THEN
33 years ago, February 1984
Iveagh contents
THE CONTENTS of Elveden Hall, Suffolk, owned by the Earl of Iveagh, will be auctioned by Christie’s at a five-day sale in May, when they are expected to realise more than £2.5m. There will be 2500 lots, including Chippendale period furniture, English marine and sporting pictures and Middle Eastern and Indian rugs and textiles.
NOW
Elvedon Hall was one of the major on-the-premises auctions of the decade and raised a total of £6m, more than double the figure predicted.
THEN
15 years ago, February 2002
Antique Furniture Index shows seven per cent rise for 2001
THE Antique Collectors’ Club have published the results of their Annual Furniture Index, which shows a seven per cent rise for 2001. The index now stands at 3575, its highest point ever, from a base of 100 in 1968.
NOW
Antique furniture did not continue on this buoyant trajectory. Instead the price index started to fall as values of traditional furniture decreased. Author John Andrews has decided that 2016 would be the final issue of the AFI. See this week’s auction reports on page 16.