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Make Do and Mend: An Antiques Appraiser's Busman's Holiday

Make Do Mend Iceland National Museum

Make Do and Mend exhibition at the National Museum, Reykjavik, Iceland

As an antiques auctioneer & appraiser, when I travel for pleasure, it’s nearly impossible to refrain from taking in the material culture, art and history of new surroundings. A recent brief 2-day visit to Iceland on the way to Great Britain included a stop at the National Museum of Iceland. The museum’s collections are encyclopedic and beautifully displayed. I was particularly pleased to see a temporary exhibit entitled “Make Do and Mend.”

As a remote island nation, Icelanders relied on the sea for all imported goods. Ceramic dinnerware and glass drinking vessels imported from continental Europe were expensive and in short supply — leading to repair rather than disposal. In a nearly tree-less environment it’s also evident why people often carefully repaired utilitarian wooden bowls for reuse.

LaGina Austin covered this topic in her recent post, Collecting Make-Dos, explaining why these items are desirable at antiques auctions for collectors of Americana. I’m glad to see that it’s a world-wide phenomenon.

Make Do and Mend Ceramics and Glass

An assortment of mid-19th century European ceramics and glass that have been mended for continued domestic use

Make Do and Mend Demitasse Cup

A mended porcelain demitasse cup and saucer

Make Do and Mend wooden utility bowl

Turned wooden utility bowl

Make Do and Mend turned wooden wares

Examples of turned wooden wares

 

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