British artist exhibited at Royal Academy of Art
Q. Enclosed is a photo of a framed engraving titled, "Thoroughbred." It was an engraving by R.S. Parkes of an original painting by Haywood Hardy. It is a scene of a young woman, a horse and two dogs and is in excellent condition. The overall measurements are 26 inches by 20 inches. It is really a beautiful picture and I am thinking of having it insured.
What can you tell me about it?
A. Haywood Hardy was a British artist who painted portraits, animals and genre scenes. He was born in Chichester, England, in 1842 and died in 1933. During his lifetime, he exhibited his work at the Royal Academy of Art.
Your engraving was made around 1880 and would have an insurance value of $75 to $125.
Q. This mark is on the bottom of a pottery vase that I bought at a yard sale. It has the shape of a trumpet and has handles on each side. The height is about 9 inches and it is decorated with a light green glaze. I bought it several years ago and think I paid less than $10.
Is it "Antique or Junque?"
A. The mark you provided was used by Abingdon Pottery. They were located in Abingdon, Illinois, from 1908 to around 1950. The pottery started out manufacturing porcelain plumbing fixtures. In 1934 they introduced an art pottery line. Brigg Manufacturing Company took over operations in 1947. By 1950, the art pottery was discontinued.
Abingdon pottery pieces are considered to be collectibles. Although they are not "Junque," they are not quite in the antique category. Having said that, the pottery is popular with collectors. Your vase would probably be $15 to $25.
Q. I have an antique armchair that belonged to my great-grandmother. A friend who collects antiques told me the style is Eastlake. The chair is upholstered in a damask fabric and is in very good condition. The wood around the back is decorated with geometric carving and the legs have porcelain castors.
I would never part with it, and since I plan to pass it down to the next generation, I hope you can me tell something about its history.
A. The Eastlake period of design lasted from around 1870 to 1900. Shallow or incised machine carved patterns and rectilinear lines are characteristics of the period.
Your armchair would probably be worth $150 to $300.
• Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters.
© 2015, Creators Syndicate