Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Antique treasures from the attic evoke spirit of gracious living

Monday 13 May 1996 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A long-forgotten cache of antiques found in the locked attics of an Elizabethan country house in Sussex exceeded all expectations at auction yesterday, writes Marianne Macdonald.

More than 400 pieces of silver, glass and furniture - as well as the dressing-up box pictured above - were snapped up in ferocious bidding during the two-day sale at Parham Park, Pulborough, with another 500 to go under the hammer today.

Such was the interest that before the end of yesterday's auction it had racked up sales of more than pounds 777,000 - already more than the total expected to be achieved in both days of the sale.

The antiques stayed wrapped in newspaper or buried in tea chests for decades. These include a collection of Walter Crane table linen, magnificent silver services and candelabra.

The most amazing price achieved was for a pair of George II gilt- lined double spice boxes engraved with royal monograms. Estimated at up to pounds 10,000, they sold for pounds 117,000.

The auction is aimed at securing the future of the house and gardens.

Photograph: Dillon Bryden

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in