Hunting for Antique Household Items | England 

Bernadette’s philosophy reminds me of a William Morris quote…“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”

I swear, If all of us in the comments met, it’d probably result in the most beautiful, & passionate conversations about the simplest of things.

The idea of being a caretaker of items instead of a consumer is actually so beautiful and I've never thought of it that way

It is so good when someone on RU-vid doesn't just buy, buy, buy senselessly but advocates for conscious consumerism.

Your monologue about treating the things you own with respect/how everything “has an energy to it”/being a “caretaker” of the things you own made me realise how much people misunderstood Marie Kondo.

I like to 'think' I'm a minimalist and want a clean, peaceful space, until I go to an antique store, or thrift store or garage sale and I become an absolute crow trying to collect all the shiny, pretty things 😅. Thanks for taking us along on these little adventures in time travel

This was beautiful! The hair in the microscope reminded me of when I was a kid, helping my father do some remodeling in our ancestral 1790's farmhouse. We stripped down 100 years worth of wallpaper to the horsehair plaster and discovered a large crack in the plaster. Wound up and stuffed into the crack was a newspaper from 1906 with a mailing label on it addressed to my great, great grandfather. But the most spectacular part was the long blonde hair that I found twisted up in the newspaper, most likely my great grandmother's. Discoveries like this one growing up on our farm are what led me to become an archaeologist, and a caretaker of my own lovingly gathered antiques.

I should say: I have a soft spot for plushies. When I see them in second hand shops, very used and usually damaged, I tend to take them home and restore them. I can't hold myself. That left me with a lot of soft toys, so I decided it was time to pass them to kids that wanted/needed them. And I donated all my plushies to the daycare of my town. Now I know they are used, loved and they will have an impressive life. A second chance. So I love the way you think.

Classical musicians often feel that they are caretakers/custodians of their instruments. It's not uncommon for violinists to do their degree on a violini that they then retain for their entire playing career, before passing it on to a favourite student.

Bernadette: "I'm banned from buying candle sticks this trip. Hold me to that." Me, munching on chips: "I'll try, but... *gestures to computer screen *"

As a lover of tea, I've seen many a tea warmer, but never one this amazing! I can assure you that your excitement is neither unrealistic, nor ridiculous! THAT is an item that I would categorize as "I don't care if I have nowhere to put it, I'll FIND somewhere to put it, because I simply cannot live without it!" I'm so excited that you took it home!

“I like old things that time has tried, and proven strong, and good, and fine. I like old things, they have a depth unknown to anything that’s new.”

My grandfather who I’ve lived with my whole life passed away last month and this month I’m getting ready to move in for school. I’ve gotten my first apartment in the city and need furniture. My parents told me to take some of his things and I was feeling very down about it, even if I knew he’d want me to have them. But this video made me feel better about it! I’m carrying on the history of his items and I’m going to take care of them and treat them with respect. It’s much better than his stuff ending up in a landfill

I love how I could spot 3 candlesticks in the background when you said "I have a particular weakness for candlesticks" 😉

"why not play into the charade that there's actually something going on in that side of the room" is literally my motto for life.

I’m studying to be an herbalist, and Victorian apothecarycore is EVERYTHING!! 😍

My jaw literally hit the floor when you pulled up the microscope. As a student of both science and history, I was absolutely in awe of that lovely piece of history

Actually, this beautiful microscope is not missing a part. A glass slide goes under the clamps, and glass slides haven't changed for at least a hundred years. The hole is uncovered to let through the maximum of light. I am pretty sure (as I, or rather my grandpa, had a very similar one) that the optics could prove superior to a lot of the modern plastic lenses you find in USB microscopes.

There's definitely a level of appreciation for second hand things when you grow up poor. Even though I'm not AS poor as I was as a child, I still choose to look for previously owned things, because often they cost less and still work fine, it's just that someone has gotten bored of it and "upgraded".

If I ever found a kettle and stand like the one you have I would probably die. It is gorgeous AND functional! I wish my whole kitchen was full of copper pieces like an old estate kitchen.

