JOHN BLY
The Bly family have been dealers in Tring, Hertfordshire, since
the beginning of the 19 th century. An ancient letterhead proclaimed
“John Bly – Antique Dealers since the reign of William IV”.
The grandfather of the present John Bly first established his own
business in the centre of Tring in 1891.
The present John Bly worked for four years at Sotheby's before
joining the family firm. He is resident furniture expert on BBC
Television's ‘Antiques Roadshow' since it started in 1978, and has
his own ITV programme ‘Heirloom'. John Bly lectures in Britain,
Europe and North America and writes for a variety of specialist
magazines. He has written and edited 14 books related to antiques
including ‘Discovering English Furniture', ‘Discovering Hallmarks on
English Silver' ‘Is It Genuine?' and ‘Miller's Silver and Sheffield
Plate Marks'.
His most recent is also for Miller's and is entitled ‘John Bly's
Antiques Masterclass' . In recent years John Bly has become an
acclaimed and highly successful Charity Auctioneer achieving
thousands of pounds -or dollars- more than expected for national and
international charities with his warmth and quick wit. From a
background of naval seamen, pottery decorators, horse traders,
fellmongers, American Civil War soldiers, priests, architects and
antique dealers, John Bly's life has been as entertaining and varied
as his ancestry. His in-depth knowledge, his enthusiasm and ability
to draw has made him a popular and engaging speaker and raconteur.
John Bly is a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, a
Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and was made Chairman of the
British Antique Dealers Association (BADA) in July 1999. John has
two sons, the fifth generation, in the business; Julian is an
interior designer and consultant, and James manages John Bly
Valuations and overseas operations.
SAMPLE LIST OF TALKS
(Note this is only a sample of available talks)
John Bly's Antiques Masterclass
John Bly brings to life selected passages from his recent book of
the same title and explains the concept behind the publication.
The Other Side of the Antiques Road Show
John discusses and illustrates how the experts recognise the
genuine article from the fake in the contrasting environments of the
television studio and one of England’s greatest Stately Homes, and
shows some remarkable discoveries made in both. - Includes
some ‘behind the scenes’ anecdotes.
The Antiques Detective
John takes you behind the scenes and explains some of the basic
rules on how to spot the furniture fake and the silver forgery on
both sides of the Atlantic, Western Europe and the Orient.
Forewarned is forearmed because it’s buyer beware out there.
The English Regency
Its Origins and Influences. John illustrates the style and
importance of this brief but exotic period, its ancient
foundations and its ever-lasting affects on all walks of life in
English and America. Later revivals of the style and how to
recognise them.
Dining with Antiques from 1600 to 1900
John describes the changes in eating and drinking habits through
the formative years of Western civilisation, wine and food related
antiques, what to collect and how to use and enjoy. Did they
really eat sixteen courses at dinner? and why is there no such thing
as a Lunch Table?
The Buyers Guide to Antique English Silver
John traces the development of the style, manufacture and ancient
hallmarking system of English silver and compares them to those of
Europe and America. This talk includes details on how to spot
the fake and is a must for the beginner and connoisseur alike.
The Buyers Guide to Antique English Furniture
John traces the development of the style, manufacture and
incorporation of materials in this unique guide to the financial and
aesthetic benefits and pitfalls of buying antique furniture. This
talk also details fakes and alterations. This talk is a must
for the beginner and connoisseur alike.
A Day in the Life Of…….
John takes you through a day in the life of a Georgian Gentleman,
illustrating the surprising similarities and the contrasts with life
today through the everyday objects once considered novelties;
today’s antiques many of which we now take for granted.
The Importance of Music in Design
The 18th and 19th century homes were rarely silent. Music in one
form or another was always to be heard. With a variety spanning the
spectrum of the performing arts playing in the background John Bly
takes us through the development of the Western European and
American Interior.
The Grand Tour and the first Great Collectors
John visits some of the ports of call on a Mediterranean Cruise
through the eyes of the 18th English tourist and ponders the affects
of their purchases on the English domestic scene then and now. This
presentation centres on the influence of Italian design both ancient
and modern (18th century) on the Englishman’s home, church and
municipal buildings. Also the easy way to spot the old from
the revival by means of simple drawings that explain the English
Italianate Regency.