A wealth of shimmering lights to make Christmas sparkle are set for auction in a glowing tribute to one of Derby’s best-known entrepreneurs.
Some 140 lights, including glittering chandeliers worth tens of thousands of pounds, will go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers due to the closure of a Derby institution – Oberoi Brothers Lighting of Mackworth.
Individuals could bag a prestigious bargain as some of the exquisite lines, valued at £250,000 in total, will be offered in an online-only auction on November 25 at 4pm – with no price reserves.
The showroom was a staple of city life for around 50 years thanks to the entrepreneurial efforts of Dayal Oberoi, a much-loved figure in Derby’s business community. He founded the lighting business in the late 1960s and opened the showroom in 1974. He worked tirelessly with his son Deven Oberoi to build a thriving business.
Sadly, Mr Oberoi passed away in June 2022 at the age of 83. Consequently, the showroom, said to house the biggest lighting collection under one roof, is set to close. However, Mr Oberoi’s sparkling impact will never be forgotten.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “Thanks to Mr Oberoi’s dedication and hard work, lights purchased from Oberoi Brothers Lighting have lit up thousands of lives in Derbyshire and beyond. Thanks to this unique sale a mesmerising array of quality items will light up even more lives. If you want a statement piece in time for Christmas, this sale is a must.
“Oberoi Brothers Lighting was always the place to go to find quality, good service and a fantastic choice. It was an exceptional retail outlet. It is extremely sad the showroom has to close but it will be lights on one last time to honour Mr Oberoi and illuminate fond memories of him.
“The auction offers 140 dazzling lots including outstanding crystal chandeliers, lamps and furniture. Bearing in mind the sheer quality of the lighting on offer, this sale offers a unique opportunity to buy a statement piece at a bargain price. Lucky bidders could snap up a chandelier worth £9,000 for a fraction of its retail price.”
Items up for auction have recommended retail prices ranging from £120 to £9,000. Top lots include a Swarovski Austrian Strass 12-light crystal chandelier, RRP £9,000; a five-light Schonbeck crystal chandelier, RRP £3,000 and a Swarovski Austrian Strass 32-light boat chandelier with gold-plated frame, RRP £8,900. At the lower end of the spectrum, a three-armed brass-plated chandelier with acid-ribbed glass shades has a retail price of £119.85.
Deven Oberoi, 55, who ran the business with his father for 30 years, said: “I am delighted to be working with Charles Hanson to bring this auction to the market in memory of my father and his passion for lighting. He would have wanted homes to be lit up with this prestigious collection.”
Deven’s wife, Derbyshire entrepreneur Kavita Oberoi, added: “Every single lot is a reminder of the style, passion and charisma of my late father-in-law.”
Charles said: “It is a privilege to bring this collection to auction. I very much hope to do justice to Mr Oberoi’s memory as his family come to terms with his loss.”
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How to view the collection
The Oberoi Brothers Lighting Collection will be offered on November 25 in Hansons Auctioneers’ November 22-25 Antiques and Collectors Auction.
Members of the public wishing to view items prior to the online sale can make an appointment to visit Oberoi Brothers Lighting showroom, 29 Humbleton Drive, Derby DE22 4AU. Appointments can be made by calling 01332 341027.
VIEW THE COLLECTION (LOTS STARTING AT 4001)
The collection can be viewed online at catalogue/bidding platforms: www.hansonslive.co.uk or www.the-saleroom.com.
To find out more, email [email protected].
Any remaining lights will be donated to charity by the family.