I have a terrible weakness for old books, teacups/sets, ceramic/cast iron cookware…my very lovely husband takes me around “The Circuit” (what we call the small collection of antique stores within an hour’s drive) once a month and buys me all the little pretties that beg to come home with me. He calls them my Treasures 🥰🤣

I love what you said about being a caretaker of items. My grandmother has gifted me her china tea set that she got in Germany working as an army nurse in the 1950's. It honestly makes me proud to know that she trusts me with this precious gift because she knows I will take good care of them. In a more poetic note she also gave me her old bandage scissors and hemostat that she used as a nurse, and I currently use now working as an RN. Not to sound too sentimental, but it gives me confidence just having these tools that such a wonderful nurse before me used in her own care.

my jaw LITERALLY DROPPED when i saw the microscope 😭 as someone who loves science and old things, it is absolutely and utterly perfect

Your “caretaker” approach is so refreshing to hear. It makes me wonder if the heavy “consumers” are also the ones that adopt dogs and then dump them at the shelter when they require work/ are no longer convenient

Can we just stop a moment and appreciate Bernadette's perfect swirl of hair? We can and we shall.

That "I made a list... Actually, I ALWAYS have a list" deeply resonate within my own soul.

Bernadette: Head Steward of Used Magickal Items I have always liked historical clothing but historical objects haven’t always captivated me… Needless to say, now they do! My dad got me a pair of ~very fine~ pinking shears that in time will become a family heirloom. This video inspired me to be the start of their legacy!

I absolutely adore secondhand shopping because each object I pick out has to “speak” to me. It’s something rather magical about the object that draws us together, so I can become its caretaker

As a Museologist, listening to you go on about objects that have a life, caring for them and passing them forward is *chef's kiss*. I adore your perspective on history

What you said about being a caretaker of items resonates really strongly with me- and others, going by the comments! It's a beautiful and accurate way of putting it.

The taking care of items is exactly how I was raised and currently live. My grandmother gave my mother rag rugs that she made about 40 years ago if not more and they are currently in my bathroom and I will check them every year and mend them if I need to. Thank you for reminding me I'm not alone in that.

Bernadettes house is honestly like someone living in a museum like we all wanted to as 11 year olds after our first school trip.

Bernadette: "I'm banned from buying more candlesticks." Candelabra's on Mantle: "No! We... need more friends."

My grandmother passed along the same sentiment that you expressed: “Lovely things are meant to be loved.” What lovely finds! I’m so so happy you take such pleasure in them.

I love the idea of being a 'caretaker' of an item, and I've never thought of it that way before. The antiques I own have always stood out to me amongst all the other things I own, and I think it's because they have that history to them. They're not just some mass produced item that I bought for convenience, they are beautiful and have been used for decades and sometimes even centuries by people before me. Now I get the chance to love them as much as their previous owners.

I'm binge-watching all of your videos before my English literature exam so that I can write my passages more eloquently.

when Bernadette mentioned ‘victorian apothecary’ i realized that i needed that to be my aesthetic. i’m a sucker for old medicines bottles and other medical things.

Getting a thrill from finding second-hand/antique items that belong to us is so much better than the thrill of buying new stuff - while the latter is just empty, sort of weightless potential, the Old Things have roots and an actual history (even if it’s unknown to us most of the time), which is like a kind of magic. I also have a strange feeling with very old things, like they take some kind of weight off my shoulders, because they were here before me and might just as well be here after me, so they are making space for me in their lives, it’s not I who is doing that. Please excuse the philosophic rant, I feel very strong feelings about this.

I love the phosphoric acid vessel. I wonder how much she realizes she's literally demonstrating alchemy.

It is crazy and overwhelming that every bit of everything, spoon or blade of grass, has a back story. But it is also lovely. A person with imagination is never in want of a story to uncover.

plot twist: the items are once hers back in old days. time travelling means travel, in general, so you have to give up some things for a lightweight luggage 🤫. and now, she wants it back LOL.

I like this explanation of clutter bad energy being due to disrespect--makes a lot of sense to me. 💖👏🏽💪🏽

Bernadette: "I'm banned from buying candle sticks this trip. Hold me to that." Me: I'll try but who's gonna stop me from buying the candles.

