In late October and early November 2022 our director and auctioneer Hannah Clayton Atkin took an 'Antiques Road Trip' to the UK, visiting a variety of auction houses, antique shops, historic buildings and museums. She shared her thoughts, the sights and the interesting finds from her trip on the Swan Deverell social media pages. Here are the few of the highlights:
The Cathedral Church of All Saints, Derby
The interior of Derby Cathedral (my home town) was redesigned in a Neoclassical style in 1725. It has such a lovely lightness to it.
Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
Known as the 'un-stately home', Calke Abbey presents as a country house in a state of decline. The rooms were preserved by the National Trust in the way they were found in 1985, and it offers a fascinating insight into the complex history of these large estates during the 20th century. This is my favourite of all the National Trust properties as it feels so real. It lacks the 'Downton Abbey' gloss, and you can sense the almost desperate circumstances of the owners in the later years.
The Museum of Making, Derby
The Museum of Making (also known as the Silk Mill) is part of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s first modern factory. Now an award winning museum there are 30,000 objects on display to the public.
As a trained museum curator, I found 'The Assemblage' open museum store, where collections are grouped by the materials they are made from, very engaging. It is an innovative way of making normally inaccessible items available to view.
Heritage Antiques and Collectables, Cromford Mills
Built in 1771, Cromford Mills is the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill and a cornerstone of the Industrial Revolution. It is now part of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site. I really enjoyed hunting through the well presented and well priced treasures in this important historical setting.
Derwentside Shopping Mill, Belper
Derwentside Shopping Mill is a large 4 storey Victorian mill, situated in the market town of Belper in the heart of Derbyshire. Home to over 30 antique dealers. Wonderfully atmospheric location coupled with excellent visual merchandising. An absolute treat.
Charterhouse & Court Cottage, Dorset & Somerset
I spent a lovely couple of days in Sherborne, Dorset, home of Charterhouse Auctioneers and Valuers. I was lucky enough to stay in a beautiful 300 year old cottage in the grounds of a manor house near Yeovil, Somerset.
Sherborne Abbey, Dorset
Wonderful honey coloured tones in the stone of Sherborne Abbey. Founded by St. Aldhelm in AD 705, it has been a Saxon cathedral (705–1075), a Benedictine abbey church (998–1539), and since 1539, the parish church of Sherborne.
Sherborne Antiques Market
Home to over 40 dealers including Paul Atterbury (Antiques Roadshow), Debbie Serpell (Dickinson’s Real Deal), and Tim Medhurst (Antiques Road Trip).
Purton Ships' Graveyard, Gloucestershire
Boats and ships were deliberately beached here in the 1950s to reinforce the river banks. The site is the largest ship graveyard in mainland Britain and several barges are included in the National Register of Historic Vessels.
Ending with peaceful moment watching the boats glide past on the Gloucester and Sharpness canal.
More photos can be found on our social media pages.