News in brief

Britain’s vintage boom

Research commissioned by Hiscox has indicated that 57% of people in the UK do not know the value of their vintage valuables, despite thinking that they may have increased in price. Books make up 39% of consumers’ vintage possessions, with musical memorabilia (33%) and furniture (27%) close behind.

“Vintage is an aspirational fashion that is growing not only in popularity, but also in what is considered vintage,” said Andrew Cheney, Senior Risk and Valuation Advisor at Hiscox. “The term ‘vintage’ makes an object stand apart from the crowd and reinforces its value if you can prove its provenance or association.”

According to Andrew, it is important to understand the history behind vintage items. “For example, the value of a vintage guitar is derived from its time and place in history,” he said. “I remember visiting one home and being shown a well-used guitar that the owner said was worth £120,000. He produced a photo showing a member of the Eagles playing the instrument, which proved its value.”