Moving into my first own flat in a week and I am excited to bring some antiques into my space. There are two that I am absolutely in love with: One is an old Chinese tea box I got from a friend who had it passed to him from his late father. The friend does not particularly favour the aesthetic, but he knew that I love it and that I, being half Slavic/Tatar, am a biiiig tea drinker. The other is a wooden wedding chest from 1706 from one of my ancestors. She was the mother of the people who went to America and founded the American branch of our line. Being one of the last Germans of our line, this chest makes me think about all the people who came before and came together to, ultimately, result in me.

I'm SO glad the Little Lord gets plenty of veg!

your little monologue about respecting items and letting them "serve their best purpose" has me itching to clean this tarnished silver teapot i got from my nanna…

Do I sew? Do I craft? Have I ever thought about watching or having any sort of interest in historical dressmaking? The answer to all these questions is a flat outright no never before in my life, then I stumble upon this channel and I have been hooked and fascinated by the most amazing craftsmanship and skill that evidently goes into creating these beautiful pieces of clothing and I now understand why historically fast fashion didn't exist and why these beautiful garments are made to be worn for many years. Having watched many of your videos has been a wonderful way to pass the hours and I can honestly say that its been a worthwhile use of my free time because it has made me really think about my consumption of fast fashion and the wider implications that this modern phenomenon has and the fact that I could make a difference, usually I would say its pointless what can I do as an individual that is going to make any difference... but then I thought about being part of a mass movement of society doing their own bit is worthwhile and does have the potential to effect change. Thank you so much for the important message that you spread as you've had the ability to entertain,educate and inspire someone who isn't your usual subscriber viewer and that is something pretty impressive xx

This episode is my favorite episode. My first love was teaching. My second love was fashion. My third love was history. This episode, for me, was the culmination of them all. I feel like I'm taking a historicity class; and that is a high compliment. You speak with knowledge, eloquence , and passion. I want to develop that level of relationship with my belongings, and with the subject which I devote the majority of my time. Thank you!!

The hem marker brought back a flood of memories, of my grandmother who was a dressmaker, and had to return to that vocation after my grandfather died. Her dressmaking room had one of those, and I remember watching her use it when altering dresses. It was not far from her dressmaking form, which she named Susie. My grandmother was born in 1893, and I have her little leather notebook where she listed the items in her trousseau, all of which she made prior to marrying in 1915. I have a gorgeous piece of her wedding dress, a bit of the yoke, heavily embroidered and beaded. I worked it into the gown of my Christmas tree angel, whose porcelain head is made from her doll, and the rest from bits of lace and tulle from her inventory. I have a piece of an afternoon gown from the late twenties, an ambery orange silk georgette, with moss green velvet deco flowers. I intend to cover a lampshade with it, and I wish you were here to help me! Sorry to ramble, and thank-you!

Little Cesario munching on veggie scraps at the end was the happiest I've ever been watching an ad ♥️

Antique things (sigh)--they also inspire some memories. My stepfather's mother (born in 1909) had a (Singer?) sewing machine that looked almost exactly like your pedal-operated one, but it ran on electricity. She taught me most of what I know about sewing using that thing. And I wanted it. One summer, when I wasn't looking, she replaced it with a brand-new one that just didn't feel right. In 1978, I also briefly knew a lady deep into her 80s, briefly who made all her own clothes by hand. I was in awe: Small, perfect hand stitches on every seam, perfect details, all even on very fine fabrics. I believe she inherited some of her tools from her mother. I wanted those, too--but she took them with her when she moved to a senior citizens' residence.

OMG! I used to have that exact hem marker which I used on an almost daily basis when I had my couturier. I passed it on to a friend when I closed down who still uses and loves it. I hope that yours gets all the years of loving use (and then a happy new home) that mine did!

I so agree; objects/ buildings of the past absolutely have an “energy” and deserve our utmost respect. I live in a 600 year old cottage in the English countryside, and feel immensely privileged to be the “caretaker” of this slice of England’s history. Let’s hope that others, in centuries to come, share our passion for preservation!

"Building an estate" is how my husband and I refer to our acquisition of household items. We carefully consider if things are worth buying, based on the likelihood of passing them down to our kids, as much as need, and want.

Loved the whole video but seeing Cesario so excited for his vegetables and run over to the food bowl made me melt with happiness!

