Taking place on Tuesday 2 & Wednesday 3 December, our Fine Furniture, Sculpture, Carpets, Ceramics and Works of Art auction brings together a remarkable collection of craftsmanship and creativity. As we prepared the catalogue for this sale, we were delighted to welcome Sophie Conran - designer, cook, gardener, writer, and entrepreneur - to join us for our photoshoot. Working alongside our specialists, Sophie helped to curate and style scenes, exploring the beauty and character of the collection.
Sophie Conran belongs to one of Britain’s most creative families, a design dynasty that has shaped the way the world lives, eats, and designs. Sophie has always charted her own path, bringing the Conran spirit of design for life into a more intimate, soulful realm. Through her work, she has built a world that feels both timeless and personal, a reminder that true beauty lies not in perfection, but in care. Her brand, SophieConran.com, embodies this philosophy. It’s a home for the things that make life gentler and more joyful: handmade-to-order sofas, tactile ceramics, thoughtful homeware, and small luxuries designed to last. Loved by her audience for her generosity of spirit and unmistakable authenticity, Sophie Conran continues to shape a uniquely human vision of modern living, one that connects design with feeling, and beauty with the art of truly being at home.
Ahead of our December auction, Sophie has taken the time to choose a few of her favourite pieces from the sale - selections that reflect her appreciation for craftsmanship, comfort, and enduring design.
No. 1
Lot 15: An Ushak Carpet | Est, £2,000-3,000 (+ fees)
"This large Ushak carpet has wonderfully rich colours that would bring warmth and depth to any room. It’s a piece with real presence, perfect for anchoring a space."
No. 2
Lot 22: An English crewel work bed hanging, circa 1680-1730 | Est. £4,000-6,000 (+ fees)
"A beautiful 17th century crewelwork panel, probably once used as a bed hanging. The needlework is exquisite, and I’d love to see it laid over a round table or across a bed."
No. 3
Lot 23: A large hexagonal Imari vase, Edo Period, early 18th century | Est. £5,000-7,000 (+ fees)
"This particularly handsome Imari vase brings grandeur and generosity with its bold proportions. It would look stunning on top of a bookcase or beside a fireplace."
No. 4
Lot 89: A large pair of Chinese famille rose vases, late 19th century | Est. £1,500-2,500 (+ fees)
"An exquisite pair of famille rose lamps, full of lightness and delicacy. The flutter of butterflies and trailing plants adds a graceful, lively touch."
No. 5
Lot 132: A large English carpet woven, in the Savonnerie manner | Est. £1,000-1,500 (+ fees)
"The colours in this woven carpet are one of my favourite combinations, fresh, uplifting, and soft. It would bring a fairytale feeling to a bedroom or sitting room."
No. 6
Lot 185: A brass and brown leather button upholstered club fender, 20th century | Est. £1,000-1,500 (+ fees)
"Good looking Club Fenders are surprisingly hard to find, and this one has a lovely lightness. Its elegant proportions and soft patina make it ideal for perching when the rest of the seating fills up."
No. 7
Lot 214: A pair of French gilt bronze mounted celadon ceramic lamp bases, mid 19th century | Est. £600-800 (+ fees)
"Another charming pair of lamps, these celadon bases are quietly uplifting. The soft gold detailing really sets off the colour and adds a touch of refinement."
No. 8
Lot 243: Y A rare George III specimen timber parquetry box, almost certainly by Gillows, circa 1810 | Est. £4,000-6,000 (+ fees)
"An extraordinary object, this parquetry box is not only a masterclass in craftsmanship, but also a miniature catalogue of timbers. It contains 72 different wood species within its beautifully made shell."
No. 9
Lot 328: A marble female torso, possibly Roman, 2nd century | Est. £3,000-5,000 (+ fees)
"Somehow this ancient marble torso feels strikingly modern. The slightly imperfect carving and unusual proportions give her a timeless beauty."
No. 10
Lot 648: A large wrought iron mounted carved limestone tempietto or rotunda | Est. £8,000-12,000 (+ fees)
"This would make a wonderful centrepiece for a garden, a secret spot to pause, frame a view, or punctuate a path. It invites a quiet moment of stillness and reflection."
Tuesday 2 & Wednesday 3 December, 10.30am GMT
Dreweatts, 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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Dreweatts, Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE
Dreweatts 360 Virtual Auction Tour | Available from Friday 28 November
Further Information:
General enquiries: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | furniture@dreweatts.com
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