Country Living: Rural Character at Auction


May 2026

Our Country Living Sale is now live, bringing together a warm and inviting selection of pieces shaped by rural life, traditional interiors and the enduring appeal of the English country home. The catalogue has a strong sense of texture and history, combining practical furnishings, decorative objects, folk art, sporting pieces and natural history.

With its mix of period craftsmanship, rustic charm and characterful design, the sale offers plenty for collectors, decorators and country living enthusiasts alike. Whether furnishing a farmhouse kitchen, adding depth to a cottage interior or seeking pieces with provenance and personality, this auction celebrates the objects that make a home feel layered, lived-in and full of story.

Farmhouse Furniture & Country Interiors

At the heart of the sale is a strong group of traditional furniture, led by Lot 2510, a large country made oak farmhouse dining table, estimated at £600-£700. With its two plank construction and square supports united by an undertier, it has the straightforward utility and generous scale that define the country kitchen or dining room. Comfort comes through in Lot 2603, a David Grundy Grande Knoll style drop-arm settee, estimated at £300-£500. Upholstered in patterned fabric and accompanied by scatter and bolster cushions, it offers relaxed country house appeal with a classic silhouette.

Storage and display are represented by Lot 2593, an early 19th century waxed pine farmhouse dresser and rack, estimated at £300-£500. Its plate shelves, bars and seven drawer base with central “dog kennel” recess give it both visual charm and practical purpose, making it a natural fit for traditional interiors.

Samplers & Sporting Pictures

Textiles and pictures add narrative and personal history to the sale. Lot 2543, a mid 19th century sampler by Catherine Mc Namara, aged eight and dated 1844, is estimated at £100-£200. Worked with alphabet bands above a countryside scene with cottage, stream, windmill, chicken and dog, it carries the charm and intimacy of a child’s hand. Animal subjects appear in Lot 2601, EC England’s Two Dogs and a Hedgehog, estimated at £150-£250. The oil on canvas offers a characterful country subject, combining sporting interest with a touch of humour.

A more maritime form of folk art is seen in Lot 2525, an early 19th century sailor’s woolwork depicting HBM Ship President, estimated at £300-£500. Worked in white, browns and blues, the three masted frigate is shown in full sail flying the Red Ensign. With its inscription identifying the 36 gun ship, the piece offers both decorative appeal and naval history.

Characterful Country Objects

Decorative Objects feature in the auction, including pieces that speak to everyday life, belief and memory. Lot 2503, a Mexborough Prattware Wesleyan Chapel money box, dated 1848, is estimated at £250-£350. Modelled as a chapel with putti to the front corners and inscribed to Emma Sutton, it is a wonderful example of folk pottery with personal resonance. Practical domestic craft is represented by Lot 2535, an 18th century lignum vitae captive mortar and pestle, estimated at £70-£100. Its dense wood, turned waisted form and captive construction make it both functional and sculptural, reflecting the appeal of early treen.

Ceramic collectors will note Lot 2562, a rare 19th century Staffordshire figure of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, estimated at £50-£100. Modelled with the royal pair holding hands, it brings together historical subject matter and the distinctive charm of Staffordshire pottery.

Natural History & Sporting Decoration

Country interiors have long embraced natural history, and this sale includes several evocative examples. Lot 2557, a Victorian taxidermy diorama of red squirrels, is estimated at £80-£120. With four adult mounts arranged in a naturalistic setting and housed in an ebonised glazed corner case, it retains a period display quality enhanced by its taxidermist label for A. T. Burt of Croydon. A classic sporting trophy appears in Lot 2572, a European red fox mask by Rowland Ward, estimated at £100-£200. Mounted on a circular ebonised plaque with maker’s label for R. Ward & Co. of Piccadilly, it carries the name of one of Britain’s best known taxidermists. 

Completing this group is Lot 2612, a 20th century cold painted bronze pheasant after Franz Bergman, estimated at £80-£120. Compact but full of character, it offers a decorative nod to field sports and countryside life.

Bidding Now Open

The Country Living Sale brings together a rich and varied collection for traditional interiors, collectors and country living enthusiasts. From period oak and rustic pine to decorative homewares, country ceramics, sporting pieces and natural history, the catalogue reflects the warmth, texture and authenticity that define the English country home. With pieces ranging from practical furnishings to characterful decorative objects, the sale offers plenty to discover for those looking to add depth, individuality and charm to their interiors.

The auction ends Friday 29 May 2026 from 11:00. Browse the full catalogue online and place your bids today.
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