A fine collection of antiques and jewellery gathered over a lifetime by a woman who served the town of Ashbourne is set to go to auction to aid charity.
The rich array of objects belonged to Margaret Ruth Broomfield, a former Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths in the Derbyshire town.
Margaret died at the age of 90 in December 2020 but her lifelong love of historical objects is set to help others. Margaret arranged for funds raised to be donated to Blood Cancer UK to aid research into leukaemia, something her late husband, Patrick, lived with.
Margaret was born in Ashbourne in 1930 and attended Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School. She went on to work with her father, Denis Jones. She supported him with court work, book keeping for local businesses, affairs relating to the former Ashbourne Building Society and registrar duties.
A member of the family said: “Margaret became well known in the area. After the death of her father, she took on the role of Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths in Ashbourne and continued to support a Derbyshire firm of accountants. She later moved to a small-holding near Tutbury with her husband and retired from registrar duties at the age of 70.
“Throughout her life she collected antique furniture, paintings and artefacts which brought her much pleasure.”
Antiques and collectables coming to auction include 19th and 20th century oil lamps; a mahogany wall clock by JW Shephard of Congleton, Staffs; a late Georgian banjo barometer; a George III oak bureau; a 19th century mahogany chiffonier; a 19th century sewing machine; Tutbury glass; a George III mahogany bureau bookcase; Edwardian mirror and period paintings including The Watermill at Osmaston Manor. A stand-out piece of jewellery from Margaret’s collection is an Art Deco-style diamond and 14ct white gold ring.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “Margaret had a wonderful eye for antiques. It’s a privilege to celebrate her exceptional taste and passion for historical objects at auction.
“I am sure many people in Ashbourne will remember Margaret. She served the town for many years and played an important role in community life. We are delighted to serve her family by managing the sale of the items she collected over many years.”
Items will be sold in Hansons Auctioneers’ January 13-18 Antiques and Collectors Auction. Catalogue www.hansonslive.co.uk or www.the-saleroom.com.
