Module manager: Dr Mark Westgarth
Email: m.w.westgarth@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The module directs critical attention to the history of the 'modern' antiques ('Decorative Art') trade, from its development in the early 19th century to the present day. It introduces some of the main themes in the histories of the market for antiques through a chronologically ordered and thematic investigation focused on key notions and practices, placing these into their social, cultural, economic and political contexts. There is a focus on the shifting meaning of the notion of 'antiques' and the development of related terms such as 'curiosities' and 'bric-a-brac', and more recent notions such as 'vintage' and 'retro'. The module introduces you to some of the most important dealers and their histories, placing the dealers into the context of the history of the market for 'antiques'. The module also critically reflects on the meanings of some of the dominant tropes associated with those that have traded in art objects, such as the consistent theme of forgery and fakes in the biography of the antique dealer, as well as directing attention to the portrayal of the antique dealer in both factual discourse and fictional representation (visual and literary). Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
To consolidate your knowledge of art history and museum and heritage studies through the study of the history and development of the market for ‘Antiques’ (Decorative Art).
To stimulate and develop further interest in the relationships between the disciplines of museum studies/art history/cultural studies and the structures/mechanisms of the art market.
To introduce you to some of the key notions, structures and themes in the development of the market for antiques, including the significance of agents involved in the market and historical and contemporary art markets.
Learning activities address these objectives through:
Seminar sessions on key themes in the module.
Typical learning activities may include a handling session and reflective critical discussion of visual and haptic engagement with ‘antiques’
An archive session where dealer archives are explored, discussed and engaged with.
A Q&A with a leading antique dealer.
On successful completion of the module you will be able to:
1. Evaluate and critique the history and development of the market for antiques (Decorative Art) from the early 19th century to present day.
2. Evaluate the relationships between the disciplines of art history, museum studies, material and cultural studies and the structures and mechanisms of the market for antiques.
3. Analyse the practices, roles and functions of the antiques market and antique dealing.
4. Apply object-based study to consider the significance of the relationships between objects, evolving discourses and the market for antiques.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Active learning: learning through practice, learning proactively and adopting effective learning strategies.
6. Communication: The ability to convey information clearly, accurately, and appropriately, tailoring your message for different audiences
On completion of the module students will have refined the skills necessary for the written and oral communication of information, and be able to demonstrate research skills and the marshalling of evidence to produce coherent arguments.
Specific Module Skills Outcomes:
1. Refined skills in written and oral communication.
2. Critical thinking skills.
3. Research skills and marshalling of evidence to produce coherent arguments.
4. Primary research skills.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminars | 9 | 2 | 18 |
| Practicals | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Independent online learning hours | 100 | ||
| Private study hours | 80 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students are given an extensive reading list, with suggestions for further readings. Students will also make use of the module content on Minerva and have opportunities undertake research on the history of the antiques trade and art market through the resources assembled as a result of the AHRC funded 'Antique Dealers' research project (project websites www.antiquedealers.leeds.ac.uk www.antiquetrade.leeds.ac.uk the archive of Oral Histories, and the antique dealer archive resources int he Brotherton Library Special Collections). The independent learning will ensure the development of research skills, the results of which are assessed in the module assessments.
Assessment briefings for both summative assessments and the formative assessment take place within the module seminars. Verbal formative feedback is given on the marketing assignment; group peer feedback, facilitated by module leader for the formative assignment (archive project).
The module also has an archive project as a formative assessment; students are taken to explore some of the antique dealer archives at the Brotherton Library, facilitated by the archivist and module leader. They then produce an accurate transcription of one page of archive and a reflective response to the archive material. This is then peer-reviewed by the students as part of a feedback session in the seminar groups.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Project | 40 |
| Coursework | Written | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team