Mementomori Antiques

About Mementomori Antiques

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I started this site about 1995, whilst working as a commercial diver, mainly overseas, in the Far East.
Europe, Africa and the Middle East. During my regular leaves, I developed an interest in antiques, visiting local auctions regularly. I learned French polishing, and started restoration projects in the garage, and my interest soon spread into other area – ivory, jade, oriental items, scientific instruments, curios, etc.

It's surprising how much the Antiques field has changed in the years since; Jade has lost much of its allure, due to the cheap modern products pouring in from the Far East. Ivory, too has become something of a no-no, due to the general distaste in the UK for elephant poaching, and subsequent changes in the law.

The vogue at the moment seems to be for shabby chic, and looking back to the 50's, 60's and 70's - not to my taste much, as those were the years I was growing up, when they brought in mass production and cheap products. I prefer the era when things were made by craftsmen, such as Victorian engineering, and which have survived through the years, rather than the items of mass production.

Since my retirement from Commercial Diving, I've developed an interest in Photography, cameras, and especially vintage or antique cameras. Similarly, a new interest in watches and clocks.