily Munnings, Alfred’s father ran Mendham Mill, and it was at the Mill House that Alfred was born in 1878.

Parcel Gilt

We are all familiar with the decorative technique known as gilding in which a thin layer of gold is applied to a solid surface such as wood, metal or porcelain to create the illusion of solid gold. However, you may be less familiar with the variant known as parcel gilt.

Gilding has been in common use since ancient times with countless fine examples emanating from Egypt, Greece, the Roman Empire and China. However, the earliest reference to parcel gilt, as a decorative style was first used in Europe in the mid-15th century.

Get to know the people and personalities that make up the membership of the BADA, as we delve into their businesses, passions and insights on buying and collecting. Through a series of interviews, we uncover their stories and discover what motivates them in the world of art and antiques. 

Mark Slaats

Slaats Fine Art

Venetian Glass

Venice, and most notably the Venetian Island of Murano, has been a centre for the production of fine glassware since the 13th century. Glassmaking is thought to have begun in Venice as early as the 5th century AD, but its factories were moved compulsorily to the island of Murano in 1291.

The reason for this relocation was that the city elders believed the risk of a major fire spreading from the highly combustible glassworks was too great for the blossoming trading port, and so production was duly banned within the city confines.

Takako Jin is a traditionally trained woodcarver and gilder with a background in contemporary art and violin making. She blends the rigorous discipline of fine woodworking and historical ornamental carving with a versatile approach and a keen eye for detail and design. In 2024, she won the BADA Art Prize for her work Silk, a woodcarving of silk fabric draped over a sycamore twig. In this interview with Inherited.

As its name would suggest, the marrow scoop is a slender eating implement with an elongated spoon at one end, designed to gather the marrow from the bones of a large roasting joint.

Bone marrow has long been a staple of our diet, indeed early humans were using stones to crack bones and reach marrow nearly 2 million years ago. Marrow also has numerous health benefits to its consumption, improving the strength of bones, joints and skin, as well as helping to combat heart disease and diabetes.

Japanese Silver

By Laura Bordignon

Silver prices have rocketed recently and certainly the demand for fine Japanese objects has remained strong. The appeal of silver is in the skill of the craftsmanship and the seemingly infinite patience of the craftsman, the tactile experience of handling these objects, and also the poignancy and charm of the many subjects. Many tales of heroes, animals, gods, goddesses give us a glimpse into this fascinating culture.

William Moorcroft Miniatures

One of the most popular and influential ceramicists of the British Art Pottery movement, William Moorcroft was born and raised in Burslem, Staffordshire in 1872.

Burslem had been the centre of the British Pottery trade since the early 17th century so it was little wonder that the young Moorcoft would find work in the trade after studying art in London and Paris.

Our BADA Recommended Service Provider, Sam Barnes Photography, offers both studio and location antiques photography services. Portable studio equipment can be set up at the dealer’s location, creating a mobile studio, or pieces can be photographed at Sam's fully equipped 1,000 sq. ft. studio in Haggerston, East London.