A Day Out at Willingham Auctions

Last week I had a lovely day trip to the local auction house in Willingham. If you've never been before it is a beautiful complex of old barns, completely packed to the rafters with antiques. Even if you don't intend to bid in their upcoming auction, it is worth a visit on one of their viewing days just to admire their lots and immerse yourself in the past. 

The buildings themselves are worthy of admiration. I love the vintage signs that they've use to decorate the walls. 

After you've had a wander around the barns, there is a lovely little cafe where you can have a rest and further admire the antique silverware and old paintings on display. The cafe is the perfect place for a nice affordable treat to refuel you for more treasure hunting! 

Here are some of the gems I spotted on my visit. Oh that I had the space and money for them all! 

I am drawn to all thing typography and advertising related so this Edwardian walnut cabinet with gilded lettering caught my eye straight away. I don't really fancy a hog's hair toothbrush, or 'turkey sponge' whatever that may be, but I love the quirky touch and connection to the past the text brings. This striking piece sold for £460. 

My dad spotted this cute Victorian set of drawers by Heal and Son London. I don't often like antique furniture, as so often it is made from dark wood, but this little light walnut beauty is certainly an exception. We were so taken with it that we even considered bidding, but on seeing the estimate of £750 - £900, we thought it was perhaps a bit pricey! In the end it sold for a whopping £1,240 which I like to think confirms our good taste! 

This set of six chairs stood out as one of the few midcentury items of furniture. They're Danish by J L Moller and have seats made of paper string. I love the simplicity of their design and I think they would look so stylish in a retro modern home.  Others clearly thought so too and they sold for £480. 

Always on the look out for vintage fashion, I came across this collection of shoes, hats and clothing. This lot included a gorgeous midcentury suitcase and a fabulous John Selby dress with an amazing paint pot novelty print, so I surprised it didn't get snapped up on the day. 

I also spotted this striking lot of shirts and designer jackets. I quite like the eccentric prints on the silk shirts, and in the end these went for £100 on the hammer. 

So there are a few of my favourites on the day. What do you think of my picks? If you fancy having a nosey round their next sale, then you can find out more at Willingham Auctions.