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  • The Next Chapter: Journeys of Auction Treasures | From Flaxley Abbey to Nymans: The Story of an Oliver Messel Commission
The Next Chapter: Journeys of Auction Treasures | From Flaxley Abbey to Nymans: The Story of an Oliver Messel Commission

The Next Chapter: Journeys of Auction Treasures | From Flaxley Abbey to Nymans: The Story of an Oliver Messel Commission

The Next Chapter: Journeys of Auction Treasures | From Flaxley Abbey to Nymans: The Story of an Oliver Messel Commission

In October 2022, Dreweatts had the privilege of selling the collection of Flaxley Abbey. Founded in 1151 as a Cistercian monastery, the house had a fascinating history. It remained in the ownership of the Crawley-Boevey family from 1648 until 1960, when it was purchased by Frederick and Phyllis Baden Watkins. Determined to save the property from ruin, they undertook extensive restoration work and enlisted the help of award-winning theatre and set designer Oliver Messel to reimagine both the interiors and gardens.

This was one of Messel’s most significant and complete commissions, as Flaxley Abbey was the only country house interior he ever designed. Through his growing friendship with the family, he contributed numerous furnishings and decorative items from his own ancestral homes, including Nymans, Holmsted Manor, Lancaster Gate, and his London residence on Pelham Place. Many of these items were included in our auction, offering a unique insight into the private collection of Oliver Messel and his family. Several pieces were subsequently acquired by the National Trust and have now been returned to Nymans in West Sussex, where they are once again displayed in their historic setting within the context of the Messel family history.

Nymans, West Sussex

Nymans was built in 1839 by George Harrington. The Messel family's connection with the estate began in 1890, when Ludwig Messel and his wife, Annie, purchased the 600-acre property. Reflecting Ludwig’s German heritage, they commissioned a larger, Germanic-style house with additions such as a conservatory, billiard room, and tower. Over the years, the family made further modifications, shaping the estate into a striking example of their romantic aesthetic.

Upon Ludwig’s passing in 1915, his eldest son, Leonard, inherited Nymans. Along with his wife, Maud, he embarked on another transformation, this time creating a mock-medieval mansion complete with an impressive Great Hall. Their children - Linley, Oliver, and Anne - spent much of their childhood at Nymans. Oliver later became one of Britain’s most celebrated stage designers, renowned for his influence in twentieth-century theatre. Anne married the Earl of Rosse, and their eldest son, Antony Armstrong-Jones, became the Earl of Snowdon and famously married Princess Margaret in 1960.

Inline Image - The Drawing Room at Nymans in 1932 | At the back on the far right can be seen an Italian walnut and marquetry cabinet which was given by Oliver Messel to Flaxley Abbey in 1960, as part of his commission to renovate the interiors | Image taken by Country Life and supplied by National Trust
The Drawing Room at Nymans in 1932 | At the back on the far right can be seen an Italian walnut and marquetry cabinet which was given by Oliver Messel to Flaxley Abbey in 1960, as part of his commission to renovate the interiors | Image taken by Country Life and supplied by National Trust

Tragically, a fire broke out in 1947, destroying most of the house. Post-war rationing and restrictions on building materials prevented the family from fully restoring the property. Instead, the surviving parts of the house were preserved, allowing the family to continue visiting and enjoying the magnificent gardens, which had been cultivated since Ludwig’s initial renovations. Anne, Lady Rosse, frequently returned to Nymans and made it her permanent home in 1979.

Thanks to Anne's desire to preserve the unique feel of her parents' home, today the public can visit Nymans, where the collection reflects Maud Messel’s romantic taste. Many furnishings that survived the fire - including antique oak furniture, 17th-century tapestries, family photographs, and theatrical pieces designed by Oliver - are now on display, offering a glimpse into the home’s storied past.

Inline Image - The Library at Nymans | © National Trust Images / Andreas von Einsiedel
The Library at Nymans | © National Trust Images / Andreas von Einsiedel

What's On at National Trust Nymans

From Saturday 14 June - Sunday 26 October 2025, visitors to Nymans will also be able to enjoy their latest exhibition The Art of Illusion: The Theatrical World of Oliver Messel. The exhibition celebrates the life and work of Oliver Messel, delving into his creative legacy. Influenced by his childhood at Nymans, the exhibition will showcase Messel's contributions to interior design, film, and theatre. Highlights include newly acquired items such as a portrait of his sister Anne, theatrical props from Glyndebourne performances, and a recreated opera set, offering a comprehensive view of his artistic journey.

