Residents ordered more champagne than anywhere else in the UK this year, according to new data. Winston Churchill apparently knocked back two bottles of his favourite Pol Roger champagne every day at Chartwell, his Kentish pile. Judging by new data from Deliveroo, his neighbours in Royal Tunbridge Wells are continuing to raise a glass or three to this noble tradition.

Founded in 1913 by Joseph Schneider in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, Schneider Optische Werke quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality optics. With a product range that included photographic lenses, projector and enlarger lenses, microscope optics, and telescopic sights, Schneider was instrumental in advancing optical technology throughout the 20th century.

Tobia Scarpa’s Soriana sofa is one of his most iconic designs, created for Cassina in 1969. The Soriana collection, which also includes chairs and loveseats, became a symbol of luxury and comfort in Italian modernist design. What set the Soriana apart was its distinctive form—plush, oversized cushions wrapped in a sleek metal frame. Scarpa’s design cleverly embraced the aesthetic of informal, soft seating, a departure from the rigid forms that dominated earlier modernist furniture.

Michel Ducaroy, born in 1925 in Lyon, France, is celebrated as one of the most influential designers of the 20th century. He began his design education at the École des Beaux-Arts in Lyon, where he honed his artistic skills and developed a passion for furniture design.

Alexander Pushkin is taking his business to the next level courtesy of launching an online auction house and revealing a slight change in brand identity. Here he tells Eileen Leahy more about his future vision for the wonderful world of vintage collectibles…

Paolo Buffa, born in Milan in 1903, was an influential Italian furniture designer known for his ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design. His work played an important role in shaping Italian furniture during the mid-20th century.

This year, Russia celebrated the 225th birthday of the poet and writer Alexander Pushkin, a figure whose influence on Russian culture is immeasurable. In 1859, literary critic Apollon Grigoryev famously declared, “Pushkin is our everything,” a sentiment that has remained true for over two centuries.

Chess is one of the oldest and most revered board games in the world, with origins tracing back to the 6th century in India, where it was known as chaturanga. The game spread through Persia and the Islamic world, eventually reaching Europe by the 9th century. Over time, it evolved into the modern game we know today, with standardised rules established in the 19th century.

Space Models Ltd, a prominent player in the model-making industry, has built a stellar reputation for crafting highly detailed and authentic aviation models. Established in the mid-20th century, the company has become synonymous with precision and quality. Their product range includes a variety of aircraft, from commercial airliners to military jets and historical planes.

Milan-born architect and designer Mario Bellini is often regarded as a modern-day Renaissance man. His creative work spans various fields, including electronics, furniture, architecture, and automotive design, with iconic contributions in each area. Bellini’s vintage sofas, dining chairs, and other seating pieces are highly sought after, and he has received multiple prestigious Compasso d’Oro awards. Over 20 of his works are part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art.

With the recent arrival of our newborn daughter Nadia, we felt it was the perfect time to make some improvements to our business. Over the years, we have grown beyond just selling antiques to become specialists in mid-century modern furniture, jewellery, gentlemen’s accessories high-end watches, and so much more.

Admiral Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, is one of the most celebrated figures in British naval history. Born on September 29, 1758, in Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk, Nelson joined the Royal Navy at the age of 12. He quickly distinguished himself through his courage, leadership, and tactical brilliance. His career was marked by significant victories during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, which established British naval supremacy.

Marie Antoinette, born in 1755 as the Archduchess of Austria, ascended to the French throne as Queen consort in 1774 upon her marriage to Louis XVI. Her reign was defined by extravagance, marked by opulent fashions, her cherished Petit Trianon retreat, and a significant patronage of the arts, which left an indelible mark on 18th-century France.

“People purchase a diverse array of items, which have to be functional and stylish,” Pushkin explains. “Each piece must be beautiful to enhance the overall experience and, equally important, practical to honour the cigar and treat it with the utmost care it deserves.”

Adolfo Cipriani, an Italian sculptor born in Florence in 1880, is known for his exquisite marble sculptures that bridge classical technique and early 20th-century stylistic shifts. Trained at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, Cipriani's work reflects the influence of Renaissance masters and the evolving art movements of his time, such as Impressionism and Art Nouveau.

Carlo Nason is an influential Italian designer known for his innovative and unique approach to glass and lighting design. He is a prominent figure in the world of modern design, particularly for his work in Murano glass and lighting fixtures.

Art Deco emerged as a lavish and theatrical design style that gained significant popularity in the 1920s and 1930s. It is characterised by geometric and curvilinear shapes like scallops, clouds, zigzags, sunbursts, fans, and steps, often emphasising symmetry to enhance the beauty of figured wood veneers, Bakelite, chrome, and glass.

Gigi Radice was an Italian furniture designer renowned for his innovative creations that combined elegance with functionality. His work emerged during the post-World War II period, a time of great change and creativity in furniture design, particularly in Italy.

Gaetano Sciolari was an Italian designer known for his innovative and artistic lighting fixtures that captivated the design world during the mid-20th century. Born in Milan in 1927, Sciolari initially pursued filmmaking before joining his family's lighting company, Stilnovo, in 1954.

Rouvière A Paris is a celebrated name in the world of horology, known for its exceptional clocks and timepieces that combine artistry, craftsmanship, and precision. The brand has a storied history that dates back to the 18th century when the tradition of fine clockmaking was thriving in Paris.