Hundreds of eclectic items from one of Derby’s most stylish Georgian townhouses have sold at auction – some for up to 10 times their estimates.
Bidders from all over the world wanted a slice of the decor style achieved by the artistic eye and antiques passion of Derbyshire’s Gail Brotherton.
The Belper-born woman lived at the Friar Gate property in the late 1960s and early 70s, creating one of the most stylish party venues in the city. It was the place to be seen, attracting stars of stage and screen.
The entire contents of the townhouse, which dates back to circa 1770, went under the hammer with Hansons Auctioneers (on March 30) and achieved a 99% sales rate. Out of 268 lots only three remained unsold. However, thanks to strong interest, post-sale agreements are expected to be achieved for these too.
The sale was managed on behalf of Hansons by valuer and auctioneer Isabel Murtough, owner of Isabel Murtough & Co. She said: “There were some astonishing results which surpassed estimate, and some bargains to be had as it was a no-reserves sale and everything had to go.
“Being Derby people my team jumped at the chance of handling the sale. We had always admired the property, particularly its unique balcony that overlooks the city. Stepping through the grand Georgian front door, we were greeted by a lifetime’s collection of antiques. The vendor was a keen auction goer, and it showed in the wonderful items on offer.
“Such was the volume of objects, it took three weeks of sorting, cataloguing, lotting and photographing. But that time provided a wonderful opportunity to admire Gail’s impeccable taste. The sale created a great buzz with phone lines booked and bidders online all over the world.”
One item which smashed its estimate was lot 6, a pair of Indian colonial silver spoons by Paul Orr & Sons, Madras, circa 1900. They sold for £580 from a guide of £80-£100, sparking an online battle between bidders in India.
Another gem to excel was lot 18, a Butler & Wilson articulated paste snake brooch. Though only costume jewellery, it made £230 from an estimate of £20-£30 after Isabel’s team spotted a royal connection.
She said: “We found a photo of Princess Diana wearing one like it and shared the royal link on social media. That helped gain interest. This could be the highest price achieved for this type of Butler & Wilson brooch. “
The originality of Gail’s items proved enticing and lot 95, a pair of 19th century carved oak panels, one depicting a Dodo and the other a Pterodactyl, reached £500 against a £40-60 estimate. UK internet and phone bidders locked horns to take it home.
Furniture proved popular too. For example, lot 31, a 19th Century mahogany three-piece salon suite achieved £460, quadrupling its £100-£150 guide.
Isabel said: “We had a lot of pre-sale interest in this suite. Buyers who came to viewing events at the property loved its shape. They also liked lot 158, a 19th century button-back fireside armchair with turned mahogany forelegs on brass casters. It achieved £420 from a £80-£120 estimate. Another item to exceed expectations was lot 211, a 19th century pine trestle dining table. It made £360 from a £50-£80 estimate.”
Mirrors proved popular with lot 206, a 19th century arched rectangular pier glass mirror, reaching £400 from a £60-£80 guide. Plus lot 36, a large 19th Century rectangular gilt gesso over-mantle mirror, made £320.
The quirky and unusual nature of many of the items won over bidders including lot 215, three cast iron 1930s Electric Street Lighting Apparatus Co lights. They made £400 – double their top estimate of £200.
Isabel said: “These lights were truly wonderful. When I first saw one hidden in a dark corner I thought it was a disco light! The patented mirrored design meant that light could be reflected off the mirrors giving a great glow in the street.”
The strong results continued with lot 102, a late 19th Century English School portrait of a woman and her dog, oil on canvas. It sold for £340 from a £40-£60 guide.
Isabel said: “This was the top-selling painting in the sale. We don’t know who the lady was but I think interest was generated thanks to her beloved dog who posed for the portrait with her. Two UK bidders fought hard online to win this lot.”
Other top items included lot 10 , a George V 1912 sovereign in a 9ct gold mount (£300); lot 85, a Regency rosewood window seat (£250) and lot 107, a pair of First World War-era Cavalry Officer’s brown leather riding boots (£120).
Isabel said: “This sale celebrated Gail’s extraordinary style and taste and helped put Derby style on the map around the world. It was a privilege to manage the sale.”
The Friar Gate Auction was held by Hansons Auctioneers on March 30. To find out more, email [email protected]