Inline Image - Oliver Messel | Image courtesy of the Messel Family Archive
Oliver Messel | Image courtesy of the Messel Family Archive

From Flaxley Abbey to Nymans

Here are the items that have returned to Nymans from Flaxley Abbey. If you're planning a trip to Nymans, why not see if you can spot some of them?

Inline Image - An Italian walnut and marquetry cabinet, late 17th century | Formerly the Messel family collection in the Long Drawing Room at Nymans and thence by descent to Oliver Messel. Supplied by Oliver Messel to Frederick and Phyllis Watkins for Flaxley Abbey
An Italian walnut and marquetry cabinet, late 17th century | Formerly the Messel family collection in the Long Drawing Room at Nymans and thence by descent to Oliver Messel. Supplied by Oliver Messel to Frederick and Phyllis Watkins for Flaxley Abbey
Inline Image - Follower of Jacob de Wita, Trompe l'oeil: Allegory of the Arts, oil on canvas | Formerly the Messel Family Collection in the Old Serving Room at Nymans, then removed to Holmsted Manor in 1947 after the disastrous fire and thence by descent to Oliver Messel. Supplied by Oliver Messel to Frederick and Phyllis Watkins for Flaxley Abbey
Follower of Jacob de Wita, Trompe l'oeil: Allegory of the Arts, oil on canvas | Formerly the Messel Family Collection in the Old Serving Room at Nymans, then removed to Holmsted Manor in 1947 after the disastrous fire and thence by descent to Oliver Messel. Supplied by Oliver Messel to Frederick and Phyllis Watkins for Flaxley Abbey
Inline Image - A yellow leather clad and embossed casket, circa 1770 | Gifted by Oliver Messel to Phyllis Watkins for Flaxley Abbey
A yellow leather clad and embossed casket, circa 1770 | Gifted by Oliver Messel to Phyllis Watkins for Flaxley Abbey
Inline Image - A black and gilt lacquered longcase clock | Formerly the Messel family collection in the Long Drawing Room at Nymans, then removed to the Drawing Room at Holmsted Manor in 1947 after the disastrous fire and thence by descent to Oliver Messel. Supplied by Oliver Messel to Frederick and Phyllis Watkins for Flaxley Abbey
A black and gilt lacquered longcase clock | Formerly the Messel family collection in the Long Drawing Room at Nymans, then removed to the Drawing Room at Holmsted Manor in 1947 after the disastrous fire and thence by descent to Oliver Messel. Supplied by Oliver Messel to Frederick and Phyllis Watkins for Flaxley Abbey
Inline Image - A German salt glazed stoneware flask of so called 'Cardinal Bellamine' type, 17th century | Supplied by Oliver Messel
A German salt glazed stoneware flask of so called 'Cardinal Bellamine' type, 17th century | Supplied by Oliver Messel
Inline Image - Follower of Sir Anthony Van Dyck, 'Portrait of Dame Rebecca Pue', oil on canvas | Formerly the Messel family collection at Nymans, then removed to Holmstead Manor in 1947 after the disastrous fire and thence by descent to Oliver Messel
Follower of Sir Anthony Van Dyck, 'Portrait of Dame Rebecca Pue', oil on canvas | Formerly the Messel family collection at Nymans, then removed to Holmstead Manor in 1947 after the disastrous fire and thence by descent to Oliver Messel
Inline Image - North Italian School (18th century), 'Footman with a pike', oil on canvas | Formerly the Messel family collection in the Tudor Room at their 104 Lancaster Gate residence, thence by descent to Oliver Messel. It was then purchased from Oliver Messel by Frederick and Phyllis Baden Watkins for Flaxley Abbey
North Italian School (18th century), 'Footman with a pike', oil on canvas | Formerly the Messel family collection in the Tudor Room at their 104 Lancaster Gate residence, thence by descent to Oliver Messel. It was then purchased from Oliver Messel by Frederick and Phyllis Baden Watkins for Flaxley Abbey
Inline Image - Two pieces of Masonic glass, various dates 19th century | Supplied by Oliver Messel from 104 Lancaster Gate
Two pieces of Masonic glass, various dates 19th century | Supplied by Oliver Messel from 104 Lancaster Gate

Visiting Nymans

Handcross, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH17 6EB

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday
Gardens and Cafe: 10am-5pm
House: 11am-4pm (last entry at 3.30pm)

Enquiries: 01444 405 250 | nymans@nationaltrust.org.uk

For more information
nationaltrust.org.uk

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