The contents of a magnificent 19th century Derbyshire hall are coming up for auction giving people the opportunity to inject some country house grandeur into their lives.
Silver, paintings, early maps, porcelain and furniture from atmospheric Hallfield Hall, a period property tucked away in rolling countryside five miles north of Alfreton, will be sold this summer at Derbyshire’s Hansons Auctioneers.
And Adrian Rathbone, associate director at Hansons and the man overseeing the sale, says it offers people a rare opportunity to enhance their homes with items of quality and historical value.
He said: “Anyone who has ever fancied the life of a country gentleman or lady can now snap up something with this genteel pedigree and make it their own.
“Key items of furniture in the sale include a vast Regency design mahogany triple pedestal dining table, Chippendale design chairs and Regency period sideboard.
“There are some good paintings, too, including two vast 19th century oils, one of a Highland scene by Leslie Smythe, the other a genre study by Godfrey Hindley (fl.1876-1914).
“There are also numerous items of Royal Crown Derby and other porcelain, silver and even a collection of early maps which once hung in the billiard room.”
Mr Rathbone pointed out that sales like this were not commonplace: “Long gone are the days where an auctioneer had the pleasure of holding a country house sale on a regular basis. Times have changed but they still do occasionally come up.
“We successfully handled the contents of The Old Castle at Studley last year and aim to repeat that success this summer. The owners have cherished their possessions for many years and are hoping to find new homes for them where they continue to be appreciated.”
The principal contents of Hallfield Hall will be offered in Hansons’ Summer Jewellery, Silver and Fine Art Auction at the firm’s saleroom in Heage Lane, Etwall, which runs from June 28-30 and on July 2 with further contents appearing in Hansons’ monthly auctions.
People are free to browse the hall’s contents in advance by attending preview events at the Etwall auction house on Sunday June 24, 2-4pm; Tuesday June 26, noon-4pm; Wednesday June 27, 11am-7pm; Thursday June 28, 11am-6.30pm (drinks and canapes, 5-6.30pm); Friday June 29, 9am-10.30am; Saturday June 30, 9am-10.30am and Monday July 2, 9am-10.30am.
Do you have any items suitable for inclusion in this prestigious auction? Hansons is currently inviting further entries of fine jewellery, watches, silver, European/Oriental ceramics, glass, works of art, paintings, Derbyshire art, clocks, furniture, books and maps. Entries close June 1.
