Over 40 years ago, when living in the Bahamas, I fell in love with tortoiseshell. My family would comb the beach for shells and coral. I became friendly with a Bahamian who collected pieces of tortoiseshell which he would mould and shape into the most beautiful objects. In particular, I remember a brooch which he moulded to resemble an Hibiscus flower. I was enchanted and hooked.

On returning to the UK in 1972, I opened a shop in London on Chelsea Green specifically to buy and sell tortoiseshell. About this time, the turtle was recognised as an endangered species and a world wide ban was placed on the slaughter of these animals. As a consequence, no new tortoiseshell was available so I concentrated on acquiring and restoring old pieces, many of which had been neglected or damaged over the years. I sought after craftsmen who could repair by laminating and polishing the shell and who could revitalise what had been an unappreciated material due to its previous abundance.

Today, tortoiseshell has found its place as a unique antique collectable. Often it is found mounted in silver which will denote both the age and provenance of the piece. While there are synthetic imitations that will challenge the eye of the inexperienced, tortoiseshell can not be replicated artificially The collector will gain immense pleasure in seeking out examples of tortoiseshell beautifully crafted and if the shell is demi-blond or blonde in colour, the pleasure is all the greater.

I have broadened my approach in recent years to include other decorative items. In particular I have a range of arts and craft silverware and an eclectic collection of antique porcelain and glass. I was asked by a dealer recently in Portobello Road, "Christine, what do you buy?"� My answer was "well, to be truthful, I don't know until I see it."