Under the Hammer

Why a garden bench excelled at new auction serving the people of Cheshire

The eclectic nature of auctions is something I will always love and that came to the fore in a new sale which brought together a wonderful mix of treasures – some sourced in Cheshire.

I am proud to say the inaugural Hanson & Worrall Fine Art, Antiques and Collectors Auction took place in July, a service launched to assist the people of Cheshire, Liverpool and Merseyside. Thanks to a collaboration with Chinese and Oriental art expert Eldon Worrall and antiques valuer Tobias Worrall, nearly 200 antiques and collectibles featured in the first Hanson & Worrall sale. Top lots included an ornate Victorian Coalbrookdale iron and wood garden bench which made £2,500. As well as being a fine example

of workmanship it boasts historical significance. Coalbrookdale, a village in the Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire, is where iron ore was first smelted by Abraham Darby. In 1709, Darby rebuilt Coalbrookdale Furnace and eventually used coke as his fuel. The coal was drawn from drift mines in the sides of the valley. As it contained far fewer impurities than normal coal, the iron it produced was of a superior quality. This discovery proved to be a major factor in Britain’s Industrial Revolution. Another item to do well was a splendid 18th century, mahogany LasselPark longcase clock. It achieved £1,350. William Lassel, of Toxteth Park, Liverpool, made

quality clocks in the 18th century, a time when every wealthy family required an eye-catching timepiece. He succeeded his father in 1758 and worked until the 1790s. Some clocks are signed ‘Lassel-Park’ as an abbreviation for Toxteth Park, and these could be by father or son. Asian art is always sought after and lot 26, a 17th century Ming Dynasty Chinese gilt bronze Guanyin, was contested to £1,200. Meanwhile, lot 42, a Chinese Qianlong porcelain sprinkler vase in a rich red flambe glaze, reached £720. Clearing out a garden shed saw £850 achieved for lot 168, a large quantity of cabinet-makers’ tools including drills, planes and a saw. Other surprises emerged in the militaria sector with a £700 bid for a collection of German medals and badges. Entries are invited until October 21 for Hanson & Worrall’s November 11 sale. It will feature silver, Coalbrookdale iron and wood garden jewellery, Chinese art, porcelain and glass, works bench, sold £2,500. of art, clocks and furniture. To book a valuation appointment, or to enquire about home visits, house clearance/downsizing, call Tobias Worrall on 07384 890387 or email enquiries@hansonworrall. co.uk. Free valuations are available every Saturday, 9am-1pm, at Wallasey Unitarian Chapel, Manor Road, Liscard Village, Wallasey, CH44 1DA. Free antiques, collectibles, dolls and teddy bear valuations are also available at St John’s Knutsford Church Centre, Church Hill, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6DH on September 9 and 23. To find out more email Janet Rawnsley: jrawnsley@ hansonsauctioneers.co.uk. Twitter: HansonsUK Facebook: HansonsAuctioneersUK Lassel-Park longcase clock, Instagram: hansons_auctioneers

sold £1,350. 17th century Ming Dynasty Chinese gilt bronze Guanyin, sold £1,200.

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