‘A picture is worth a thousand words’ (so the saying goes) and pictures can tell stories, put forth ideas, be full of meaning, associations and memories. They can be powerful, tranquil, uplifting; you can drink from the palette of bright colours through the dark dull days of winter until Nature once more explodes into its scintillating springtime array.

But for now, at the Salar, in one particular painting, the mood is more reflective as North Devon artist Shan Miller prepared for the coronation of King Charles III with a set of four new paintings of Queen Elizabeth II, each one telling a different story from different times in her reign.

In the one at Salar Gallery, entitled ‘Goodbye, your Majesty’, the Queen says a final ‘goodbye’ to us the viewers and ‘good luck’ to her successors while a brace of corgis come to take her to far-off lands. This is a thoughtful queen against a black background... But fear not, the Salar, as always is a treasure trove of paintings and decorative objects by Devon artists and makers, brimming over with bright colours and fine craftsmanship. Come visit us to see what’s in store…

Visit our website at www.salargallery.co.uk

Yesterday's offers a wide range of collectables and antiques with a good selection of Persian and ethnic rugs, vintage light fittings and pictures.  The outdoor courtyard has garden items, including various stone ornaments and pots.

The proprietor, Gil, previously had a shop for 10 years in Okehampton, but is delighted to relocate to Tavistock, where she has lived in the area for over 50 years.  She is quite happy to offer advice on personal items and come to view larger items at your home.

Visit us at 16 Brook Street in Tavistock.

Recently discovered by Eldreds in a local property is this wonderful pair of child’s Orkney chairs in fabulous condition.

The typical style using a hand-made wood frame with hand-stitched oak straw or sea grass seat and back, sometimes with hood, is synonymous with island life and was designed to protect the sitter from the cold in the draughty stone-built crofts and to keep the heat from the fire in. The seats were low, to keep the sitter away from the smoke produced by the peat fires and sometimes they included a practical drawer beneath the seat, if enough spare or driftwood could be found. The skilled practise of producing these chairs can still be found today, with each chair taking weeks to complete.

This pair is described by auctioneer Anthony Eldred, as being in “exceptional condition” and has a pre-sale estimate of £600-800.

The chairs will be offered for sale in Eldreds auction of Antiques & Art, Cameras, Lenses & Related Items on Tuesday 23rd May.

Eldreds Auctioneers & Valuers, 1 Belliver Way, Roborough, Plymouth, PL6 7BP

(01752) 721199, [email protected]

Visit us at https://www.eldreds.net

The May 27th auction at Chudleigh Town Hall should offer its usual range of good quality jewellery and luxury watches, but two relatively low value items hold great topical interest. 

A boxed Lesney diecast model of the Coronation Coach as used by the late Queen in 1953, will conjure up very recent memories for many of us.  The coupling to the coach is broken, but otherwise the model, known as the ‘large scale’ version, is in extremely good condition with paintwork appearing almost as new.  The estimate for this is a very affordable £50-75.  Inside, the Queen sits alone, but examples in which she is accompanied by Prince Philip, are of considerably higher value.

Similarly modest hopes are held for the pair of unframed Victorian black & white prints by George Hayter, depicting the Coronation and Marriage of Queen Victoria.  Each measures 22” x 34”.

A small group of Indian swords includes an 18th century ‘pata’ gauntlet sword.  Such weapons were used to great effect by infantry against heavily armoured cavalry during the 17th and 18th centuries. This example retains its original lining to the gauntlet, affording some comfort to the hand and is estimated at £400-600.

Visit us at https://www.michaeljbowman.co.uk

If your tastes run to collecting vintage toys and motoring souvenirs and collectables you can find everything from elderly but well-preserved Corgi or Dinky models to small tables sensitively adapted from Formula One wheel hubs at Ogwell Antiques and Vintage Toys in Wolborough Street, close to the clock tower.

Tony Hall has spent nearly three decades buying and selling vintage toys and motoring and motor sports memorabilia at toy fairs (including Newton Abbot racecourse), ‘swap meets’ and antique fairs in and around the West Country.

Tony’s interest in toys began with his hobby of collecting model trucks and he now offers ‘a good stock of quality vintage toys, motoring ephemera and motorsport memorabilia’ and fulfilling requests for non- stock items. 

He’s ‘always looking to purchase vintage toys and automobilia to add to his stock, regardless if the collection fills an attic or just a shoebox.’

Tony can be contacted on 01626 324805, 07973 740286, by Email at [email protected], or via the Web at www.vintage-toys.net And there’s the offer of a free tea or coffee with every purchase in the popular adjoining cafe.

IF you have stamps and/ or coins and are thinking of selling, then sitting in Ivybridge since 2005 is South West Philatelic Stamp Auctions, a friendly, family-run business who hold regular auctions seven times a year. 

Richard has more than 35 years’ experience in stamps and offers friendly, professional advice with stamps, coins, post- cards and cigarette cards. Richard says: ‘Sales are very strong at the moment so now is an ideal time to think about including your stamps and coins for auction.’ 

Their website also shows sales of stamps, singular and in lots ranging with sale prices from £25 to £9,400! 

They offer a complete service for valuation, including probate, and their advice is free. SWPA are clearly highly thought of as their website includes many glowing reviews of items valued, purchased and auctioned. 

The next auction is Sunday, June 25. Viewing on the day from 9am to 1pm. Con- tact Richard for more information visit their website https://www.swpa-stamp-auctions.com or call 01752 698089.