Over the last few years Kitchenalia has become extremely collectable. Perhaps we are reminded of our grandmothers' kitchens and the smell of freshly baked bread and cakes. If you fancy doing out your kitchen in a retro style, there are plenty of utensils to be had at auction and on eBay and there is something to suit every pocket.

Recently, a bread plate designed by A W N Pugin (1812-1852) for Minton, was put in the auction at Christie's with an estimated value of £1,000 - £1,500. That may be a little expensive for someone who is just starting to collect Kitchenalia, It would probably be more sensible to start with Edwardian style enamel breadbins, that would probably cost you around £10 - £15.

Among the most popular Kitchenalia collectables are the jugs, bowls and rolling pins with their distinctive blue and white striped pattern, made by T.G. Green Cornishware, who have produced the Cornish range of blue and white striped pottery since the 1920s. Although it is called Cornishware, it has always been made by T.G. Green's Church Gresley pottery in Staffordshire, which dates back to the 1790s. T.G. Green products are still being made today.

Coal scuttles are also a favouite Kitchenalia collectable, as they would have stood in the kitchen with coal, ready for the kitchen range. Some coal scuttles would have been quite ornamental in in copper or brass and they can fetch as much as £400 - £600 at auction. Brass and copper are always a favourite collectables and you should look out for bowls and kettles.

If you are interested in Kitchenalia you should not forget the many cookery books. If you want to acquire Mrs Beeton's book on household management, the first edition would set you back over £500, but reprint can be had for between £30 and £40. Remember that each generation produces its cooks, and Delia Smith and Jamie Oliver will have the same nostalgic appeal as Elizabeth David has today. If you are collecting Kitchenalia you might be intersted in the early ads of Marmite and Oxo, as well as flour, salt and cooking fat ads.

What sets Kitchenalia apart from other collectables is the fact that these pieces were not made as ornaments, but as utensils to be used and it is therefore quite difficult to find pieces in pristine condition. Wooden pieces might be warped or bleached and brass and copper may well be scratched or dented. If you are collecting enamel Kitchenalia, you will realise how difficult it is to get a perfect piece, as enamel chips very easily. Therefore, if you are collecting with a view to the value of the piece, you should ensure that it is in tip top conditon. However, if you are collecting because you love the idea of owning a piece of Kitchenalia that may have been used by our grandmother or great grandmother, the odd chip or dent will not detract, because you are going to love the piece because of its connection with history.