Miller's Garden Antiques: How to Source & Identify (Miller's Guides)

Antique garden statuary is a growing market closely following the insurgence of popular gardening. Instantly adding a personal touch, a statue, urn or finial carefully placed will transform a garden from the ordinary to something a little more special. But modern ornaments tend to be too "new", needing a covering of liquid manure or yoghurt to attain that patina so specific to antique ornaments. Antique ornaments already have that indefinable elegance, bearing decades or even centuries of weathering by the natural elements, making them a much coveted item in showrooms, antique shops and architectural salvagers. But how do you tell if you're being overcharged, found a bargain at a car boot sale? This is where this excellent, lavishly illustrated guide steps in. Part of the renowned Millers' series, it guides the prospective purchaser through the style, type and price of garden ornamentation from summerhouses and gates, lawnmowers and hoes, urns and finials, gargoyles and statuettes. Offering extra information in feature boxes where appropriate together with lists on further reading and where to buy and see (for the UK and USA) and a directory of manufacturers, this is an invaluable asset for purveyors and acquirers of fine antiques for the garden. - Lucy Watson