Celebrating Georgian Heritage

Sworders is delighted to be partnering with The Georgian Group for a special fundraising auction taking place early in the new year, celebrating Britain’s Georgian heritage and supporting its continued preservation.

The auction – to be held as a timed online sale running from Monday 5 to Sunday 25 January 2026 – marks a significant collaboration between Sworders and The Georgian Group, reflecting a shared dedication to celebrating, appreciating and protecting the artistic and architectural achievements of the Georgian period.

^{A private tour of the magnificent Inveraray Castle (estimate £400-600)}

Curated by Sworders’ Chairman, Guy Schooling, the sale will feature items generously donated by Georgian Group members, collectors, and institutions. Highlights include the chance to bid for a private tour and afternoon tea at the spectacular Inveraray Castle in Scotland; a round of golf for four at the Woburn Golf Club's exclusive championship course; a professional painting of your home or favourite building by established artist Roy Fraser; and a remarkable selection of 18th-century architectural engravings, paintings, furniture, books, and more.

Proceeds from the auction will go towards The Group’s conservation and education initiatives, supporting their vital advisory role in protecting 18th- and early 19th-century buildings across Britain. Funds will also contribute to the refurbishment of the Group’s Fitzroy Square headquarters, a distinguished Palladian set piece designed by the Adam brothers in 1792, and to nationwide outreach and educational programmes marking the charity’s 90th anniversary in 2027.

Sworders is waiving all selling costs for the event – with no vendor’s commission and no buyer’s premium – ensuring that every pound raised goes directly towards supporting The Georgian Group’s vital work.

An exhibition of selected lots will be held at Sworders’ Cecil Court Gallery in London from Tuesday 6 January, offering collectors, members and friends of both organisations an opportunity to view the highlights in person.

^{A pair of St Louis 'Eglantier' glass vases, c.1900, French (estimate £300-500)}

Sworders’ Chairman Guy Schooling comments: 

'We are thrilled to support The Georgian Group in this important initiative. So many of the works of art that pass through Sworders are rooted in the Georgian era or inspired by it. This auction offers a unique way to celebrate that legacy while contributing directly to its preservation.'

^{A professional painting of your home or favourite building by established artist Roy Fraser, illustrated is a commissioned work of Albany Piccadilly, Pencil and Watercolour on Cotton, A3 Unframed 2024 (estimate £600-1,000)}

Dr Anya Lucas, Director of The Georgian Group, added: 

'This collaboration with Sworders is an inspiring way to raise funds for our ongoing conservation work and for the restoration of our Fitzroy Square home. As we approach our 90th anniversary in 2027, it is heartening to see the enthusiasm shared by collectors and supporters in helping us safeguard Britain’s Georgian heritage for the future.'

The Georgian Group was founded in 1937 in response to growing threats to Georgian architecture. Among its early champions were Sir John Betjeman, Sir John Summerson, James Lees-Milne, Christopher Hussey, Albert Richardson and Trystan Edwards - names synonymous with Britain’s architectural preservation movement. Today, the Group continues its vital role as a statutory consultee in the planning system, providing expert advice and promoting understanding of the Georgian era through its lectures, publications and events.

Together, Sworders and The Georgian Group invite collectors, enthusiasts and heritage supporters to join them in celebrating the artistry and vision of Britain’s Georgian age - and in helping to ensure its treasures endure for generations to come.

The Georgian Group | Charity Auction

Monday 5 January - Sunday 25 January 

guyschooling@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

AUCTION REMINDER