It seems to have taken several lifetimes to get to market but finally John Rolfe Auctions are holding their next fine art sale on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd October. Entitled To the Manor Born, the majority of the sale comes from one large country house in Wiltshire.
The initial plan was to sell the contents of the house at the house with a big marquee on the lawn and a tea hatch in the porch, but as with all the best-laid plans this fell through and the complete contents of this vast estate arrived to two articulated lorries to the modestly sized auction house in Tetbury.
John and his staff have spent the last three months sorting through the contents and finding all sorts of treasures. So vast is the collection that the John has significantly expanded his premises, adding another saleroom on the floor directly above their primary showroom. Also, a large warehouse locally.
About the forthcoming sale, John says: “As an auctioneer one does not get the opportunity to offer so many quality lots this fresh to market; the former lady of the manor was an avid antiques collector and would spend her time at auctions and fairs buying with a well-tuned eye. To have those selected items here with me is an absolute privilege.”
John added: “I’ve been completely overwhelmed with how popular we’ve been both locally and internationally. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be offering 1,300 lots to market over two salerooms.
“Everything we do here is done with high standards and love. I won’t put a sale to market if I’m not completely satisfied that it reflects us and our core values.
“I must credit my incredible staff, Ali (saleroom manager) and James (junior valuer) who have both worked tirelessly to get this sale to market and luckily we’re all on the same page and they sometimes are still able to laugh at my terrible jokes.”
The To the Manor Born sale is being held Saturday and Sunday, 21-22nd October with a chance to view the lots on Friday 20th. Alongside this John holds an open preview evening Friday 20th, 5-8pm with bubbles and canapés and as always all are welcome.
Pictures and video by Matt Bigwood