Thank you for making me feel better about my miss matched collection of china acquired from various female relatives. I don't have room for full sets, so I just keep the serving pieces--sugar bowls, creamers, covered bowls, gravy boats, coffee and tea pots. My mother called me a hoarder this weekend.

I'm so pleased that His Lordship Cesario received his own HelloFresh meal. THAT is the level of celebrity endorsement that has me ready to buy!

While watching this video, i was thinking about how this channel is sort of a moral guide to me. I noticed that since i watched the video about the ripoff of the medieval gown, i almost completely stopped buying fast fashion, which i never really thought about before. And now i guess ill declutter my room soon and start appreciating what i have more. I genuinely think this channel has made and is continuing to make me a better person.

I treasure the things I bring into my home. I look after them and as I age, I worry about who to pass them on to. Its actually nice to know someone else feels the same way. Things have energy.

'filling your space with items that have practical uses' My how life has been built around this Idea. I knew there was something special about this channel!

What some see as a "slightly idealistic approach" to consumerism, I just see as someone trying their best to be ethical to the best they can in an unethical system. It's kinda actually super punk if you think about it that way! Basically, Bernadette is an Edwardian punk is my thesis. Oh my lord, yeah, I can see why you were so excited about the last thing you showed! That's legit super cool!

Just a thought : perhaps you can gently sand the external layer of that chalk that has hardened with age to reveal softer, usable chalk underneath? As an avid antique collector I've done this a few times especially with hardened dry art supplies such as charcoal and it worked!

I totally get what you’re saying about special objects, finding homes for them, etc. you’re whole philosophy resonates with me.

I'd love to have a Victorian microscope! I study biology and we usually have a history lesson in each subject, but microbiology and chemistry antiques just have that charm that no other historic artefacts of other sciences have

I just love that you consider yourself as the caretaker of your items. What a lovely way to look at things. That teapot is perfect! As soon as you pulled it out I was hoping you got the stand too. I’m so glad we get to come along on your little quest to find items for your new home. 💚

It's rather brilliant how you use Cesario in your sponsorship sections to turn ads into adorable content.

Oh my! In older novels, some one is always making tea on the spirit lamp. Now I have a visual of that! Thanks! Also, for practical purpose items, I treasure an antique Staffordshire spill vase with three swans. Glad to have found the corner of the net that appreciates that way of thinking.

The cinematic frame ratio is :chef's kiss: and the haul is most amazing!!!

Estate sales are a very affordable alternative to antiquing if anyone here is on a budget and wishes they could have old and pretty things!

Fun fact: the ruins starting at 2:30 were actually a monastery that Henry VIII had shut down after his split with the Catholic church. They took most of the building apart block by block to use the stone elsewhere. Your explanation of how you see yourself as a caretaker of the items you acquire is beautiful and inspiring!

I am so inspired by your ideology of not consuming items but rather being the caretaker of them while they’re in your possession. I am an impulse buyer and I like to collect things (some may say hoard 🤷🏻‍♀️) so this is definitely something that’s made me reconsider that. I do love and cherish all of my belongings but I can definitely see how adding it to the clutter is disrespectful. Thank you for this insight!

"Here is a literal piece of history you can have"-- what an excellent and succinct way to sum up what antiques are and why they're so fucking cool, all at once.

"There is also that particular thrill of hunting for something that you know is not manufactured" just spoke to me! I just bought a 1947 McCormick-Deering cream separator for my small (goat) dairy. I've been searching for months and months for a cream separator, and two weeks ago, I finally found a complete one. Best gift to myself ever, hands down!

I have a weakness for tea cups. Going to an antique fairs feels like going treasure hunting. I love the idea of being a caretaker of items.

You are the consummate romantic. I appreciate the distinction you have made between being a consumer of things and being a caretaker. Thank you for your positive and refreshing content.

Your shopping vlogs are some of my favorites. Thank you for sharing why you love antiques and secondhand items so much as well as an alternative way to look at item ownership. It's very good food for thought. All of the items your got will make excellent decor, and I hope you enjoy them for many years to come!

Bernadette would be a great museum curator! As someone who works at an art museum that's exactly our attitude towards purchases and gifts. We need to know we can care for the piece before it is accessioned into the collection and recording the history of how it came into the collection is provenance which is extraordinarily important to telling the story of an object.

