Glossary
Antique – An item over 100 years old
Arctophile – Someone who collects teddy bears
Art Deco – A style that flourished in art and design during the 1920’s and 1930’s. It features simple, bold, geometric shapes
Art Nouveau – A style that originated in France during the 1890s that featured elaborate motifs with curving flowers, vines and leaves
BADA – The British Antique Dealers’ Association
BAFRA – The British Antique Furniture Restorers’ Association
Baroque – A style that was popular between 1600 and 1750. The term derives from aPortuguese word meaning “a pearl of irregular shape”, describing the extravagance and unusual quality of design during this time
Buyer’s premium – The fee charged by some auction houses when you purchase an item. This depends on the auction house and the lot itself
CINOA – The International Association of Art and Antique Dealers
Chippendale – The 18th century cabinetmaker, Thomas Chippendale, inspired this style of furniture-making, with extensive carvings and dark mahogany
Curator – Someone who manages a cultural institution
Curio – Something considered rare or bizarre
Davenport – The name of a popular series of Sofa’s sold in the 1940’s-1960’s
Edwardian – During Edward VII’s reign, from 1901 to 1910, there was a movement from the heavy and dark look of the Victorian era to a lighter and more cheerful style, characterized by an eclectic feel, simplicity of detail. Bamboo and Wicker also became the preferred materials
Elizabethan – This is a style that came out of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, from 1558 to 1603. It is characterized by its eclectic look and elaborate ornamentation
Georgian – This came from the reign of kings George I to George IV, between 1714 and 1820, and was characterized by the pale colour schemes and woodwork, delicate furniture, harmony and lightness
Gemologist – Someone academically trained to evaluate and identify gems and gemstones
Gilding – The decoration of furniture by applying gold leaf. Often used on mirrors and frames
Hammer price – The final price bid at an auction before the hammer goes down
Horology – The study of time, including the study of clocks, watches and all instruments that measure time
IADA – The Irish Antique Dealers’ Association
IAVA – The International Academy of the Visual Arts
IPAV – The Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers
IPCRA -The Irish Professional Conservators’ and Restorers’ Association
LAPADA – The Association of Art & Antique Dealers
Numismatics – The study and collection of coins and banknotes
Philatelist – Stamp collector
Provenance – The history of an antique. This can sometimes be proven by a certificate of authenticity
Renaissance – The period between the 14th and 17th century, known as the rebirth, where a lot of experimentation in the arts took place
Resale royalties/Droit de suite – The auction house must collect a resale royalty to be paid to all living artists whenever their work is resold, and for a period of 70 years after their death.
Reserve – The minimum price that a seller sets when they are selling an item at auction
RICS – The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Selling commission – The commission earned by the auction house when a piece is sold at auction. This is paid by the seller, as a percentage of the sale price
Victorian – Revolves around the reign of Queen Victoria, between 1839 to 1901 and is characterized by being delicate and symmetrical, as well as Heavy and Dark
Worthologist – A person who does valuations for WorthPoint users
Worthopedia – The database where WorthPoint users can search past auction results
