Antiques/Distance Learning

balabooberlies

Hello

As I have decided that this IS going to be my year am looking once again at a course that I have been eyeing up for years. 'Antiques' by Regent Academy. Distance Learning. About £400.00 but I can get a discount. The content seems comprehensive but I do understand that it's just a starting point. I think I would respond well to something this concise.

My question is.........has anyone dealt with this 'school' and if so how did they get on ?

And for any antique experts, am aware it can take a lifetime to become a profficient dealer and as I am a little long in the tooth......have no expectations. It's more for knowledge, understanding periods, being able to recognise more. If I were to do anything my passion at the moment is Art Deco and the Art Nouveaux. And has been for a very long time. I just want to open my mind a little more.

Please excuse all spelling mistakes.

Many Thanks

Bala

unrecordings

No idea who these people are, so couldn't really comment other than make sure they're covering the period(s) you're interested in. I'd consider getting a grounding in art history so you can put the 'antiques' in context. The Story Of Art by EH Gombrich is the reference work covering pre-history up to 20th Century if you need that

VfM4meplse

OP, I think you're right to ask the question. The first thing I would want to know is whether there is any accreditation attached to this course from a professional body / HEA.

There are so many unregulated cowboys out there these days and £400 is a lot of money, even if you get this price discounted. The word concise does not marry up with £400 in my mind, so I would make sure you are satisfied that whatever you pay will offer you good value for money. A simple comparison would be with evening classes - a 10 week course is usually around £200, ie £20 for a 2 hr session.

Katiehound

Yes, I've actually done the course! maybe 20 years ? ago.

It was very interesting covering various periods in history with significant styles in furniture, glassware etc etc. I did it more for interest than anything else. I don't think there was anything other than a certificate to say that you had passed the course. Each section required a written answer- para per question which was the marked, graded and returned. (As per distance learning such as OU)
I remember borrowing a friend's set of Encyclopedia Brittanica to research and find the answers.

In the past they also had interior design courses some of which led to a City & Guilds certificate.

Hope that helps

Gers

There are many free online courses which may help. For instance https://www.futurelearn.com/ and the ones from the OU.

£400 seems pricey for a non-certificated course.

balabooberlies

one and all.................

Because of all your input I went on a fabulous journey so here goes.....

Katie, yes, very helpful, thank you. They have been going for a long time and I have been thinking about this course for years. The only problem is the cost.

Unrecording, I joined the library yesterday. My main library is too far away and in a town I avoid, too many people. The tiny weeny library down the road I erroneously thought belonged to the college as it is part of their building but found out yesterday that it is a public library. Their selection is minute but you can order books from a host of other libraries. I went to see if I could find the book you mentioned. Will have to order that but did find a book on William Morris and Fortuny that looks interesting. To cap it all they host a film club so am going to see 'The Favourite' on Saturday afternoon for the princely sum of £1.50 !

Gers, what can I say ? Who knew that there were so many free courses online. Think I am booked up for the year. Well, I will be when I make up my mind as to where to start. I wanted this year to be about learning new things so thank you for the link.

I then googled for free courses on Art History and Antiques. Didn't find anything but low and behold Oxford University do online courses for a fee of approx £280.00...........to have the CATS accreditation it is an extra £10.00..........

So, lots to think about......... In the meantime.............

Many Thanks

Bala

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