Object of desire

Got a spare five grand? If you have, why not spend it on this marvellous nineteenth century hatbox (from Yale R. Burge Antiques)? It would be perfect for storing your top hat or bowler, or just as useful to rest a delicate porcelain tea cup on. I'm so inspired by the brass details and studwork: I wonder how difficult it would be to recreate this piece in modern materials? I think a trip to the craft and hardware stores is in order...

Victorian secrets

My partner recently confessed that he loves the kind of antique furniture with secret compartments, and so do I. Apart from the obvious use of the hidden cavities (secreting illicit love letters, or precious jewels), there is the opportunity to imagine all sorts of mischief that could arise from having access to one of these drawers. Of course, the ultimate secret compartment is the Bat Cave, or Thunderbird Island, but it's much more realistic to dream of owning a Georgian escritoire or cabinet.