WATCH: George Farrow's rare antiques collection goes to auction

Friday, 31 May 2024 07:00

Art and antiques from Anne Port are in London for the auction of one of Jersey's most significant collections.

The late George Farrow turned his impressive beach-side home in to a private museum, spending his wealth on rare silks, sculptures, tapestries and ornaments.

The working-class Londoner, who left school at 16, made his fortune in the post-war property boom, becoming one Britain's largest private landlords.

Post-retirement, he travelled the globe - spending time in San Remo and Monte Carlo - before settling in Jersey with his family and the collection he amassed over half a century.

567 lots will go under the hammer next Tuesday (4 June) and are expected to fetch in excess of a combined £1 million.

Anna Evans, Head of Sales for Rosebery's, visited the Italianate villa last September and says it was a treasure trove:

"It's floor to ceiling packed with items. There's textiles, French furniture, Asian jade - every surfac, whether it be the floor, wall or tables, was covered in beautiful works of art.

Rosebery's says the collection is on a par with pieces in London's V&A and The Met in New York, and that here has been interest from several institutions.

Anna has been telling us about one of the highlights of next week's sale.

"A fine and rare Berlin Chinoiserie Tapestry of the Emperor’s Banquet that dates from the second quarter of the 18th century. It is huge. It hung in grand entrance hall of the house at three by four metres and it's estimated at £100,000 to £200,000."

"Many of these artworks have not been seen on the market for decades, so it is very exciting for the market to see such good quality craftmanship. For me, it's just a privilege to handle these objects on another cycle of their lives as they move on to new owners and new homes to be enjoyed for generations to come."