A glittering chandelier connected to Derby’s history and music legend Roy Wood is set to light up lives at auction.
Roy, co-founder of the Move, Electric Light Orchestra and Wizzard and the genius behind the ultimate Christmas song I With It Could Be Christmas Everyday has decided to part with the historical gem at auction.
And that means it will have bidder-appeal on two levels, according to Hansons Auctioneers, which will be offing it for sale in May. As well as enticing Roy’s music fans it has historical pedigree too.
Roy, who lives in Derbyshire, said: “When I bought the chandelier, which was more than 15 years ago now, I was told it was Belgian and originated from the Midland Hotel near Derby Station. It was originally a five-arm chandelier but it only had three arms when I purchased it. I think that makes it look better and less clumsy.
“It was destined to be fixed up in the eaves above my landing but the design of the ceiling changed over time, making it unsuitable for the job. So, unfortunately, it stayed boxed up until recently.
“I’ve decided to sell it now because I’m having a bit of a clear out. It’s been hanging around in the barn unused for years, and it’s just in the way really. It needs a good home. I was going to give it to my daughter but she doesn’t have the ceiling height for it. One of the arms has
broken away and needs fixing, so whoever buys it will have some work to do.”
The light, which is 58cm in high, has been described by Hansons as an exceptional period piece. It will be offered by in the firm’s May 18-23 Antiques and Collectors Auction with a guide price of £400 to £600.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “It’s a beautiful item brimming with period elegance and historical pedigree. Derby’s Midland Hotel is the oldest purpose-built station hotel still in existence in the world and a grade II listed building.
“It was designed by Francis Thompson for the North Midland Railway and built by Thomas Jackson of Pimlico. It opened in 1841 as the Midland Hotel and Posting House. When you see this lavish, shimmering chandelier you can immediately imagine it there, lighting the way with elegance. In its heyday in Victorian England Derby’s Midland Hotel would have welcomed many important travellers.
“The chandelier’s been in safe hands thanks to Roy but it deserves to sparkle at the centre of a room again. Some bidders may want it for its historical pedigree while others will simply like the fact that it’s belonged to Roy, a man who’s lit up millions of lives himself thanks to his music.
“He is an exceptional singer and songwriter. His work dominated the charts in the 1960s and 70s and his music lives on today – especially that famous festive hit. If you gained his chandelier at auction it would probably feel like Christmas everyday!
Birmingham-born Roy had more than 20 singles in the UK Singles Chart under various guises, including three UK No. 1 hits. The BBC has described him as being “responsible for some of the most memorable sounds of the 1970s”.
He has also been credited with playing a major role in the glam rock, psychedelic and prog rock movements. In 2008, he was awarded an honorary doctorate for his contribution to rock and pop by the University of Derby. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 as a member of Electric Light Orchestra.
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