Wednesday 16 March 2011

Rummaging on a grand scale


Those that know me know that I love a good rummage, but this is a rummage on a rather grand scale. Reminiscent of the recent sale held at our beloved Chatsworth, much of the late Dutch Queen Juliana's possessions are going under the hammer with Southerby's in Amsterdam this week.

Interested viewers from around the world have been found musing through a maze of oak tables, silver, threadbare armchairs, marble mantle clocks and giant chandeliers. Walls lined with oil and watercolor paintings with images of where once they were homed. And with much respect to the late Queen, even the paddles are orange.

I felt for one bidder, described as a collector and a royal fan, and was hoping to buy some antique porcelain he was quoted as saying

"I have the same problem as the royal household, where do I put it all?".

I know the feeling!