Let The Spring Cleaning Commence

Our premises may be closed in line with current restrictions but we remain ‘open’ for business in many other ways!

In particular, we are still welcoming photographs of potential consignments through our online valuation form. Some fine objects have already been identified, valued and consigned for future sales. “Although understandably we are unable to conduct person-to-person valuations at this time, as our Auction Room in Stansted Mountfitchet and our London and Hertford offices are closed, there is a lot our team can do based on a few decent photographs taken on a smartphone,” says chairman Guy Schooling. All online valuations are conducted free of charge.

We are particularly interested in hearing from the many people currently engaged in a good-old clear-out. Among the few positives to be gleaned from the ‘stay at home’ lifestyle is the opportunity to compete some of the tasks that fall down the list in normal times. “People up and down the country are filling their time in semi-isolation with extra hours of gardening, a spot of DIY and a thorough spring clean of attics and outbuildings. We want to hear from them” says Guy.

Sworders are no stranger to the spectacular ‘barn find’. Back in 2015, our decorative arts specialist John Black received a snapshot of just the underside of a Victorian octagonal ebonised table as it lay in storage in a barn. It was water damaged and not easily accessible - "I had to jump over two fences, shuffle past donkeys and then squeeze into a damp stable to see it," he said - but he knew immediately it was a rare centre table designed by architect Edward Godwin (1833-86) for Collinson & Lock. It later sold for £31,000.

_{An ebonised coromandel and inlaid octagonal centre table, designed by E W Godwin (1833-1886)
Sold £31,000}

Earlier this year furniture specialist James Pickup found a very early piece of English furniture in barn in Diss, Norfolk. A family of mice had taken up residency. The 15th century elm and oak coffer later sold for £3000. 

_{A large elm and oak coffer, 15th century and later
Sold £3,000}

Alternatively you can contact us via email at auctions@sworder.co.uk