When, as a practising lawyer more than thirty years ago, I was unexpectedly asked to take charge of Colefax & Fowler’s antiques business in Mayfair, I accepted without much hesitation. The main appeal of my new career was the opportunity it gave for one of my favourite pastimes: antiques hunting. I travelled widely in my search for new stock, both in the UK and abroad, particularly in Scandinavia and France. As well as the large trade fairs in the south of France, I made regular visits to the flea markets in Paris and the antiques shops there and in Normandy.

Other stock purchases were made in London, often on the pavement outside our showrooms in Brook Street; trade runners would unload things from their vans or car-boots for me to look at – and, as they got to know my taste over time, a fruitful trade relationship might develop. It was thus that I met Andrew Allfree. I distinctly remember his first visit, when he seemed rather put out that I didn’t want to buy everything he had in his car, but he soon became one of my most regular and reliable sources, always with interesting and stylish items to pick and choose from. I was impressed not just by his instinctive taste but also by how hard he worked, covering the Paris flea markets and shops every weekend and then driving to London, often overnight, in a car or van packed full of his finds for me - I liked to think he gave me first choice over and above his other clients. The only drawback with the arrangement from my point of view was that there was no longer any need for me to go antiquing in Paris myself…

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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