By Virginia Ewart | Clothing & Textiles Consultant, Bishton Hall, Staffordshire
Vintage and antique clothing and textiles are sought after at auction and that trend is only going one way.
As well as being a great hunting ground for rare items and quality designer makes auctions give caring individuals an easy way to own something different by breathing new life into pre-loved items. Recycling via auction is a perfect way to aid the environment as you can buy and sell without adding to your carbon footprint.
Consequently, 2023 was another great year for the textile department at Hansons’ Staffordshire saleroom Bishton Hall.
We sourced numerous rare and wonderful vintage and antique pieces including sought after designer goods – and bidders loved them.
For example, a covetable 1950s Horrockses dress with fabric design by Pat Albeck achieved £230. It was found in a suitcase tucked away in an attic. In addition, a beautifully hand-embroidered bedspread made during the First World War in 1916 was discovered amid a pile of linen. It sold for £250. And a vendor was over the moon when a stash of metallic lace, which they thought may not be worth selling, hammered at £440.
My favourite find of the year was a large collection of mid-century textile designs found in a loft when the vendors bought a new house. We split this into 20 lots and our favourite went for £700. Those incredible designs were worth every single penny.
The market for quality vintage fur remains strong with a 1960s leopard coat achieving a whopping £850 and a 1970s Canadian lynx going for £380, well above estimate.
Chanel jewellery wowed buyers with a Byzantine style brooch raising £320 and seller and buyer alike were over the moon with a Louis Vuitton Speedy bag that hammered at £420.
If you have any unwanted items in the wardrobe, linen box or loft entries are invited for the March 1 Fashion & Textiles Auction at Bishton Hall. To discuss a potential consignment, or to gain a free, no-obligation valuation, please email: [email protected]
Kenilworth valuation event
Textiles and fashion valuer Virginia Ewart and doll and teddy bear expert Janet Rawnsley will be offering FREE valuations on Thursday, February 8, 10am-2pm, at St Francis of Assisi Church Hall, Kenilworth, CV8 1HL. No appointment needed, just drop by with your item and, if you like the valuation, it can be consigned to auction on the day.
