Peter Crofts was a big man in many senses of the word. Broad and above average height, with thick white hair and clear penetrating eyes, he cut an imposing figure. Above all, he was a big man in terms of his courage, spirit and determination to make the most of life.
Peter was born in Elm, a small village south of Wisbech in Cambridgeshire. His parents were well-known professional farmers and Peter joined the family firm, where he remained active until his death.
After leaving Wisbech grammar school, he volunteered to serve in the Fleet Air Arm and subsequently went to the USA as part of the Admiral Tower Scheme, to train as a pilot.
Peter and Pat Crofts
He gained his wings at Corpus Christi Air Base in Texas. On 25 March 1945, a month and a day before his 21st birthday, the engine of his Corsair F4U failed during take-off, crashed and burst into flames, leaving Peter severely injured. He spent the next three and a half years in hospital. In his own words ‘on April 25th, surgeon Sam Stabins came to see me and told me he would have to amputate both my feet… it sounds better than legs. I spent the 26th April, my 21st birthday, with no legs’. The care he received forged a great love of America and many lifelong friendships.
In 1948 Peter met Major Bernard Edinburgh of Stamford, a well-known and knowledgeable antique dealer who took him under his wing and encouraged him to set up and trade himself. In 1950 he married Pat, who shared his love of antiques. In 1958 Peter was elected a member of the British Antique Dealers Association, whom he served for the following forty years.
Despite his disability, he was a keen sailor, greatly enjoying time on his boat ‘Amity’, an eighty-eight year old clinker-built Norfolk beach boat. He was also a trustee and generous benefactor of the Fenland Museum.
Set to headline our upcoming auction 'Ken Bolan | Nature Follows Form' on 24 September is The Monkey and the Dolphin, a striking mosaic panel carefully crafted by Dame Elisabeth Frink (1930–1993).
6 August 2025
Soon to be featured in our upcoming Fine Interiors auction on 16 & 17 September are the selected contents of a distinguished villa in Coral Gables, Florida. The Miami villa boasts a beautifully curated collection that sits quietly within a classic Mediterranean Revival setting.
4 August 2025
As you may be aware, Sworders’ London gallery at 15 Cecil Court was temporarily closed throughout much of June for refurbishment. We are delighted to say that we have now reopened for business, five days a week 11am-6pm and look forward to welcoming all our customers to a new-look space. Here Lizzie Lardner, head of Sworders London, talks about her plans for the gallery.
30 July 2025