Mineralogical and shipwreck pottery specialist Carolina Valdés Vignoli.
1 How did you get your start?
I started buying and selling online, then in antique markets, and now I am doing art fairs in the UK and around the world.
2 What is one great discovery you have made?
A very large, one-of-a-kind epimorph amethyst resembling a kind of natural Art Deco eco sculpture. Epimorphs are a rare phenomenon that occurs where one mineral substitutes another. I’m taking it to LAPADA fair and I can’t wait to show people and see their reactions!
A large epimorph amethyst which Carolina Valdés Vignoli is taking to the LAPADA fair.
3 Something you would love to get your hands on – a ‘holy grail’ in your area?
A big sculptural pyrite formation. I found a home for one incredible piece and I still haven’t been able to replace it.
4 What is your favourite appearance of an antique in a film, book or play?
I like the book Dragon Sea by Frank Pope, which is about the incredible true story of the Hoi An shipwreck and its beautiful pottery, that I also sell.
5 Real ale or espresso martini?
A nice fresh fruity Pimm’s!
If you would like to be featured in 5 Questions, please contact francesallitt@antiquestradegazette.com
