Andrew Allfree, like Prospero, lives in a world entirely his own, that could, at the batting of an eyelid, disappear into the lush foliage of his secluded retreat.

His eclectic tastes blend Indian and European baroque styles, from the rustic and shabby genteel to the gilded stained-glass mirrors hanging in an unending perspective of rooms, some painted a bright yellow, others a pure black. Some interiors are almost bare were it not for a gigantic dining table and the sumptuous drapings of ancient silk fabrics caressing an old brick wall.

As you glide through his interiors, his unerring eye caresses alchemical recipients, glass containers of mercurial substances, adjoining oversized armchairs singled out by his magical wand.

Neapolitan paintings adorn the walls, offsetting with caravagesque and somber beauty his numerous collections of china and porcelain.

At every turn, as we proceed into his world, the seer gives his visitors plunging views onto centuries-old lime and oak trees in the distance, as if to dazzle his guests with tableaux vivants of how reality can so quickly transmute into art.

From the moment I stepped into Andrew’s fantasy train, I was carried away by the infinite sensations of styles and cultures he conjures up for my personal delight.

Thank you Andrew, for giving me so much pleasure with your incredible talent!

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Auction Details

Tuesday 13 October, 10.30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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Viewing at Dreweatts London (highlights only): 16-17 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5LU
Wednesday 30 September: 10am-4pm
Thursday 1 October: 10am-4pm
Friday 2 October: 10am-4pm

Viewing at Dreweatts Newbury (full sale): Donnington Priory, RG14 2JE
Saturday 10 October: 10am-3pm
Sunday 11 October: 10am-3pm
Monday 12 October: 10am-4pm
Tuesday 13 October: 9am-1pm

Further information
General enquiries: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | design@dreweatts.com
Press enquiries: press@dreweatts.com