Sir William, scion of the McAlpine construction dynasty, was a towering figure in British railway conservation. Alongside his role as a director of the family business, he pursued his passion with such dedication that he became legendary in the preservation and operation of the country’s railway heritage: As Chairman of the Railway Heritage Trust, Sir William played a pivotal role in safeguarding some of the nation’s most treasured heritage railway assets. His most celebrated accomplishment came in 1973 with the rescue of the Flying Scotsman, which he owned and ran for twenty-three years. She remains proudly in service today; and the collection includes depictions of the iconic steam locomotive by British artists including David Shepherd and Terence Cuneo.

Built by Sir William in 1960 in the traditional Georgian style, Fawley Hill was conceived as a family home but quickly evolved into something far more imaginative. Interior highlights include a dramatic oval-domed staircase hall, a drawing room lined with reclaimed Georgian pine panelling, a vast conservatory with a model railway delivering jams and condiments at breakfast, and a playroom where a dance floor depicting Britain’s pre-Beeching rail network conceals a swimming pool below. Famed decorator Oliver Messel created the tented, fabric-lined Dining Room, as well as the Drawing Room and Green Room. His involvement provided a poignant link to Sir William’s birthplace, The Dorchester, built and owned by the McAlpine family, where Messel was commissioned to contribute to the hotel’s celebrated design. The house acquired another distinctive layer of personality after his marriage to Judy, Lady McAlpine, in 2004. Her own collection, together with her love of pattern, colour and texture, further enriched the house's interiors.

The vast collection was displayed throughout Fawley Hill and its wider estate, intended to surprise and delight visitors. Among the sale highlights are pieces that reflect both the history of the Sir Robert McAlpine business and Sir William’s personal passions. This includes the original flagpoles from Wembley Stadium's Twin Towers, positioned prominently between the house and its museum. Designed by Sir Robert McAlpine for the construction of the stadium ahead of the British Empire Exhibition, the flagpoles were saved by Sir William ahead of the demolition of the original Wembley in 2003. Such distinctive reminders of Britain’s engineering heritage sit alongside fine examples of traditional country house collecting. These include a pair of George III giltwood oval mirrors, each richly carved with palm leaves and pagodas, as well as a pair of giltwood and composition console tables, in the manner of Thomas Johnson, their stands modelled as branching leafy trees.

Joe Robinson, Head of the House Sales and Private Collections Department, commented, “The McAlpine Collection is remarkable both for its extraordinary scale and the significance of its provenance. Many of the pieces offered in the sale have been saved from destruction through Sir William’s intervention, making this an opportunity for collectors to acquire important objects that reflect Britain’s rich industrial heritage and a lifetime of passionate collecting.

“Complementing these historic artefacts is a carefully curated selection of art, furniture and decorative works from one of Britain’s most distinctive country houses. Together, the collection offers a compelling insight into Sir William and Lady McAlpine’s eclectic taste and enduring legacy, presenting a blend of industrial history, craftsmanship and British eccentricity.”

Auction Highlights

Auction Details

Wednesday 12 August, 10.30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

Auction coming soon!
Sign up to email alerts