Veere Grenney is widely considered one of the most important interior designers of his generation, with a global portfolio of work built up over the last thirty years. Born on the South Island of New Zealand, Grenney moved to England in the 1970’s and trained under Mary Fox Linton. He became a director at Sibyl Colefax and John Fowler before launching his own company, Veere Grenney Associates in 1996. During this time, Grenney fell in love with the Suffolk retreat, The Temple, which has been his home for the last four decades. On Wednesday 3 September, we are thrilled to be offering his personal collection in the auction Veere Grenney at The Temple. Ahead of the auction, Veere picks out five of his favourite pieces from the collection.
No. 1
Lot 50: A George III green and cream painted open armchair, late 18th century, in the manner of Gillows | Est. £600-1,000 (+ fees)
"This epitomises everything I love in an elegant chair; 18th Century in design with its original decoration and of course upholstered in my favourite chintz."
No. 2
Lot 125: A terracotta blue glazed two handled urn in the Kashan style, probably from the Bombay School of Art, circa 1880 | Est. £400-600
"Possibly one of my most treasured possessions at the Temple, this 19th Century vase was owned by Cecil Beaton and documented in both Pelham Place and Reddish House. I purchased it at his sale in 1980."
No. 3
Lot 124: A pair of polished brass and perspex side tables, 1960s | Est. £1,000-2,000 (+ fees)
"These are original 1960’s tables, purchased in Paris with a Perspex base and brass top. We make these tables today, but this is the original pair."
No. 4
Lot 110: λ Kathleen Guthrie (British 1905-1981), Sketch for September, Oil on canvas | Est. £800-1,200 (+ fees)
"I bought this painting in the 1980’s from a wonderful gallery called England & Co in Westbourne Grove. I love the colours and the form, and it’s been a constant in my life in every home I’ve had including the Temple."
No. 5
Lot 127: A white painted stool of 18th century design, late 20th century | Est. £250-400 (+ fees)
"If you look through my portfolio of work, this stool has travelled with me in many different incarnations. It has been covered in yellow silk, leopard print cut velvet, taupe glazed linen etc! In all its incarnations it is perfect at the end of the bed or in the middle of a room."
Browse the auction
Sign up to email alerts
Auction:
Wednesday 3 September 2025 | 2pm BST
Dreweatts, Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE, UK
Bidding is available in person at our salerooms, online, by telephone or you can leave commission (absentee) bids.
Viewing:
Dreweatts London: 16-17 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5LU, UK
Dreweatts Remote Viewing Service | Available from Friday 29 August
Further information:
General enquiries: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | housesales@dreweatts.com
Press enquiries: press@dreweatts.com
Sign up for auction alerts and our monthly newsletter to receive expert analysis and insights from our specialists and keep up-to-date on forthcoming auctions, valuation days and previews.