On Wednesday 14 January, we are pleased to be offering the collection of Michael Eaton in our auction The Age of Oak: The Collection of Michael Eaton at Humphreston Hall. Assembled over the last thirty years, this collection was built through the shared enthusiasm of a father and son who collected with intuition. Each piece was chosen not for fashion or name, but for its honesty, for the depth of its oak grain, the sincerity of its form, and the life still resonating within it. Ahead of the auction we were delighted to invite antique dealer and designer, Will Green to take a look at the collection and offer his insights.
Will Green is a fourth-generation antique dealer and designer, the great-grandson of Ron Green. Carrying forward the family legacy, Will creates and curates pieces with his own distinctive eye and vision. Since launching under his own name in 2020, he has cultivated a space where antiques and design meet, blending heritage with the subtle poetry of contemporary craft. From childhood, connoisseurship was woven into Will’s daily life. “It doesn’t take me long to decide whether a piece is right,” says Will. It is “a sort of energy” he perceives in the best objects, something innate that he responds to. This split-second judgment may echo the wisdom of the three generations before him, but it is Will’s own instinct that allows him to choose pieces that are rare, timeless, and quietly commanding.
Here, Will takes the time to choose some of his favourite pieces from the auction.
No. 1
Lot 12: An Irish freestanding wrought iron double candleholder, late 18th/early 19th century | Est. £400-800 (+ fees)
"There’s a beautiful room by the builder-restorer Roger Capps in the Wye Valley with very simple lime-washed walls, exposed beams and wrought iron candle holders. It’s the perfect setting for wrought iron - simple, provincial beauty."
No. 2
Lot 15: A George IV carved bone apple scoop, dated 1835 | Est. £200-300 (+ fees)
"I have an incredibly fruitful apple tree in the garden which I’m not making the most of. These would absolutely solve that problem."
No. 3
Lot 97: A Queen Anne narrow rim wriggle work pewter plate, circa 1700 | Est. £800-1,200 (+ fees)
"A very pretty piece, with just the right amount of quiet decoration. Perfect for a dresser display or wall hanging, where it would sit happily among oak and earthenware, catching the light and adding that unmistakable sense of early domestic life."
No. 4
Lot 192: An English oak, walnut and marquetry tester bedstead, early 17th century | Est. £4,000-6,000 (+ fees)
"In the deepest winter, I can’t imagine a better place to be. Solid, sheltering and deeply reassuring, this is furniture designed for comfort. The rich combination of oak and walnut, lifted by the marquetry, gives it warmth and presence. A bedstead that speaks quietly of long nights, heavy curtains, and a well-kept house holding out against the cold."
No. 5
Lot 201: A group of five mostly Bristol delft polychrome chargers, early 18th century | Est. £400-600 (+ fees)
"I’m not yet sure whether I prefer Dutch Delft or English delft. They’re often so similar it’s almost impossible to tell the difference, so it probably doesn’t matter. These chargers are beautiful. Hang them on walls, fill dresser racks, or do as I do and use them - not enough people do. Just be careful with the washing up."
Wednesday 14 January 2026, 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
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