I vividly remember as a little girl I was absolutely fascinated by my Nan's 'Napoleon Hat' clock, and when I was saving for my bottom drawer years later, she gave it to me.  Similarly, I loved to touch my other Nan's cut glass dressing table set, which was embellished in red and gold. On hindsight I doubt either of them would be classed as a real 'find' now but that didn't matter - they were 'old' and to me they were exquisite.  There lay the humble beginnings of a 'born' collector!

Through no fault of my own it was a while before my tastes developed. but in my 30's, as a single mum of 3 boys, I was like a woman obsessed, or more accurately 'unfettered'.  Given the choice, my time would be spent browsing around the antique fairs. Anyone will understand the frustration of having no money when surrounded by such lovely things, but I didn't let that stop me and I often paid in installments for a piece I could not live without.  Back then I tended to focus on anything from French walnut bedroom furniture, Chester silver, Victorian lace, 50's Worcester children (I still adore these), as well as sepia coloured etchings. My 'good eye' was fully developed by now!

It's funny how your tastes change though, or perhaps taste is the wrong word, as I'm still loyal to all the aforementioned but you can only buy so many French beds in one lifetime. Similarly, I've got a black bin liner full of antique lace, and what do you do when your walls are already full?  I couldn't possibly just stop collecting - ask any other 'obsessive-compulsive'- I simply need another outlet from which to express myself.

I'm sure lots of you can remember when and where you discovered your first Radford pot.  Believe it or not I bought mine 11 or 12 years ago from a tiny St.John's Ambulance hut during a visit to Ambleside in the Lake District.  This hut was fairly secluded at the top of some stone steps and was opposite the Salutation Hotel.  It was only by chance that I had seen it advertised the day before - doesn't bear thinking about really!

I sometimes wonder whether I am too closeted with my Radford - be honest, hands up how many of you have actually bought your kitchen tiles to match your favourite pots?  Seriously now, regardless that a friend developed a nervous 'tic' whenever she went near my Tree pocket and trefoil dish, I saw some lovely and more varied collections than mine at the last meet.  Then again I have diversified slightly, in that I also collect the different coloured backgrounds - it really doesn't do to rush these things!

Like many of you no doubt, I have occasionally trimmed down my collection. As I am such a sincere thoughtful and considerate person I have given many of my later pieces of anemone to a good friend for her birthdays, etc.  Despite my generosity, she has the audacity to admit that she finds my early pieces of primula 'aesthetically pleasing' and like me, she loves to stroke them, strange breed aren't we?  I think she is holding out for a Burslem piece and she particularly likes my large green and yellow jug with a green background - I said I was thoughtful, I never said I was insane!