Thatcher Unlocked | Inside a forgotten Storage Unit

Photographs and a bronze bust of Ronald Reagan had been kept in a central London storage unit but, as is common practice when goods are not collected, they were later sent for disposal.

The seller’s father worked in the waste industry and had been surprised to find the cache of material relating to the former Prime Minister in the early 2000s. He had taken them home as souvenirs and passed them to his son on his death five years ago.

^{British School, 1990s, a seated portrait of Margaret Thatcher - £500-£700}

Of particular note is an (unsigned) oil painting of the Iron Lady seated in blue dress on a green armchair that carries a brass plaque detailing its presentation ‘From a true friend and admirer with sincere best wishes on your birthday, 13th October 1995.' The dedication was signed by Professor Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie, a minister and future Prime Minister of Indonesia. It is expected to sell for £500 - £700 as part of Sworders’ Out of the Ordinary sale in Stansted Mountfitchet on February 7.

^{Of Margaret Thatcher interest: photograph - £400-£600}

Another lot comprises a walnut box bearing a plaque inscribed 'Presented to Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher on the occasion of Her visit to Bellingham International Airport, March 15 1991. It is offered together with a photograph presented to Margaret Thatcher by the 22nd SAS Regiment after the storming of the Iranian embassy in 1980. The framed photo of the Prime Minister flanked by three soldiers in gas masks holding assault rifles is inscribed 'To Mrs Margaret Thatcher From 22 SAS Regt.'  The two items have guide of £400 - £600

^{A large bronzed plaster bust of Ronald Reagan - £500-£700}

A large 1982 bronzed plaster bust of Ronald Reagan, indistinctly signed and dated is thought to be one presented to Margaret Thatcher by the US president as a gift during the state visit that year. It is estimated to bring £500 - £700.

For further information or details regarding viewing, please contact outoftheordinary@sworder.co.uk 

To view more lots in our upcoming 7 February Out of the Ordinary sale, click here.