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Artwork for Curious Objects

Curious Objects

The Magazine Antiques
Antiques
Antique Rugs
Decorative Arts
Ceramics
Collecting
Iberhart Secretary
Claremont Rug Company
Henry Sheldon
Middlebury College
Henry Sheldon Museum
Windsor Chair
American History
Public History
Beauport
Antique Silver
Lost and Found In Cleveland
American Folk Art
Art History
Toshiko Takaezu
Fine Objects Society

Through interviews with leading figures in the world of fine and decorative arts, Curious Objects—a podcast from The Magazine Antiques—explores the hidden histories, the little-known facts, the intricacies, and the idiosyncrasies that breathe life and energy into historical works of craft and art.

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes134Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Arts

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Artwork for Curious Objects

Latest Episodes

Host Ben Miller is joined by Dan Roche, author of Eyes by Hand: Prosthetics of Art and Healing to discuss a curious object that quite literally catches the eye.

Join podcast host Ben Miller in a highly engaging episode with investigative journalist Matthew Campbell discussing an Indiana Jones-esque heist that will have you on the edge of your seat all the way through.

We are joined by writer and Art History instructor, Rachel Churner to talk about the intriguing realm of reprints in a pre-online world. Host Ben Miller and Churner discuss the Yale University Library's “Beauties of My Style” exhibition in one of our... more

Join host Benjamin Miller in conversation with Andrew Brunk, Bert Parsons and George Manger at a special discussion about ceramics at Brunk Auctions.

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Recent Guests

Dan Roche
Professor and author of Eyes by Hand, Prosthetics of Art and Healing
MIT Press (author of Eyes by Hand)
Episode: The Glass Gaze - Learn about the history of the prosthetic eye!
Matthew Campbell
Investigative journalist and author of The Man Who Stole the Gods
Bloomberg (journalist background) / Author
Episode: The Road to Destruction - How one man stole the divine
Rachel Churner
Curator at The New School
The New School
Episode: Oops I Did It Again - Editing Errors in a Pre-Digital Print World
Bert Parsons
Collector featured in the episode, sale on Tuesday, June 23rd
Brunk Auctions collector
Episode: Curious Objects at Brunk Auctions
George Manger
Collector featured in the episode, sale on Wednesday, June 24th
Brunk Auctions collector
Episode: Curious Objects at Brunk Auctions
Anika Burgess
Author of Flashes of Brilliance, the Genius of Early Photography
Author, Flashes of Brilliance
Episode: Camera Ready
Verity Babbs
Art historian and comedian, author of The History of Art in One Sentence.
Episode: An Earthly Paradise
Melise Ozkardesler
Brooklyn-based jeweler and jewelry historian.
Moon Honey Jewelry
Episode: Have Hope Will Sparkle
Genevieve Wheeler Brown
Author of the book 'Beyond Blue and White, The Hidden History of Delftware and the Women Behind the Iconic Ceramic'
Pegasus
Episode: Something Blue - Delftware ceramics and the women who made them

Host

Ben Miller
Host of Curious Objects, known for guiding in-depth conversations with collectors, historians, and curators.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 290 ratings
  • Exceptionally beautiful podcast with exceptional content

    This podcast reaches out to the heart of antique and art lovers and fills it with everything we love: history, beauty, social history and relevance and a beautiful reflection of what these experts love and why. So happy to have found it.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Blackstormes
    Canada3 months ago
  • Developing “My Eye”

    “Curious Objects” has opened my EYE to other areas of collecting. I have collected for years in very specific, relatively narrow areas of collecting. I LOVE discovering that there are people collecting OTHER beautiful things!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    larrywjonestoo
    United Statesa year ago
  • Dave Pottery

    I was turned on to Dave Pottery in a museum in 2023 in So Carolina! I was enthralled!! I've seen it in two museums now. I adore Dave Pottery Including the pictures I took being in rotation on my E-picture frame. LOVE DAVE POTTERY.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LYJSOL
    United States2 years ago
  • Always Interesting

    Even when it’s a topic that it doesn’t sound like I would be interested in, the perspective, context and knowledge of the guests invariably make it a compelling episode. Top recommendation!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Peter at Hughes Auctions
    United States2 years ago
  • Delightful podcast with wide ranging overview of material culture

    Podcast Addict
    5
    N. Green
    2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise the show for making history and material culture accessible and engaging.
Many listeners share how episodes inspire new interest in collecting and museum-level history.
Audience notes the host's enthusiasm and the diversity of expert guests.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Glass Gaze - Learn about the history of the prosthetic eye!
Q: How did advancements in eye surgery influence the design of prosthetic eyes?
Improvements in anesthesia, antisepsis, and understanding eye anatomy allowed safer removal of eyes and opened up possibilities for more functional and better-fitting prosthetics, including techniques like enucleation and evisceration that created space for modern prosthetics.
The Glass Gaze - Learn about the history of the prosthetic eye!
Q: Is there a sense of uncanny valley in artificial eyes as they become more lifelike?
There is a balance between lifelike movement and the perception of reality; when eyes do not move, they can seem eerie, but as they gain natural movement and gaze alignment, they approach an illusion of reality.
The Glass Gaze - Learn about the history of the prosthetic eye!
Q: What is the oldest object that you personally own?
Dan describes his fondness for vintage bottles found in his backyard, noting they are decorative reminders of his archaeological digging rather than heirlooms, which contrasts with his professional focus on living ocular prosthetics.
The Road to Destruction - How one man stole the divine
Q: What was the first ancient object or artwork that captivated you?
Campbell recalls growing up near the Royal Ontario Museum with its vast, diverse collections, which sparked a lifelong fascination with ancient art and its stories rather than a single specific piece.
Oops I Did It Again - Editing Errors in a Pre-Digital Print World
Q: What unexpected source have you turned to for research in this exhibition?
Shipping guides and other non-traditional research materials were explored to understand how information travels and how errata can affect practical outcomes, such as routes in Wells Fargo's directory.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Curious Objects

What is Curious Objects about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Curious Objects explores the world of fine and decorative arts through in-depth conversations with collectors, curators, authors, and historians. Episodes center on objects with strong storytelling angles—provenance, market dynamics, craft techniques, and the social histories surrounding pieces from ceramics and jewelry to photography and furniture. The show often pairs intimate, personal journeys with expert analysis, offering practical takeaways for collectors, dealers, museums, and enthusiasts alike. A standout throughline is how context, material culture, and historical narratives shape value and meaning across time, making complex topics accessible and engaging for a broad audience.

Noteworthy strengths include a consistent host who g... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Curious Objects?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Curious Objects:

1. Antiques Roadshow Detours
2. Sidedoor
3. The Bowery Boys: New York City History
4. The Gilded Gentleman
5. The Modern Art Notes Podcast

How many episodes of Curious Objects are there?

Curious Objects launched 9 years ago and published 134 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Curious Objects?

Recent guests on Curious Objects include:

1. Dan Roche
2. Matthew Campbell
3. Rachel Churner
4. Bert Parsons
5. George Manger
6. Anika Burgess
7. Verity Babbs
8. Melise Ozkardesler

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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