The entire contents of a Georgian townhouse once viewed as one of the most stylish places to be seen are set for auction.
The property in Friar Gate, Derby, was a popular party venue for movers and shakers, including TV and film personalities, in the late 1960s and early 70s. They enjoyed its atmospheric rooms, awash with hundreds of eclectic antiques and collectables.
All were carefully sourced and artfully put together by passionate antiques fan Gail Brotherton. She created an ambience with inimitable style, a place to be and be seen, according to Hansons Auctioneers.
Valuers have spent weeks sorting through a multitude of items housed in several rooms in the large period property – including the attic – ahead of an auction of 300 lots on March 29, and bidding is expected to be strong.
SEE INSIDE – VIDEO OF THE PROPERTY
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “Gail’s impeccable, creative eye created quintessentially English style, and that classic interiors charm is the envy of the world.
“Some try to emulate it but there is nothing quite like the real thing. This sale will put Derby’s historical pedigree and sense of style on the map. British period interiors are highly desirable, particularly for Americans and Canadians. They like to capture that effortless chic.
“It is anything but effortless, of course. Gail, who loved to host parties, spent countless hours sourcing antiques and collectables to create a special ambience for friends and family to enjoy.
“When you walk through the door you can imagine the chink of glasses, laughter and conversation. Gail created a little bit of magic and the impact is worthy of a film set.”
Cataloguing has been under way for weeks and valuers have uncovered everything from 1920s street lights and a rifle from 1888 to First World War cavalry officer’s boots taxidermy and a quirky display of around 40 Chanel No.5 perfume bottles.
Everything will go under the hammer including furniture, lighting, paintings, silver, ceramics, miltaria, toys, a faux suit of armour, Chinese and Japanese jewellery boxes, stained glass windows, a spinning wheel and a Victorian grand piano.
Charles said: “Gail moved into the townhouse, which dates back to the late 1700s, with her husband Peter and their two children, then aged five and three, in 1965. Her incredible eye for interiors and turned what was already an historical treasure into a place awash with elegance.”
Gail’s son, Tim Brotherton, a photographer from London, said: “Friar Gate’s charm was due mostly to my mother’s informed, eclectic and diverse tastes. Her main interest was furniture. She spent many days in auction rooms in Derbyshire and London collecting pieces from different periods to decorate the house.
“Many luminaries and stars of radio, TV and stage came to the townhouse. It gained a reputation as one of the most stylish destinations in Derby.
“Among her coterie of close friends were Liz Calder, publisher with Jonathan Cape, and Maria Moult, wife of Ted Moult who was Brain of Britain and who also played the character Bill Insley in The Archers.
“The Victorian grand piano stood in the ‘Big Sit’ (reception room) as the family called it. Though no-one played too well, there would always be someone playing recognisable and loved tunes on the ivories.
“In later years, the grandchildren enjoyed the house for its magical atmosphere and other worldliness in comparison to their inner city lives in London. It became their playground and even now the family fondly discuss those halcyon days.
“My father was a vet and kept his practice, Brotherton and Christie Vets, on the ground floor of the house up until my parents’ divorce in1973. He then relocated the practice to South Street, Derby, where my mother lived until 2022.
“Friar Gate was a happy family home. My father worked long days with domestic and farm animals and yet managed to find time to play golf most weekends. My mother liked to socialise at home while taking care of us.”
Charles said: “This property is a Georgian gem and an absolute treasure trove. Some antiques may have come with the house. For example, a portrait of a woman in period gown is a mystery. We don’t know her name or the artist but can date the painting to circa 1840 thanks to the woman’s snake bracelet. Perhaps she lived there.
“A find with local connections is a ‘Woolley Codnor’ longcase clock (estimate £600-£800). James Woolley (1695-1786) was a renowned watch and clockmaker from the Derbyshire village of Codnor.
“Perhaps the most unexpected find, made in the attic, was an Enfield rifle from 1888. These magazine-fed repeating rifles served as the main firearm of the military forces of the British Empire and Commonwealth. It was the British Army’s standard rifle from its official adoption in 1895 until 1957, making this example extremely early.
“Gail doesn’t throw anything away. We opened drawers to find countless Christmas and birthday cards plus copious letters, some thanking her for those fabulous parties.”
The Friar Gate Auction will be held on March 29. Catalogue due live March 15: www.hansonslive.co.uk. To enquire about house clearance/downsizing, or to book a free antiques valuation, email [email protected] or call 01283 733988.
