Nice. Do you specialize in any particular era, say victorian or Edwardian? Any particular country?
Mostly from the Middle East. I love Persian and Arabic art. Mostly from mid-19th Century. Although I have one really old brush from Istanbul in the late Byzantine era.
They must be a sight to see! Any ivory or silver handled ones?
Yeah, I have two ivory ones. And not just the handle, the whole body is ivory too. I feel bad about owning them, but the carvings are so beautiful.
Nice to have it owned by someone who appreciates beauty. Persian and Arabic art is wonderful. Have you been to Persia (Iran)?
Not to Iran yet. It's a bit too unstable at the moment. But I've visited Syria and Lebanon and they have a lot of Perisan influence. Lots of great history and art there. But seeing Persia is one of my dreams!
Yes, so sad that people can't cooperate instead of fighting. Glad you got to Syria and Lebanon. Turkey is heavily influence by Islamic  art. Have you been there?
No, but it's definitely on my short list. I'd also love to see all the old Greek ruins around the coast. Such a rich history in that region!
And I bet you could get some great deals on antique hair brushes over there because of the bad economies. Know they have horse hair brushes. What's your favorite material for the brushes?
Yeah, they used come crazy material for the brushes over time. I've got some horse hair ones, but my favourite brush has - get this - shark's teeth for the brush! I think it was mostly decorative. Can you imagine what those teeth would do to your scalp? Maybe people were just tougher back in the olden days!