15TH JANUARY 2007
ANTIQUE FURNITURE ON THE UP

There have been so many tales of doom and gloom over the last 5/6 years regarding the market for traditional antique furniture. Prices for ‘brown’ furniture plummeted to such an extent that a 19c chest of drawers could be picked up at auction for a fraction of what it would have cost ten years ago.

Fashions come and go, and it would seem that the buying public are taking a greater interest in traditional and antique furniture. At least, this trend was evident at Richard Winterton’s important Lichfield Fine Art Sale on 4th January.

The furniture section of the sale included only privately sourced, (locally and from the south coast) and hand-picked pieces dating from the 17c to the 20c. The emphasis was on quality, individuality, all sensibly estimated in the catalogue. Room settings had been arranged for the viewing days and this certainly enhanced the overall appeal. These criteria paid off as all the Lots sold with some exceptional prices being achieved. There were bidders in the room and on the telephones as far away as New York and New Zealand.

Lot 409, a 19c Dutch walnut bombe bureau with fitted interior proved popular with trade and private buyers by selling for £3,000 to the former. Lot 436, a George III oak dresser base, (consigned from a distinguished local school) brought £1,000 despite poor condition. Arts and Crafts furniture continues in popularity and Lot 457, an oak dining suite with lattice back chairs sold for £1,800. Lot 437, an ornate carved historicist walnut console table which would not look out of place in a castle, generated much pre-sale interest. It eventually sold to a telephone bidder for £2,800.

The next Lichfield Fine Art Sale is in April and entries are currently being invited. Please contact your local saleroom/valuation office for further details on consignments on 01543 251081 or email lichfield@richardwinterton.co.uk