June Barrett, who established the niche market sales at the Salisbury Salerooms in 1997, will work alongside cataloguer and rug specialist Ian Bennett at Netherhampton. The duo, who together turned over around £500,000 a year for their previous employers, say they received a number of offers to continue the sales but opted to remain in the Salisbury area at a site offering ample room for what is a space-consuming venture. A new storeroom is currently being built where lots can be on permanent display. Six sales a year are planned. Familiar faces at Netherhampton also include Phillip Rance and Bill Hoade, both formerly of Woolley & Wallis.
The first sale, scheduled for April 29 (it follows a more general sale of antiques and decorative arts on April 28), includes a c.1650-80 jewellery casket embroidered with Old Testament scenes. Measuring 9 x 8 x 7in (23 x 20 x 17cm), and superbly preserved in an 18th century carrying box, it carries an estimate of £30,000-40,000. Contact 01722 342044.
Textiles department moves from Salisbury to Netherhampton
Right: this 17th century stumpwork jewellery casket will be the highlight of the first sale of antique rugs and textiles at the Netherhampton Salerooms. The auction will be put together by the team responsible for the regular specialist sales at Woolley & Wallis – the only sales of their type outside London – that ended in February.
