About Us
John and Linda founded Howard’s of Aberystwyth in 1976 where they specialised in antique English, Welsh and Scottish pottery from the 18th and 19th centuries. Their policy is to supply the best examples possible of antique English, Welsh and Scottish ceramics mainly pottery. There specialisations are focussed on early English pottery, Staffordshire figures both early and Victorian,Prattware including figures, lustreware and good examples of pottery from the early 19th century.
A large and quality inventory is maintained of English creamware especially undecorated examples. English slipware pottery and early examples of Wheildon and Wedgwood type creamware is also a speciality. John is always looking for the piece with that extra special something and strives to locate the best pieces of early English pottery.
They are always looking for that early antique pottery piece with the extra quality or feature and this care in their stock selection defines the nature of their inventory. John is an internationally recognised authority on 18th and 19th century British pottery. He is Chairman of the Ceramic vetting committee at the Olympia Fine Art and Antiques fairs in London, a member of the Ceramic vetting teams at the prestigious British Antique Dealers Association Fair (BADA) held in London, the Ceramics Fair held in New York and other fairs in USA and England.
In 2001 the antique pottery business was relocated to Woodstock near Oxford. Woodstock is only one hour from London and is an ideal base from which to explore for antiques in the Cotswolds cities, town and villages. The Cotswolds area boasts the largest concentration of quality antique dealers outside of London. John is Chairman of the Cotswolds Antique and Art Association (CADA) the oldest and regional art and antique association in the UK.With the move to Woodstock the business name was changed to John Howard at Heritage. Heritage is the oldest domestic dwelling in Woodstock built in 1495 it is located in the centre of the historic town, which is also the home of the World Heritage site of Blenheim Palace. The showroom is open 7 days a week 10.am until 5pm and 1pm until 5pm on Sunday. A telephone call prior to your visit is advised.
The Howard’s exhibits at the major antique Fairs such as the two held each year at Olympia London, The British Antique Dealers Association Fair at Chelsea and the New York Ceramics Fair in January. (See the Fairs Diary for details and complimentary tickets). They have also developed a direct sales and air freight service for clients in the USA and an over night delivery service for UK customers.
Over 38 years John and Linda have maintained and nurtured a high level of trust and this is reflected in the large portion of their sales which is made to past customers and museums. As a commitment to this policy they are members of the British Antique Dealers Association, which have a code of practice requiring a high quality of stock, and a depth of knowledge and integrity from member dealers.
All items sold are guaranteed for authenticity. A ceramic Search and Find service is also provided where every endeavour is made to find that specific item or figure. John is pleased to have contact with collectors who may wish to sell individual pieces or an entire collection.