The Collectors
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Friday 12 October 2007
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Have you stopped to think about the hidden value of those disposable catalogues that fill your letterbox each week? Gordon shows us a wonderful collection of old trade catalogues that might have you thinking twice about what you throw out.
This week Gordon visits the Caroline Simpson Library at the Historic Houses Trust in Sydney which is home to a great collection of original catalogues and samples dating back to the early 19th Century. The catalogues made it possible for people to furnish their houses with the latest items, even those that were made on the other side of the world. The catalogues are filled with beautiful drawings of furniture and other products with exact measurements and variations. As well, they provide detailed drawings of hardware such as screws, handles and hinges.
One of the catalogues Gordon shows was used to recreate an authentic 1820s colour scheme for the soft furnishings in Old Government House in Parramatta, NSW.
The catalogues are a great resource for antique dealers and restorers like Gordon, as they assist in authenticating items. Gordon says many of the pieces in the catalogues can still be found in 19th century houses all over Australia.
