For its December Fine Furniture, Works of Art & Decorations sale, Dreweatts 1759 renews its creative partnership with Watts 1874, bringing together two distinguished British heritage houses united by a shared passion for antiques, the decorative arts, exceptional craftsmanship and the art of living.

An auction represents a remarkable moment in the life of an object. Furniture, paintings and works of art, each carrying its own history, provenance and character, are brought together before embarking on a new journey. From historic collections to contemporary interiors, these objects transcend generations, acquiring new meaning as they find their place in the homes of tomorrow.

For this latest collaboration, Watts 1874 has been invited to create the decorative backdrop to Dreweatts’ carefully curated selection of fine furniture and works of art. Drawing upon more than 150 years of creative independence, the British decorating house introduces a distinctive approach to scenography, where colour, pattern and texture establish an atmosphere that gives each piece a sense of character, an additional sensitivity.

The scenography places antiques within richly layered interiors, evoking the elegance and grandeur of historic residences while suggesting new possibilities for contemporary living. From finely carved furniture and polished mahogany to gilded mirrors, decorative ceramics and sculptural works, each piece finds its place within a setting conceived to enhance its aesthetic qualities and historical character.

Three distinctive designs from the Watts 1874 collection have been selected for the occasion, illustrating the remarkable breadth of the House’s decorative repertoire, often inspired by its rich archive.

Isla Lipstick Blue introduces an expressive interplay of colour and ornament, bringing unexpected novelty to traditional furniture and demonstrating how historical influences can be confidently  reinterpreted for contemporary interiors.

Rialto Tiffany Teal, with its rich, jewel-like palette and sophisticated decorative character, offers a striking setting for polished woods, gilded surfaces and objets d’art. Its depth of colour creates an atmosphere of refinement, allowing the craftsmanship of each piece to take centre stage.

Belton Hondecoeter celebrates traditional decoration through its intricate pattern and warm velvet, expressive tones. Its ornamental composition provides an evocative backdrop for antique furniture, porcelain and works of art, recalling the layered interiors of great British country houses and the timeless sophistication of classical design.

Together, these three designs demonstrate how decorative textiles can transform the perception of an interior, bringing coherence to objects of different origins, styles and periods. Their association with Dreweatts’ exceptional selection reflects a shared understanding that the most outstanding interiors are often those shaped over time, where inherited treasures, collected objects and contemporary creations live together in harmony.

For Dreweatts 1759, scenography becomes an integral part of the auction experience, inviting collectors to imagine each object beyond the historic saleroom, within a new setting and a new chapter of its history. For Watts 1874, the collaboration reflects the House’s heritage and philosophy: that the finest decorative traditions remain relevant when they continue to inspire contemporary life.

Two British heritage houses, one shared vision of cultural heritage, celebrating the art of collecting and the pleasure of creating interiors where history continues to live. A must-seen for every arts and interior design lovers.

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Auction Details

Tuesday 1 & Wednesday 2 December 2026, 10.30am GMT
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

Bidding is available in person at our salerooms, online, by telephone or you can leave commission (absentee) bids.

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VIEWING:

• Viewing at Dreweatts Newbury (full sale): Donnington Priory, RG14 2JE
  • Friday 27 November: 10am-4pm
  • Saturday 28 November: 10am-3pm
  • Sunday 29 November: 10am-3pm
  • Monday 30 November: 10am-4pm
• Dreweatts 360 Virtual Auction Tour | Available from Friday 27 November

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

Discover more from Watts 1874

Website: watts1874.co.uk
Instagram: @watts1874

+44 (0) 20 7376 4486
sales@watts1874.co.uk

Watts 1874, Second Floor, North Dome, Unit 219B, Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, London SW10 0XE