Wrotham is currently undergoing a programme of restoration to bring much of its interior decor back to its original state and as a result certain items, many of them kept in storage and long surplus to requirements, are to be offered at Christie’s South Kensington later this month, on February 25.
For the most part these aren’t grand cabinetmakers’ commissions but more humble fare in oak or mahogany that might have graced the servants’ quarters; fireplace furniture that has since become redundant; other typical household effects and miscellaneous decorative items. As a result virtually all are to be offered without reserve and the “there to be sold” status is indicated wherever this is the case by the first line of the catalogue description appearing in red type.
The selection shown here is a typical slice of the 121- lot Wrotham consignment. The Victorian painted tin deed boxes are part of a group of 30 formerly housing archival material that is now in the process of being conserved in more satisfactory conditions. The boxes will be offered as one lot with an estimate of £800-1200. Also featured from left to right are: a late Victorian walnut and ash revolving bookcase with some restoration and losses; a Victorian oak davenport, with various losses (estimate £400-600); an early 20th century oak pot cupboard on simulated bamboo legs stamped Cowtan & Sons 309 Oxford Street, London 2366 (estimate £700-1000) and a late Victorian walnut easy armchair (estimate £300-500).
Affordable country house fare from the stately home storerooms
Wrotham Park, Hertfordshire, situated just 14 miles from Central London, has been the home of the Byng family for over 250 years but it is best known to a wider public for the starring role it played as the face of Gosford Park, the stately home in the eponymous Robert Altman film that brilliantly analyses the life of a country house above and below stairs.