The outrage when you realise your parents have lived in Wetherby for 5 years and they never thought to mention there was an antiques fair

the way she describes owning an item is so beautiful

Bernadette, I love your purchases. I've spent countless hours in search of items I just had to have. Mainly sewing notions and kitchen tools. I always kept my sights finding Victorian buttons, which are beautiful works of art. I've collected so many items and now at the age of 75 my love for each item has not diminished and I even remembered what I paid for each, includes lace bundles, trims, tape measures. I even own a Victorian sterling silver cocaine vial. It never ends ...

There is just something about glass bottles that inexplicably brings me so much joy

I work in archaeology, and I really like the idea of being caretakers of objects. Objects carry the stories of previous people. There are pieces of pottery thousands of years old that have the fingerprints of their maker. It’s fascinating and beautiful to think of these stories and people from the past, consider your own story, and think of future generations through these objects.

You have perfectly captured the excitement and love I have for my authentic Edwardian Petticoat that I got for my 17th birthday. I absolutely fell in love with her, and still love and wear her to this day. (I've had her for just over 7 months now, and wear her often)

The sentiments in this video are everything. These are the same thoughts that pass thru my mind as I purchase items to decorate my home. Is it useful? Will it last a lifetime and can I properly appreciate it? What will become if it when I no longer have a use for it? You found some absolutely beautiful items and I'm genuinely excited for you!

I’m obsessed with chatelaines and think they should be more commonly used today! I currently have mine on my sweatpants as I sew a neck binding

The key to getting me to pay attention to an entire ad read is to include the "little lord of the manor." 🥰

Bernadette, you are quickly becoming my role model for how to resist modern consumerism, and it is inspiring rather than discouraging. Also, at 9:58, you prove that you really, truly are from New York.

I feel the same way about "things". I use antique and vintage in my home everyday. They are not only useful, made well but also beautiful. Everything was made to look nice as well as have a neccessary function.

this video was specially crafted for us with little crow brains that like to collect the most wonderful things

you can get the burner to work for your copper kettle. it needs a wick, and likely uses paraffin. Growing up my mother had one, which we used at teatime when we had guests.

My respect for Bernadette is over 9000. Ngl her philosophy reflects so much to Shinto philosophies I'm trying really hard to reflect in my life

The chalk should still work..m you just need to chip off the top layer. Also I get super excited when people visit York and the surrounding areas as apparently one of my forbares was a stone mason on York cathedral 😁

I love the history and story of old items as well. It's not that old, but I love thinking about all the meals my 1950s stove has cook, everyday meals, birthday cakes, Thanksgivings. For some reason this video also made me think of mudlarking on the Thames, which I have always wanted to do. Finding little scraps of the past that have been tossed away seems so intriguing. And that they can be as old as the Romans blows my mind.

That kettle caught my eye too - actually it was the stand that I noticed. IMO it's even more wonderful than the kettle! I can imagine the blacksmith standing at his forge hammering away to shape it. That would have come home with me too.

I like that you truly want to be a steward of still usable items, and you want to be a good steward and be able to pass them on.

It never occurred to me that one might be able to find copper cookware at an antique mall, but hey, foodies and chefs watching this video, go to your local antique malls and antique fairs! You’ll probably find some gorgeous copper pots and pans for your kitchen! Also I bet you could get that burner for the kettle to work if you used one of those butane/kerosene canisters that go under buffet trays. I assume that back in the day you’d scoop some coals from the fireplace inside and use that. And if you want to make use of your fireplace without lighting a fire inside, you could do what my cousins did and put a candle centerpiece inside and fill it with scented or unscented candles of your choice

I love Bernadette’s philosophy on us being the caretakers of the objects we own, particularly as it relates to the protection and preservation of our architectural history, whether it be the grandest of civic buildings or the quaintest of cottages.

this is one of the reasons I love the arts and crafts style of home decor: Function+beauty=the perfect home

I've just been repairing an old patchwork quilt from 50 years ago for my mum. It is a very important thing as her mum (my grandmother) got it as a wedding present, and she sleeps with it every night. Now I feel like a tailor! :D

Your philosophy on cherishing each item that you buy and use is SO incredibly refreshing and necessary in the modern consumerist world of Shein hauls. More folks should think about this with every item they buy!!!